French frou-frou thrills. Roger Vivier: Spring/Summer 2019 Presentation During Paris Fashion Week

Feminine, chic, elegant.  So thrillingly French. What’s not to like even for the woman who has everything; there’s always room for more footwear and frou-frou fun, if they are as desirable as  Gherardo Felloni’s new Spring/Summer 2019 Collection for the luxury Parisian footwear and accessories brand  Roger Vivier.

The new collection presented during Paris Fashion Week a few days ago is a “cinematic homage to Parisian Distinction”. 

Under the banner of Hotel Vivier, it is indeed an ode to women, carrying the essence of the brand in all their diversity and beauty, that started with a journey of exploration into the archives of the Maison, to inspire a new creative vocabulary for the Vivier woman.

Note the sparkle of the bejewelled buckles, the strategically placed feather, the ornate bows and the folds of the rose, from slippers to the kitten heel, the gamut of jewel and candy colours, and the matching or mix-and-match handbags.

According to Gherardo Felloni the creative director of the Parisian brand, women are like flowers in a garden - romantic but sometimes abandoned – where many varieties have taken their rightful place, in freedom.

But equally enticing for the modern woman are the sneakers and handy cute knapsacks that receive the same feminine treatment.  That very imagination and rich variety of women are at the heart of a living and breathing world for the presentation of the collection.

“Hotel Vivier is a place like no other, where women reveal all the richness, complexity, beauty and intensity of their personalities. Just as I went on a journey of discovery over the years to capture their many facets, my guests will make their own discoveries at every turn and inside every room, meeting the characters who inspire me every day.”  – Gherardo Felloni

Stepping through the doors of the ‘Hotel Vivier’ is like walking into a sequence of scenes from a film. At the intersection of fiction and reality, the experience feels both familiar and unexpected. It is a fascinating place where visitors are invited to discover the world of Roger Vivier.

According to their press release, Gherardo Felloni creative director of Roger Vivier believes that the essence of Roger Vivier can be distilled into three fundamental pillars: silhouette, colour and exclusivity.

Each one is articulated in new ways. The distinctive silhouette is enhanced by a low kitten heel creating a modern look with couture flair. When it comes to colour, Felloni never shies away from it. The rich colour palette carried through the collection is not just a bold style statement, it is a powerful vehicle to project the joie-de-vivre and positivity that have always been part of Roger Vivier’s DNA.

Exclusivity, the final essential ingredient articulated by the designer in his collection is a nod to Monsieur Vivier’s creations, unique works of art commissioned for special occasions that showcased exceptional craftsmanship, unbridled creativity, elaborate shoes embellished with feathers, crystals, knotted threads.

At the heart of the collection, the Très Vivier creations continue a long tradition of unapologetic elegance, displaying the same head-turning qualities as the legendary pumps that took the fashion world by storm in the 1960s.

The large square buckle in polished metal pays tribute to the aesthetics of the original pump, while a myriad of materials and textures brings Vivier sophistication, and the new Très Vivier bag with an oversized buckle is designed to be perfectly paired with the pumps.

The Très Vivier Strass Pump

All photos by Francois Durand/Getty Images For Roger Vivier - taken at the Roger Vivier Presentation Spring/Summer 2019 during Paris Fashion Week on September 27, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photos 

Eco-fashion house Ministry of Tomorrow announces the launch of its new Vegan Bag collection.

According to L.A.-based eco brand Ministry of Tomorrow, more than one billion animals are killed for their leather each year for the global industry, thus their own new Vegan Bag collection is the way forward as no animals are slaughtered for their hides.

The MOT collection includes a portfolio, briefcase, cross-body and a backpack
as well as pouches and a body bump bag.
To view the Ministry of Tomorrow's campaign film, click HERE.

The new Vegan Bag collection is produced at the Ministry of Tomorrow’s fair wage, eco-factory in Nairobi, Kenya, just outside of Kibera, Kenya’s largest slum. The company recruited highly skilled tailors who reside in Kibera and offered them fare wage jobs to work.

The design is clean and chic with a Maasai-warrior inspired interior.

“The significance of the design in this collection makes a statement that says we are fighting back, from the inside, and we do this by providing consciences people a high quality alternative to leather” said Julian Prolman founder and president of the Ministry of Tomorrow.

The handcrafted bags are made with Italian and Japanese, animal-free, finer-than-leather fabrics and the lining is made from certified organic and fair trade canvas sourced from India and low impact dyes accepted for use with organic textiles. The entire supply chain from seed to production considers the well-being of people, wildlife, and the planet, said the founder.

MOTs Nairobi factory produces luxury bags that are on par with Milan’s notables but with a new twist, said Prolman, adding that it took them several years to perfect the design, production and eco-material sourcing.

“We design and produce for a new audience of conscious consumers. Social, environmental and animal rights activism is at the core of our brand. Our bags are produced with respect for the earth and care for animals and the people who are involved at each step of the production” said Julian Prolman, founder and president of the Ministry of Tomorrow.

“We are redefining luxury through a new expression of imaginative design that is elegant and at the same time distinctive, functional and produced in a responsible manner’ said Prolman.

The Ministry of Tomorrow is developing a community of conscientious young spirited people who enjoy the experience of a luxury lifestyle but also want to feel good about supporting responsibly produced products that deliver social and environmental benefits, said the founder.

 Ministry of Tomorrow Says No More Fashion “To Die For”
Eco-fashion house, Ministry of Tomorrow vows to 
end the animal slaughter one bag at a time.

“We want to see an end to the “fashion to die for” scenario that has sadly become a societal norm, where animals are killed for our pleasure, in a barbaric perception of luxury that literally costs an arm and a leg. We believe it is morally corrupt to produce garments and accessories at the expense of animals and nature. As an alternative, we promote “fashion to live for” and use this stand as a vehicle for activism that contributes to a movement to end the needless suffering of animals” said Prolman.

 The new collection can be purchased directly from the company's online shop.

Collaboration between two UK brands for satchels and bikes launched this month.

Two of UK's best known lifestyle brands for leather bags and bicycles have launched this month their first collaboration.

The bags from Cambridge Satchel Company are available online and in stores in Cambridge and Covent Garden in London.  The bike from Brompton is sold exclusively in its dedicated Brompton Junction stores, and in selected American stores.  

The collaboration between Cambridge Satchel Company and Brompton Bikes is viewed as a natural fit as a bicycle is already part of the Cambridge Satchel Company’s own logo, plus both companies are manufactured in the UK.

Brompton's in-house design team have worked closely with The Cambridge Satchel Company to develop the leather satchels which integrate with the Brompton’s front carrier system, fitting neatly onto the front of all Brompton bikes.

The Satchels, able to hold up to 2.5 kg of your must-have items, come in three colours: a Lagoon Blue, Turkish Green and Oxblood as shown in above and left pictures, taken at Cambridge's Covent Garden shop in London.   Brompton has also created a special edition bike in Gloss Oxblood and Ivory which showcases the Oxblood satchel.   The sophisticated colour combination should appeal to both men and ladies.

The Satchels handmade in Cambridge's own factory in Leicester, UK, are retailing at £195, and the foldable bike handmade in Brompton's factory in west London costs £1,400 and comes with the bag.

The bags are available online and in Cambridge's stores in Cambridge and Covent Garden in London.  The Brompton bike is sold exclusively in its dedicated Brompton Junction stores, and in selected American stores.

All photos © Lucia Carpio 2017.

New bags from Poppy Treffry of Cornwall celebrate British-made

Cornish company Poppy Treffry are celebrating a ‘coming of age’ collection of tote and clutch bags which they have added to their popular range of homewares and accessories, all made in house in their  studio in Penzance.

The three new bag styles include the Sketchbook Tote, inspired by Poppy’s sketchbooks, with three internal compartments, leather detailing and embroidered designs.

Sketchbook clutch with an embroidered vintage racer bicycle design 

Beautiful clutch bags feature best-selling motifs and several brand new designs, and are made from sturdy denim with a leather wrist strap.

Clutch bag embroidered with a Dachshund 

The shoulder tote bag with Oyster-catchers, featuring 

a phone pocket and three compartments.

The Oil Cloth Totes are made from Poppy’s own designed oil cloth fabric in popular Darling Dachshund, Best in Show and Oyster Catcher patterns.

Two fabric designs also join the collection of canvas bags - Muddy Paws, featuring Poppy’s incredibly popular Labrador design, and the striking Cornish Chough.

“Being the product we first started out making, our bags are very special to us and it’s been such a joy to focus on them this year,” says Poppy. “We have sourced some beautiful new base fabrics and leather to work with as well as finally having our own fabric made into oil cloth. The only difficult thing is deciding which one to take home with me!”

Poppy Treffry's  range of gifts and home wares are stocked by boutiques and galleries across the country, including Fortnum and Masons, and with a growing number of international stockists across Europe, Japan and the US. Their core range is created in Cornwall using freehand machine embroidery but, since the introduction of printed tea towels, the range has grown to include ceramics, printed fabrics and stationery, all instantly recognisable in Poppy’s whimsical style.

The new bags are available now via the Poppy Treffry website, via mail order and from selected stockists in the UK and internationally too.

Shoe and bag designers cite Portuguese tiles as inspiration

Istanbul.  Photo by Lucia Carpio.

Food, lifestyle and interiors are often beautifully entwined with fashion.  Often the link may not be initially obvious, but the association is realised very quickly. A recent promotional image of Cornwall-based celebrity chef Rick Stein is a case in point.  
It stirred not only fond memories but also culinary interest on my part and a longing sense of travel to hot exotic climes.  In a publicity photo, Stein (currently promoting his new travel-cum-cuisine book From Venice to Istanbul (BBC Books) that accompanies his new cookery TV programme of the same name)  is wearing a washed denim shirt and jeans against a backdrop of exotic wall tiles that one often associates with Mediterranean, South European and North African cultures.  

The association forms an alluring yet relaxed picture of well pulled-together styling. 
If you want to follow Rick Stein's gastronomic journey From Venice to Istanbul through countries of the former Byzantium empire, you can watch it on BBC2 this month on Fridays at 9:30 pm.  You can catch the programmes you've missed on-demand on iPlayer.

Portuguese ceeramic tiles.

In my visits, though limited, to a number of European, Mediterranean and North African destinations over the years, I have often admired the profusion of colour and creative designs on ceramic wall, pavement and floor tiles that demonstrate the unique patterns of each culture which in turn go on to influence modern designers.  

Attending the Pure London trade fair held a couple of weeks' ago at Kensington Olympia, I met two Portuguese designers who both talked passionately about inspiration from Portuguese tiles that formed the basis of their footwear and bag designs.

For one, Marita Moreno showcased her new Sculpture line of shoes and bags handcrafted in white linen and contrasting leather embossed with mosaic designs that can be defined as those of typical Portuguese pavement tiling, known as Calçada Portuguesa.  

According to lisbonlux.com, the Portuguese capital Lisbon's ubiquitous cobblestone designs were first introduced in the 18th century, during the rebuilding of the city after the 1755 earthquake. "The apparent inspiration was Roman mosaics, and it was an ingenious way to reuse the earthquake rubble. Lisbon was therefore covered in small limestone and basalt pieces, creating black and white patterns without the use of cement."

Marita Moreno, featured in the new Premium Footwear section at Pure London, designer of her own eponymous  brand uses Portuguese craft production component for her contemporary designs.

Marita Moreno's contemporary shoe designs are infused with Portuguese craftsmanship. 

Moreno's unique and distinctive ranges are produced in small quantities and she takes pride in using mainly natural materials in her designs, from wool and leather to cotton, silk and cork, all enhanced by Portuguese craftsmanship.
Another new Portuguese shoe brand is 7hills which features motifs taken from Portuguese ceramic tiles. The designs also feature influences from dancing shoes such as little ballerina bows and satin ribbons as shoe laces.

The brand's first capsule collection is called “Shall we dance?”, in leather of grey, pink and burgundy.  A couple of ballerina slippers even feature tulle netting at the back like a ballerina's tutu skirt.
All pictures by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

Castellano, the bag and accessories brand showcases unique Colombian craftsmanship

To the untrained eye, these bags and bracelets from the London brand Castellano (seen last week at the Scoop trade fair in London) are beautiful in their exotic colours and unique craftsmanship.  But to the indigenous women of Colombia – the Wayuu and the Arhuaca people, they represent a cultural heritage characterised by patterns and colours unique to their tribes.  Each item represents a unique time-consuming weaving technique embedded with ancient tradition and symbolism.

"Each product is one of a kind, handwoven with love, energy and life from an ethnic culture which is proud to maintain its traditions," according to founder Daniella Castellano.

Each of the bags are handwoven with a single strand of thread which makes them very tight and strong. While the vibrant patterns are unique to their tribe, the shoulder strap of each bag is in fact adopted from a unique woven belt called si’ira, a tradition of the Wayuu tribe of Colombia and Venezuela which are used to adorn loincloths worn by their men.

Many of the bags and accessories are embroidered with Swarovski crystals too to add a touch of luxury, while he limited-edition backpacks are handcrafted and trimmed with soft leather.

 

These luxury bracelets woven by the skilled Wayuu artisans are embroidered with Swarovski crystals.

London-based designer Daniela Castellanos has founded her own brand of fashion bags and accessories (made mainly in sheep wool) based on these unique craftsmanship to help support the Wayuu and the Arhuaca people while promoting their unique craftsmanship and preserving their cultural heritage and skills.

Upon completing her degree in Journalism and Communication in December 2013, Daniella embarked on a spiritual journey throughout her native Colombia which led her to some of the most remote areas in the desert and north coast of her country.

Fascinated by the life and unique weaving artisans she had discovered, and after spending weeks learning from and sharing with these communities, she decided to launch her own fashion brand to share her passion with the world.  Daniella said part of the proceeds from the sales will go to support the manufacturers and empower local women.  Each product has its own story and its personal manufacturer’s name is known.

There is much to learn about Castellano project and details of the tribes can be obtained from her website.

All photos by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

Meanwhile, if you want to know more about the Si'ira belt (used as shoulder straps for the Castellano bags), Netherland-based author Mirja Wark has taken a detailed look at the history and geography of these indigenous people that form a backdrop to the central role played by textile crafts in their daily life.

This book tells the story of the si’ira and the women of the Wayuu from the dry and windy Guajira peninsula of Colombia and Venezuela who weave them to adorn loincloths worn by their men and sons.  \on the simplest of upright looms, they manipulate their warps and wefts to produce the bold designs.

The book also gives an extensive collection of woven line and pattern designs but whilst new designs are being added to this living craft, much information is often lost and interestingly the Wayuu weaver is found to work from example or memory.

The book ends with a practical guide on how to weave your own si’ira, with all its twined and pleated binding cords and colourful pompons.

Mirja Wark is an enthusiastic weaver, weaving teacher and organizer of textile tours and has written numerous articles and short notes about weaving and related subjects.

Philip Turner of Smart Turnout Brings British Heritage Alive

Twice a year the Pitti Uomo fair in Florence is the go-to place for menswear brands and buyers to meet and network, and to keep up-to-date on all the latest developments in the fashion field.

Apart from a place to work in, Florence and its attractive environ are a favourite destination for enjoying the good life too.

For example Lucca, which lies in a green valley just north west of Florence and known for its silk trade is a living jewel of medieval architecture that provides much inspiration, according to Philip Turner, founder of British menswear brand – Smart Turnout – a brand that “brings British heritage alive, right down to the details of the stripes and precision of the colour.”

Here Philip Turner, who describes his own style as “classic but with a twist by wearing the different watches and accessories,” talks to My Fashion Connect about inspirational destinations and why he started Smart Turnout, which has its roots in the traditions of the British military and old school style.

Smart Turnout's Military Watch Made in
Switzerland, with
Royal Artillery watch strap.

“ I can think of worse places to have to attend a show!  A little further down the road between Florence and Pisa is the city of Lucca famed for its walled city and narrow streets.   If you go up the Clock Tower you have an amazing view of the City and surrounding area.  Although fun to visit during the summer months it is equally good in the Autumn and (to admire) the amazing colours,“ says Philip, whose autumn/winter 2014 collection was inspired by the golden age of Aviation and 1930s elegance.

Smart Turnout's Watch Set and interchangeable
watch straps.

“What inspired me to create the brand was the time I spent in the British Army,”  Philip continues. “The brand’s origins lie in the regimental and sporting tradition of the British Army.  In British horse racing, each rider wears a unique set of racing colours,” he continued. 

These rules were no different for Philip who,  when racing at Sandown as an officer had to find a jumper in the colours of his regiment - the Scots Guards.  Each piece tells the unique story of the highly-regarded institutions it is connected to by its colours, be it schools, universities or regiments.

Here, Philip lists for us what he brings on a holiday.

“Never a good start to the holiday when you miss the flight or train so the trusted Swiss made Town watch with the Royal Observer Corps watchstrap.  “

Smart Turnout's leather trimmed cotton canvas backpack.  Made in England.    

“For cabin luggage I always take the Princess of Wales’s back pack, based on the design of the old school satchel, made even more special as it is produced in the town I was born!  

“A few good books which are easy to pick up and put down! The Kill List by Frederick Forsyth and Operation Mayhem by Steve Heaney. 

Smart Turnout's Commando Royal Artillery Wallet

“Not far away will be the Royal Navy leather wallet, which will no doubt come back lighter than when it went out

“The old pair of Oakleys had to be consigned to the history books, so a new pair of sunglasses will be acquired at one of the Duty free shops.

Smart Turnout's Cotton canvas briefcase with genuine leather.  Made in England.

“Having so many great accessories means there is so much to select from the Smart Turnout collection but you can’t go far wrong with some of the belts.  The Household Division webbing belt is one of my favourites and was one of the first belts that we ever made. The fabric Yale belt for the more casual look is also another firm favourite as well as being made in Italy!

Smart Turnout's Ipad sleeve with
Argyll Highlanders Stripes.

Smart Turnout's hold-all bag.

“It is always good to check out other brands so some good polo shirts and trousers from MMX are a must for the evening when it cools down.”

Click HERE for more menswear inspiration from the SMARTTURNOUT website.

Photos of Florence by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.

Paul's Boutique launches AW14 collection in Westfield Pop-up.

With prints and patterns continuing to be key trends, these fashionable bags should bring a smile on your face.  They are from the new AW14 collection of Paul’s Boutique, featuring pops of colour to brighten up the autumnal palette.

Molly, above, in a bowler bag shape sports a dynamic geometric pattern.  Note also the contrast piping to give the shape added definition.

Mellisa here is in a modern structured design featuring a multi-colour abstract print.

These and many other trendy styles in a range of shapes are featured in Paul's Boutique’s newly launched pop-up space at the Westfield (Europe’s largest independent shopping centre) in White City, London.

During the first three weeks, as part of the “Paul Makes You Happy” campaign, founder Paul Slade will spontaneously select customers in Westfield to receive surprise gifts in the name of making them happy.

Always designing with the London girl in mind, Paul said, “The line is inspired by strength and femininity; presenting more simplistic, structured designs suitable for day to night wear.” Remaining true to its roots with bold and daring designs, Paul is continually inspired by the diversity of styles, music, cultural influences and attitudes that typify the exiting vibrancy of the capital.

After 12 years of designing, Paul Slade has successfully expanded Paul’s Boutique from a stall in Portobello Market to 500 stores across 25 countries worldwide, across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South Africa. Today the brand has gained a substantial following of celebrities including singer Rita Ora, Pippa Middleton (sister of the Duchess) and actress Jaime Winston.

Bags "Made of Carpet " set my imagination flying.

On seeing this bag from the British brand “Made of Carpet” immediately conjures up images from one of my favourite childhood films – Mary Poppins.  The  recent release of the Disney movie - Saving Mr Banks - set me on a nostalgic journey filled with fantasized thoughts of flying.  

Designer Irina Bragin's selection of bags are designed for modern day travelers, she said, those who appreciate Victorian English Heritage that had inspired her.  Bragin describes her target audience as bohemian students and those who have an appreciation for classic luxury designs.

Bragin’s British handbag company began in September of 2010, and as the name suggests, “Made of Carpet” handbags are” made from pieces of carpet to bring a fresh new look to the classic styles of weekend bags and purses. “ 

The Made of Carpet bags come in a variety of sizes and colours, including the Weekend Bag, the Gladstone models, sport/unisex models as shown above, and also purses.