Vita Pilates is a new ‘Dynamic’ Pilates studio in Knightsbridge, London, headed by Matt Field, one of London's most experienced instructors. The new studio, which is styled by interior designer Fiona Barratt, holds dynamic pilates classes using state-of-the-art pilates machines called the ‘Reformer’. Imported from California, these resistance exercise machines allow users to work precisely to develop core strength, flexibility and alignment.
New private members' club and restaurant, Dorsia, will open its doors later this September. Located in a Georgian townhouse in South Kensington, this new development will hold three venues under one roof: a private club and bar together with a stand alone restaurant that will be open to both members and the public. Named after the fictional restaurant in the film American Psycho, Dorsia was founded by Nick Andreen and Fraser Carruthers - both formerly of members club Boujis.
Sustainable fashion label Goodone has introduced its new Summer Basics Collection this week on www.goodone.co.uk. The new range includes dresses, tops, trousers and vests in jersey and lightweight knit materials with pale hues of pink, blue, teal, orange and yellow. Goodone designs are all made from reclaimed fabrics, with key styles for Summer include the Slouch Jumper Dress, priced at £79.00; Trapeze Top/Dress, priced at £40.00; and the Playsuit, featured here priced at £69.00. Goodone is also available from ASOS Marketplace.
Nectar, the loyalty programme, has announced the launch of a new, interactive fashion site on nectar.com from next week (23 May). This initiative gives collectors the ability to gain points across a wider range of fashion retailers including Debenhams, House of Fraser, AllSaints and Gap into one virtual high street. These four retailers will also be offering double Nectar points on all purchases for the first six weeks.
The Ethical Fashion Forum has launched the Ethical Fashion SOURCE to promote sustainability in the fashion sector. The website aims to make it easier for fashion businesses to work sustainably, consumers and buyers to buy from sustainable businesses, and link fair trade and ethical suppliers to market. The SOURCE comprises of three components:
Clarks Originals has collaborated with Thistle & Broom, the Scottish brand known for its fair trade Fair Isle knits to produce a limited edition Desert Boot. Taking Clarks Originals Desert Boot, the style features a hand-knit shoe cuff from Thistle & Broom of yarns traditionally used in Aran jumpers.
Parenting website gurgle.com has just launched its first print magazine ‘Gurgle’, in partnership with publishing and events company, Media 10. The first edition of the new bi-monthly magazine was published this month (5 May) and will be sold exclusively through Mothercare stores, Early Learning Centres and via subscription on the gurgle.com website.
Luxury stroller brand Bugaboo has announced a partnership with Italian fashion house Missoni to create two tailored designs for the Cameleon and Bee stroller designs. The Bugaboo + Missoni collection features a zigzag pattern decorating the canopy of the Bugaboo Bee (£579.00, pictured here), while the Bugaboo Cameleon (£880.00) canopy is covered in a bright block print. To complete the look, the collection also includes a knitted blanket.
Chloé has today announced the appointment of Clare Waight Keller as the new Creative Director effective from 1 June. Clare was previously Creative Director at Pringle and prior to this role was a Senior Women's Wear Designer at Gucci, under Tom Ford, following time with both Ralph Lauren's Purple Label men's line and Calvin Klein. Clare studied at Ravensbourne College of Art, where she graduated with a BA in fashion, before completing her MA in Fashion Knitwear at The Royal College of Art.
Links of London is launching its first ever sports watch, Chicane. The new edition takes inspiration from vintage motor racing and the interior of sports cars. Large overlapping subsidiary dials echo the style of modern dashboards and watches feature a chronograph function. Customers can choose from a stainless steel bracelet or black leather straps that incorporate classic racing green and vibrant red detailing. The four styles on offer are priced between £395.00 and £450.00 and will be available from Links of London stores at the end of next week (13 May).
New fashion site QRATED.com, is set to launch on 15 June aiming to become a daily destination for trend setters and fashion fans. This new site showcases exclusive fashion and accessory finds sourced from around the world. The site is the first of its kind and will showcase a ‘fashion find’ each day which will be available to purchase for 24 hours or until it is sold out.
Lanvin has announced the creation of a new childrenswear line: a collection of 25 pieces for young girls aged between four and ten, in keeping with the history of the label. Children's clothing was Lanvin's first department in 1908, before mothers who bought the outfits requested similar designs for themselves, leading to the launch of departments for Young Ladies and Women.
New Breed is a new London-based talent agency launching today (5 May). It will support creative talents in photography, hairdressing, make up and fashion styling and be backed up with a Zine publication and an exhibition club night. The artists who are associated to New Breed will be showcased and booked for shows, shoots and more through the website: www.wearebreeding.com.
Launched onto the UK footwear market for SS11, Sun-San Sandals has been available in America since the 1940’s. As a way to cope with leather shortages in World War II, Walter Hoy started making his sandals using the scrap leather left over from making men’s shoes and before long, families were asking if Walter could make sandals for their children.
The Louis Vuitton Young Arts Project, a partnership between the fashion label and five of London's art institutions: Hayward Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, South London Gallery, Tate Britain and Whitechapel Gallery, is set to launch its new website next month (June).
Esquire’s new Editor, Alex Bilmes, has unveiled his first issue of the men’s style magazine, complete with a team of new writers, sections, a new size and a new, curvier logo. Published by the National Magazine Company, the re-launched Esquire features Kelly Brook on its new cover and will be officially launched at a party in London on 5 May, co-hosted by Bilmes and Lily Allen.
Elizabeth Galton, previous creative director of Links of London, is launching Elizabeth Galton Studio on 5 May, a new online luxury destination for contemporary jewellery and accessories. The new website (www.elizabethgaltonstudio.com) will feature 35 creative designers for men and women from around the world that have been handpicked by Elizabeth, with a focus on emerging talent. Elizabeth Galton Studio will offer a wide selection of designs as well as Gift, Bridal and Bespoke pieces. These include silver pieces, ranging from £100.00 to £900.00, fine jewellery from £900.00 to £35,000.00, luxury fashion jewellery brands from £50.00 to £400.00 and soft accessories from £40.00 to £150.00.
The Independent's sister publication i is due to launch ‘i Saturday’ on 7 May. The new edition is set to retail at 30p and will provide a weekend briefing across the UK and Ireland, in a concise and non-bulky format. The UK wide launch followed a TV advertising campaign featuring Independent columnist Dom Joly and Jemima Khan. Launched in October 2010, i is specifically targeted at readers and lapsed readers of quality newspapers, and those who want a comprehensive digest of the news in printed form. i has a circulation of 172,250, and a combined circulation of 355,000 copies a day with its sister paper, The Independent.
Neely Reyes (pictured above), founder of modelling agency Sapphires Model Management, has announced her appointment as UK Brand Ambassador for Make Up Store.