Chess London Launch Event

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Last night I attended the launch event for new menswear brand Chess London. The event was at the private member's club Home House which was rather swanky, and I was glad I'd dressed up a bit! Speaking to the head designer and marketing director gave me a feel for the brand's vision and their target market. According to the guys, the Chess London man is hardworking, ambitious and loves attention to detail and quality when choosing his clothes. The name Chess itself came from the idea of heritage, timelessness and patience which the brand place great emphasis on. Their aim is to create garments with lower prices without compromising on quality - and this extends from fabrications, to execution and craft.

The collection itself is made up of tees, shirts, jumpers, cardigans, trousers, tailored shorts, blazers and a rather nice brown leather jacket. The vibe here is classic British smart casual, with a modern twist. Fabrics used include soft cashmeres, tweeds and cottons and the overall feel is that of great quality. Ali the head designer informed me that they intend to make some pieces, especially the blazers, in small volumes to create more of a bespoke feel to their collections and to provide the customer with a less mass-produced garment. Some will even be one-offs. The guys at Chess expect their clothing to be bought as investment pieces and don't intend to follow trends, instead releasing lines regularly and not following the traditional fashion seasons. This will be especially evident for some of their blazers, which are my personal favourite pieces from the collection. The tweed number pictured below is particularly nice.

All in all, the guys at Chess have a firm grasp on their aesthetic and their target ,market and they have found a niche that I'm sure will allow them to become very successful. Take a look at their website and online store HERE.

 

 

I wore my velvet blazer from Jack Wills (not really a loyal customer of theirs but loved this jacket!), sheer-stripe tee from Topman Design, jeans from AquabyAqua, desert boots from All Saints, vintage silk scarf from Beyond Retro and necklace made by me.

Roberto Piqueras Autumn/Winter '12

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Barcelona-born, London-based designer Roberto Piqueras recently staged his Autumn/Winter '12 fashion show on an East London street instead of the traditional show-space. Taking a look at his collection the London inspiration was clear, from the brightly coloured hair on the models, to the kaleidoscope prints and matching sneakers. Directional streetwear with a twist - including her majesty herself with diamonds for eyes. Enough said.

ROBERTO PIQUERAS.
Image Source: FUCKINGYOUNG

FashionBeans.com

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So for the last month or so I have been contributing news stories at FASHIONBEANS and last week I received the very exciting news that they want me to officially join their news team. For those of you who are unaware of the site, it is the go-to place for the latest in men's fashion, grooming and style. I will be writing for the news team which includes new lookbooks, collections, collaborations, store openings etc. For any story requests please follow and send me a message on TWITTER and I'll get back to you. You can also follow all my stories by visiting my author's page at FASHIONBEANS.

Spring/Summer Trend: Exotic Traveller

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While this trend may not strictly be new, and definitely comes and goes every few years, there has been a massive demand for tribal and afro-prints this season. Leopard and animal prints, moroccan ikat prints, khaki safari apparel and wooden or resin beading on accessories were all over the Spring / Summer '12 runways. From Roberto Cavalli to Missioni, Michael Kors and Isabel Marant, there was no shortage of rich, exotic textures, fabrics and prints.

 

To embrace this trend, be prepared to mix and match fabrics and prints - the eclectic, well-travelled look is key. Or simply throw on a khaki coat or shirt over a printed top and simple trouser for a more pared-down version. Here are some of my top picks from online retailers.

Alexander Mcqueen dress at HARVEY NICHOLS.
Day Birger et Mikkelsen necklace at MY-WARDROBE.
Burberry Prorsum heels at NET-A-PORTER.
Burberry Prorsum bag at  NET-A-PORTER.

Isabel Marant top at NET-A-PORTER.
Vanessa Bruno trousers at MY-WARDROBE.
Marni bracelet at NET-A-PORTER.
See by Chloe heels at MY-WARDROBE.

Raquel Allegra top at NET-A-PORTER.
Giambattista Valli shorts at NET-A-PORTER.
Issoliani necklace at MY-WARDROBE.
Missoni wedges at NET-A-PORTER.

Runway Image Source: STYLE.COM