Fashion label FLY53 to open new concessions

Fashion brand FLY53 is about to add Wolverhampton, Bristol, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Middlesborough, Nottingham and Metro Centre Gateshead to its existing House of Fraser concessions doubling the amount of doors to fourteen. This is in addition to having two Selfridges areas, the brands first outlet store in Livingston with another planned pre Christmas this year, and an increased independent retailer base. This independent clothing brand will be also launching the AW11 season at Bread & Butter exhibition next month. The philosophy of the brand is to create striking and intelligent clothing that is well designed, unique and inspirational.
www.fly53.com

Underwear label HOM introduce collaboration with Alexis Mabille

Men's underwear brand HOM, presents HOM by ALEXIS MABILLE - a new capsule collection of underwear designed by Alexis Mabille exclusively for men. This new line combines HOM's 43 years of experience in the industry with the vision of the French designer.

Alexis Mabille says: "This line presents a focus around male undergarments and a new way of living. It combines different cuts and colours with wearable, comfortable shapes but it is also fresh and new with a focus on sensuality. It has been a genuine pleasure to work with the HOM teams in developing an underwear collection that is close to my heart, both as a man and a creator."

The first collection will be unveiled tomorrow (23 June) during the Alexis Mabille Male Prêt à Porter show - SS12.

www.hom.com

Original Penguin introduce new denim collection

Original Penguin is expanding its product range by launching a four piece denim collection for AW11. Based on the Original Penguin AW theme ‘Speak Easy’, the four denim designs are named; The Rockabilly, The Heritage Fit, The Rogue and The Pioneer. The Heritage is a classic, slim fit that sits just below the waist and is available in six different finishes from stonewash to selvedge. Rogue is a skinny leg jean with stretch for comfort. It is offered in deep indigo and lead grey washes as well as corduroy. A more relaxed leg and straight fit is available in the Rockabilly style, while the Pioneer style sits low at the hip with a ‘drop crotch’ for a modern carrot fit. The new collection will be available from September priced between £65.00 and £85.00. Stockist details will be available from the website.

www.originalpenguin.eu

Lotus Originals to debut boutique at Goodwood

The Lotus Originals taster boutique is set to debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed this year from 1-3 July. Previously only available online, the recently launched luxury lifestyle label will provide a shopping space alongside an exhibition of Lotus cars from the past, present and future; with a showcase of the new Lotus Esprit supercar due out in 2013. Among the Lotus Originals clothing collection are Loro Piana 100% cashmere knits, leather jackets inspired by 1970's racing suits and quilted coats with leather trimmings. Clothing is offered in Lotus green (the dark hue of the original Lotus racing cars), navy, tan, black, red and light grey.

Inspired by the Lotus brand principles of authenticity, innovation and design excellence, the ‘Lotus Originals’ collection is a range of luxury apparel, leather goods and performance outerwear that reflects the spirit of Lotus.

www.lotusoriginals.com
www.goodwood.co.uk

Robbie Williams to launch new clothing line in September

Farrell, the new British menswear label from Robbie Williams, is launching into stores this September. The collection is named after the British singer’s Grandfather Jack Farrell. It will be sold exclusively through House of Fraser department stores, houseoffraser.co.uk and online department store very.co.uk. Future collections will be available across Europe. Retail prices will range from £35.00 to £350.00.

Celebrity tattooist Lou Molloy launches fashion collection

Lou Molloy, tattooist to celebrities including David Beckham and star of TV programme London Ink, has launched a menswear capsule collection based on his tattoos. The range is available at loumolloy.com and features line drawings and detailed shading on a palette of neutrals, khakis and white.

John Smedley has collaborated on knitwear pieces including cardigans, polos and jumpers. Also available will be a limited edition guardian angel T-shirt in a signed box that can be hung like a canvas.

www.loumolloy.com

Tobey Maguire fronts Prada menswear AW11 campaign

Tobey Maguire has been named as the face of Prada menswear’s AW11 advertising campaign; photographed in New York City by David Sims. The campaign portraits show Maguire in a boxy three-button jacket over a mock turtleneck, while sunglasses paired with a buttoned shirt give a nod to the style of Hollywood fashion icons past. The American, famous for his interpretation of Spiderman, is set to star in Baz Luhrmann’s remake of F.Scott Fitzgerald’s 1920's classic, The Great Gatsby, next year.

www.prada.com

DAKS announces new casualwear line for SS12

DAKS has announced the launch of DAKS SPORT, a new casualwear line for SS12. This will complement the established ready-to-wear menswear, womenswear and accessory ranges and is inspired by the heritage of the brand, which has been involved with Sport since the 1950’s. The new collection is inspired in particular by golf, sailing, tennis and polo. The colours of the traditional DAKS House Check have been reworked for DAKS SPORT into grey, carmine red and white, while include tricot, jersey and cotton piqué.

The collection will be launched in its entirety for the first time at Pitti Uomo in Florence in June and at a launch to buyers and press in Milan on 20 June.

www.daks.com

ANDAM announces finalists for its 2011 Fashion Award

Design by Jeremy Laing

The finalists for the prestigious ANDAM Fashion Awards 2011 have now been announced after reviewing 45 applications received this year. The judging panel consited of 22 influential people including ANDAM’s private partners including Pierre Bergé, representing the Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent Foundation and fashion professionals:
Hilary Alexander, director of the fashion department, The Daily Telegraph
Emmanuelle Alt, editor in chief, Vogue Paris
Nathalie Dufour, founder and general director, ANDAM
Pamela Golbin, head curator, Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Humberto Leon, co-owner, Opening Ceremony
Sarah Lerfel, purchasing and creative director, colette
Virginie Mouzat, fashion journalist, Le Figaro
Nicole Phelps, executive editor, Style.com
Jean-Jacques Picart, consultant in fashion and luxury products
Katell Pouliquen, head of fashion department, L’Express Styles
Clarisse Reille, managing director, DEFI
Jean-Pierre Simon, director in charge of plastic arts, Ministry of Culture
Ralph Toledano, consultant
Valérie Toranian, editorial director, Elle

The six finalists have been selected:

Adam Kimmel
After graduating from NYU with a degree in architecture in 2001, Adam Kimmel (born 1979) moved to Italy to learn tailoring and pattern making. He launched his first collection in 2005. This year the Carhartt label has commissioned Kimmel to create its new capsule collection. www.adamkimmel.com.

Anthony Vaccarello
After graduating with honors from the La Cambre School, Anthony Vaccarello (born 1980) won the Grand Prix of the Hyères Fashion Festival in 2006. After working alongside Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi, he created his first collection in January 2009 and has been showing on the Paris women’s ready-to-wear calendar since then. anthonyvaccarello.blogspot.com.

Commuun
Having worked respectively with Anne-Valérie Hash and Balenciaga, Iku Furudate (born 1976) and Kaito Hori (1977) joined forces in 2005 to found the Commuun label. Their first runway show was very favorably received and their philosophy based on respect, nature and quality won them the ANDAM Award in 2007. www.commuun.com.

Jeremy Laing
A graduate of Ryerson University in Toronto, Jeremy Laing (born 1979) honed
his skills alongside Alexander McQueen for five seasons before founding his own label in 2005. Based in Canada, he shows his collections during Fashion Week in New York. www.jeremylaing.com.

Palmer//Harding
Matthew Harding (born 1984) studied at Central Saint Martins in London, where he met Levi Palmer (born 1981) in 2007. Their collaborative collection, presented during London’s Fashion Week in February 2010, was widely praised in the international press and subsequently stocked by the UK retailer Topshop. After graduation the two designers founded the Palmer//Harding label in January 2011.

Yiqing Yin
A Franco-Australian designer of Chinese origin, Yiqing Yin (born 1985) graduated from the ENSAD decorative arts school in Paris in September 2009. A few months later she won the City of Paris Grand Prix de la Création and was asked to participate in the Hyères Festival. She showed her first collection in September 2010 and is currently in the process of setting up operations in France. www.yiqingyin.com.

The winner will not only receive ANDAM fellowship but also an in-kind donation from Swarovski of crystals up to the value of €10,000 to be used in the creation of the winner’s SS12 collection. They will also receive mentorship for two consecutive seasons by Ralph Toledano, who will advise the winner in his or her creative, corporate and commercial development and finally, from Galeries Lafayette, the use of the department store’s “La Suite” space for the installation of a showroom.

www.andam.fr

New accessories brand Rose and Rose to launch

Rose and Rose is the new accessories brand from Robert Rose, set to launch late July/ early August. With influences including vintage interiors, geometric patterns and oriental carpets, the collection includes on-trend polka dots in a range of primary colours, Navaho weaving and fringing, to skull motifs and evening embellishment. Styles are available for both men and women and each scarf is made from 100% silk, wool or cashmere. This AW11 the collection will be stocked at Anthropologie and exclusive boutiques priced between £28.00 and £100.00.

www.rose-and-rose.com

Topman to unveil new Personal Shopping Suite designed by Lee Broom

Interior and product designer Lee Broom has curated and designed a new Personal Shopping Suite for Topman’s Oxford Street flagship store, which opens on 24 May. The space features signature pieces from his own collection, such as The One Light Only collection that dresses the ceiling, and the Cathode Console, which acts as the neon lined concierge desk. The clothes are presented in non-conventional ways through the use of printed wall panels, which can be adapted for seasonal changes. Materials such as wenge, oak and walnut feature throughout the colour palette which features teals and browns, with gold highlights adding an exclusive air.

Lee Broom commented: “Coming from a fashion background, it’s been exciting to work with Topman to create their personal shopping suite. The suite has a grand, yet youthful feel to it, as it was important to ensure that men felt comfortable within the space. This space was designed to engage, inspire and give men a personal chill-out zone as they step through their shopping choices.”

The welcoming space features a XBox gaming area as well as three bespoke consultation areas complete with a bar and changing exhibition space which will launch with artworks from Scream and Whisper Galleries, owned by Tyrone Wood. The service which will be based on the new second floor of the Oxford Circus Flagship and will aim to simplify shopping and provide choice to the client through an appointment menu which includes a 30 minute Express service, a one hour Edit for key style updates and a two hour wardrobe over-haul with the Experience session.

Aertex collaborates with John Simons on new SS12 collection

Aertex menswear is forming a collaboration with designer John Simons on a new collection for SS12 which is set to launch in August. The new range will include shirts, trousers as well as a collection of shower-proof outerwear in 1960's styles.

The new Aertex and John Simons collaboration will be available from a selection of independent stores including Oi Polloi, with more information available nearer to the launch date. Prices will range from £60.00 to £150.00.

Tailor Richard James collaborates with SpongeBob SquarePants

Contemporary Saville Row tailor Richard James has announced a collaboration with American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. The collection will see bold blocks of colour on shirts (£185.00), ties (£95.00), while a bold yellow suit is made to order. The Richard James SpongeBob collection is available from mid-May exclusively at the Richard James flagship, 29 Savile Row, London W1.

Gucci celebrates 90th anniversary with the 1921 Collection

Gucci introduces the 1921 Collection, an exclusive range of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, conceived to celebrate the House’s 90th anniversary. The collection will carry a new trademark, G. GUCCI Firenze 1921, with a stamp appearing inside the accessories, on belt buckles and printed on metal travel tags. Collection highlights include special editions of the New Bamboo, New Jackie (pictured here) and Horsebit Chain handbags, two vintage-inspired men’s travel suitcases and horse-riding boots. The new design covers printed shirts and also lines the double-breasted trench and the cashmere suede blazer. The 1921 Collection will debut in select Gucci boutiques worldwide and on gucci.com from June.

First retrospective of Jean Paul Gaultier to launch

From 17 June - 2 October 2011, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) will present The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, the first retrospective devoted to the French couturier. Organised to mark the 35th anniversary of the designer’s own label it will feature approximately 120 ensembles created between 1976 and 2010, mainly from the designer’s couture collections, but also from his prêt‐à‐porter line, accessories and cult fragrances. Sketches, stage costumes, excerpts from films, runway shows, concerts, videos, dance performances, interviews and television programmes will all provide a look at the world of Gaultier. Photography will also be shown featuring previously unreleased prints from renowned contemporary photographers and artists. The exhibition will be organised along five different sections - Paris, Fusions, Multi‐Gender, Eurotrash/X‐Rated and Metropolis.

A monograph comprising 424 pages and 500 illustrations will also launch in November priced at £65.00 and will include interviews with Gaultier’s mentors, muses and colleagues, as well as the artists he has worked with. This will also include an essay written by Suzy Menkes, journalist at The New York Times and fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune, and two interviews with the designer himself.

Esquire and my-wardrobe.com launch second annual search for UK's Best Dressed Real Man

Esquire magazine has joined forces with designer online retailer my-wardrobe.com to launch the second annual search for this country’s Best Dressed Real Man 2011. Following the runaway success of last year’s competition which crowned Ross Hancock, a 34-year-old tailor from east London, Esquire’s Best Dressed Real Man 2010, the search commences in Esquire’s May issue, on sale today (4 April).

A six-month, multi-platform campaign, Best Dressed Real Man 2011 encompasses editorial, promotions, a bespoke ‘Best Dressed’ channel on www.esquire.co.uk and regional style events, as well as dedicated Twitter and Facebook activity. Any man in the country can nominate himself for the title of Britain’s Best Dressed Real Man and readers can nominate friends or colleagues. Both Esquire and my-wardrobe.com will also style-scout throughout the UK, with fashion teams visiting cities to find others they feel should be included in the search. A panel of Esquire and my-wardrobe.com tastemakers, from designers to fashion critics to style icons, will judge the competition with the shortlist appearing in the September issue and the winner appearing on the cover of Esquire’s October issue. The search will also culminate in an exclusive VIP event in September. Esquire will also publish a 16 page bound-in supplement in the October issue with style advice for real men.

British sportswear brand Admiral under new ownership

British sportswear brand Admiral has recently acquired new British owners, a move that will see the rejuvenation of the brand across Europe. The new owners are Admiral Sportswear Limited, a special purpose vehicle established to acquire the rights to the Admiral brand for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The move sees Managing Director Jonathan Hamburger heading up the new Admiral Sportswear Limited business and the appointment of former Umbro, JD Fashion and West Bromwich Albion executive Tim Gardiner as Sales & Marketing Director.

The plans include the introduction of three product collections for Admiral; Football Performace for the pro and amateur markets, Admiral 'Gold' a brand new fashion concept and Lifestyle, including retro-inspired 'back catalogue' Admiral products, drawing on designs from the 70’s and 80’s.

Originally established in Leicester as Cook & Hurst, the Admiral business was incorporated in 1914, when the company designed and manufactured underwear for the Armed Forces. Through its life, the Admiral brand has been worn by many teams including Manchester United, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur among others. Admiral was also the first sports brand logo to appear on the England national football team kit.

New designers launching as part of Topshop Emerge

For SS11, Topshop Emerge will stock a new selection of young, streetwear-influenced designers from across the world, including Tom Scott, Meshit and Been by D’Heygere. Topshop Emerge is an in-store boutique that showcases a collective of new fashion talent and this year will see two designers stocked at a time for the duration of a month.

Milan-based label Marios and German brand Starstyling have just been introduced to stores, while TV and Meshit (pictured here) will be available from 11 April. For more information click here.

Originally called Topshop Edit, Topshop Emerge has been running since SS08. It originated as a pop-up boutique and is now a permanent feature in the Oxford Circus store and online. Topshop is the only UK stockist of these fashion-forward labels, offering something unique to the customer while giving emerging international designers a platform for their work.

MoreTVicar launches T-shirt in aid of Japan Tsunami Appeal

Online t-shirt retailer MoreTVicar has launched a charity T-shirt for the Japan Tsunami Appeal. All profits from the sale of each T-shirt will go directly to the British Red Cross, to be used towards helping the Japanese people recover from this disaster. Priced £15.99, the T-shirt features a distorted image of the Japanese flag and is available in sizes S-XXL in both male and female fits. The new design is available from www.moretvicar.com.

Charles Tyrwhitt to open new flagship London store next month

Charles Tyrwhitt, shirtmaker and menswear specialist, has announced it will open a new flagship store at 98-100 Jermyn Street, London SW1 this April. The new store will be set over two floors and is located a few doors from the original shop. It will showcase the full Charles Tyrwhitt menswear collection, shirts which can be customised, tailoring, shoes and business casual clothing.

The ground floor will be dedicated to tailored shirts available in a range of sizes, weaves and fits. In the 'Suit Room' customers can try ready-to-wear designs and be properly measured by tailoring experts. The lower ground floor houses 'The Gentleman's Den' where customers can browse the casual clothes in a relaxed atmosphere, complete with sofas and menswear literature.