Words by MPDClick’s Trend Journal Editor.

The childrenswear collection from British retailer Marks and Spencer offered up some great trend-led looks reflecting the contemporary vision that directed the womenswear collection for autumn/winter 13/14.

For boys, relaxed formal looks were styled well showing looks such as tweed jackets paired with denim shirts as well as floral shirts teamed with beagle printed cardigans and velvet bow ties. We also love the Eastern European inspired printed shirt – a key look proving MPDClick’s Reflective forecast for the season.

For girls, we loved the range of occasion dresses, in particular the mustard floral fit and flare dress with netted underskirt, styled with quirky sequin hi-tops and the purple and blue spot print dress with neon pink waist belt. The Peter Pan collared embroidered denim shirt and ochre yellow cardigan was another key look for us on show.

MPDClick subscribers can click here to view the report with the full image gallery. If you don’t subscribe to MPDClick, take a FREE trial here.

Stay tuned for the menswear review from the new Marks and Spencer autumn/winter 13/14 collection.

-H.T

Words by MPDClick’s Retail Editor. 

UK-based footwear label Kurt Geiger turns to textured fabrics and metal hardware for their latest a/w 13/14 collection for menswear and womenswear. Contemporary contrasting materials and prints redefine classic shapes for men’s footwear. Constructed in Italy using traditional techniques, the London collection uses embossed leather and brushed nubuck panels with the KG Kurt Geiger range taking inspiration from the 60’s and 90’s for its design.

A relaxed aesthetic is presented for formal footwear in the Kurt Geiger London collection, with mixed media including mesh panels for trainers and boots, herringbone tweed and suede for lace-ups. Subtlety is key to retain a smart outlook utilising tonal colours for panels across the toe cap, around laces and backs of heels. Brass and silver metal hardware is seen across penny loafers, with metallic panels integrated into lace-ups offering modern design for typically formal styles.

Chunky soles add a fresh contemporary update across the KG Kurt Geiger range for the a/w 13/14 season. Stark white rubber soles play against dark autumnal colours, whilst pop colours are used as a contrast for desert boots with a unique camouflage print sole for their Boston boot. Taking inspiration from the flamboyant style of the peacock revolution of the 1960′s, Chelsea boots and monkey boots are refreshed with a 1990′s vibe.

Bringing a fresh urban direction to classic shapes, Kurt Geiger men’s collections for a/w 13/14 continues to present styles with great attention to detail within the design alongside quality manufacture and materials.

MPDClick subscribers can click here to view the report with the full image gallery. If you don’t subscribe to MPDClick, take a FREE trial here.

- R.J.

 Hannah Killoh | Alex Dodgson

Words by our friends at Free Range.

Free Range 2013 will take over The Old Truman Brewery for its annual seven week showcase of emerging British-based art and design talent, bringing a vast network of young graduates to London’s Brick Lane. Firmly established as the leading identifier and supporter of tomorrow’s best creatives, 2013 is set to be the exhibition’s biggest year yet.

Over a hundred courses and more than 3000 students will take part in a series of free exhibitions across five disciplines: fashion & textiles; design; photography & media; contemporary & fine art; interior design & architecture. In order to house the ever-increasing student showcase this year, the exhibition has expanded to take up all three floors of the Old Truman Brewery’s expansive F Block.

Under the guidance of creative director and founder Tamsin O’Hanlon, Free Range continues to develop year on year and has become a crucial part of London’s cultural calendar. With more than 100,000 visitors attending the free exhibitions in 2012, the show attracts a wealth of participating UK universities and art colleges. In addition to providing exhibiting talent with a prominent platform for their work, Free Range collaborates with leading industry figures, opinion formers and institutes to facilitate introductions with new creative talent, providing a support network after the student’s graduate.

New for 2013, Free Range is creating a dedicated networking space & cafe in the Loading Bay on Dray Walk. This will provide an informal meeting space for students, industry and media, with coffee, wi-fi and seating available. Free Range will continue its ongoing portfolio website as a platform for displaying the work of participating and former exhibitors (www.freerange.org.uk).

The exhibitions are free and open to the public but all catwalk shows are invitation only. The Free Range catwalk shows commence on 29th May and the public exhibition commences on 31st May. Click here for more information.

Free Range Art & Design Show 2013 Schedule:

Fashion Shows (Invite Only): 29 May – 7 June
Exhibitions (Admission Free): 31 May – 15 July – see website for opening
times
The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane London, E1 6QL
info@free-range.org.uk / 0207 770 6001
www.free-range.org.uk

Words by MPDClick’s Runway Editor.

Our Runway Editor is back from holiday and feeling refreshed and  ready to share her current inspirations for this weeks click edit.

Images clockwise from top left:

1&2. Last week I was whisked off on a beautiful holiday to Scotland. After seven hours of ‘are we nearly there yet?’ we reached the beautiful destination of Hume where we were presented with a beautiful open fire, rustic cottage. Being new to Scotland, searching for the perfect tartan, colour combinations, the softest cashmere and the most stunning local art was a must. I had the pleasure of visiting the untouched, picturesque fishing village of St Abbs, where local cullen skink soup was tasted and one of a kind art was purchased at the Number Four…. art gallery. One of my favourite pieces had to be by artist Fiona Kingdon.

3. May/June is one of my favourite times on the fashion calender. Resort collections are gradually being released and Christian Dior has certainly quenched my spring/summer taste buds!

4. A very jealous editor was left by her garden designer partner this morning for the Chelsea Flower Show. This stunning event fills me with hope for some hot summer weather and all those beautiful flowers that I will be running through like Kate Bush in her ‘Wuthering Heights’ music video.

5. Another reason this is my favourite time of year is London Collection:Mens. The third installment of this truly British event is my favourite mens week – cool contemporary styles are expected with one of the most relaxed atmospheres on the fashion calender.

6. ASOS is one of my go-to online brands for its huge mix of labels and on-the-pulse designs. Their latest collection ‘ASOS Africa’ spring/summer 13 ”offers up a heady mix of zingy chartreuse green and monochrome designs .The best bit? ASOS Africa is produced in collaboration with SOKO Kenya, allowing communities to establish sustainable business through local craftsmanship” . Each garment is beautifully packed in a handmade, tribal print pouch that can be used as a handy carry accessory for the summer.

7. No one wants to come home from their holidays but the fantastic Tebay services on M6 makes the journey home much easier. The independent, family run farm business proves that motorway services should be a pleasurable experience. The stunning setting of the Lake District creates the perfect backdrop but its the yummy home cooked food of scotch broth soup, curry and sausage and mash that draws in the crowds. This May, the business celebrates its 40 years on the M6 and is offering a variety of lovely deals and baked goodies. Whilst at the station you can stock up in the gift shop filled with contemporary cooking books such as my favourite ‘Leon’ books, be sure to visit the farm shop and grab some local meat products and their delicious home made scotch eggs!

8. Swear have to be one of my favourite contemporary shoe brands and their new spring/summer offerings are just what I’m looking for! Try these Silver ‘Chiara 5′ sandals with on trend white soles.

MPDClick subscribers can click here for the latest Resort collections.  If you don’t subscribe, take a FREE trial here.

Image source: ourscottishborders.com; Fiona Kingdon; MPDClick; RHS; British Fashion Council; ASOS; Tebay; Swear London

-K.B

Words by MPDClick’s partners at ARTS THREAD.

ARTS THREAD’s second Q&A with designers from this year’s New Designers One Year On exhibition is with designer-maker Katharina Eisenkoeck. Read on to find out about the inspiration behind her concrete and leather lighting which she will be displaying at the show:

ARTS THREAD: Tell us a little about yourself

Katharina Eisenkoeck: I am designer-maker focusing on lighting and product design. Before setting up my own studio I started off my creative education in architecture at the Technical University in Vienna. A year later I went on to complete my BA in Arts Design and Environment at Central Saint Martins. Shortly after graduation I become an interior and exhibition designer at Lomography where, for two years, I travelled and worked in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles and Tokyo where I project managed my designs for Lomography gallery stores.

Despite the excitement of this terrific opportunity at Lomo I was becoming attracted to hand-made products In 2011 I decided to set up my own studio while completing my MA Designer Maker degree at Camberwell College of Arts where I graduated in 2012.

AT: What will you be showing at One Year On?

KE: At One Year On I will be showing some of my current leather and concrete lighting and a new outdoor light as an extension of this popular range.

Katharina Eisenkoeck, ‘Nomadic Light’

AT: Can you tell us the inspiration behind the collection?

KE: The collection of concrete and leather lights are a series of portable light solutions that are focused on flexible needs and a contemporary paced lifestyle while using traditional materials in unexpected combinations with ancient techniques.

Prior to the early 20th century leather was a common material for the traveller, employed in a variety of objects ranging from flasks to suitcases and armoury.

I’m keen to demonstrate leather’s forgotten potential; in this range of lighting I’m highlighting leather’s capability as structural reinforcement. This can be achieved by ancient methods of boiling and shaping leather, a technique called Cuir Bouilli. Leather is the forerunner of modern day injection-moulded plastics, that most contemporary luggage is made from. Hence my interest in using leather as a principle material for a 21st century range of nomadic lighting that houses LED wireless power transfer technology.

AT: What are you looking forward to most at OYO?

KE: New connections. Preparing for a show is a great and necessary motivator to develop and prune new work. A show as important as OYO compels you to be aware of where you stand in this competitive market.

AT: What do you hope to gain by exhibiting at OYO?

KE: A husband, ha ha!

For more Q&As with this year’s One Year On exhibitors, follow the New Designers thread.

Words by MPDClick’s Runway Editor.

Spring/summer 14, London Collections: Men is fast approaching and this season British high Street brand John Lewis will be joining the prestigious event.

This will be the first time the brand has been shown during any of the capital’s fashion weeks, a presentation will be showcased on June 15 featuring the latest from the John Lewis & Co Line. The British chain has also been named the official supplier for the Fashion Week , Peter Ruis explains ” John Lewis has been a member of the British Fashion Council board for three years. We are really pleased to take our involvement in this fantastic event to the next level, I am delighted that John Lewis will be supporting London Collections: Men this season. It’s great to see London regaining its crown as the home of great fashion”.

John Lewis & Co is one of the companies privately owned  labels – S/S 14 will see a mix of traditional pieces found in the brands archives juxtaposed with a modern twist. From what we have already seen from the brands latest campaign featuring Johnny Harrington we are certainly excited to see what offerings come from the week.

Image source: Business Reporter

-K.B

Words by MPDClick’s Trade Fair Editor. 

Celebrating the styles and lifestyles of the iconic biking world, the summer editions from Pitti Immagine take on the theme of ‘Motorcycle’, an aesthetic direction which notably reflects one of MPDClick’s spring/summer 14 forecast trends.

Pitti Immagine once again opens its Tuscan doors to modern male fashion fair, Pitti Uomo, long-standing childrenswear show Pitti Bimbo and the female equivalent Pitti W for spring/summer 14, as well as leading textiles event Pitti Filati for autumn/winter 14/15. This season focuses on the theme of ‘Motorcycles’, inspired by design in motion and the freedom of two-wheels.

The shows are set to devote their aesthetic expression to a ‘Bike, Style and Fun’ concept, a trend reflected in MPDClick’s sping/summer 14 forecast. Influenced by the 1900’s, the age of the automobile, an era of new technological discoveries and a growing fascination in sports, a vintage aesthetic will sit alongside contemporary offerings for a diverse display in homage to the biking culture. The shows main feature comes from the ‘Vroom Pitti Vroom’, an installation which connects extraordinary fashion and motorcycling.

Pitti Uomo, 18th – 21st June 2013, will highlight the beginning of leisurewear from 1900’s with multiple collaborations, including: Adidas, Tom Dixon and “LINcredibile Raccolto” who have an exhibition-installation devoted to linen. The Golden Age of masculinity is indicated in the collection with fine linen suits, sports leisurewear, denim and leather fabrics finished in a vintage Parisian palette. Pitti W will also be showcasing 18th – 21st June in its new location Fortezza da Basso.

Pitti Bimbo, 27th – 29th June 2013, will surprise with an urban couture, sports generation influence mixed with creative, classic-elegance. The show also presents big and small bikes, geared up for the young riders to evoke interest in this unique pass time.

Pitti Filati, 3rd – 5th July 2013, one of the leading textiles events for those in search of knit innovations, is also set to take influence from this theme.

MPDClick will be covering the upcoming Pitti Uomo, Pitti Bimbo and Pitti Filati shows. Follow us on facebook, twitter and linkedin for real time updates.

Interested in subscribing? Click here for a FREE trial.

Image sources: Pitti Immagine 

Words by MPDClick’s Retail Editor.

UK-based footwear label Kurt Geiger turns to textured fabrics and metal hardware for their latest a/w 13/14 collection. Animal prints, metallic and high gloss finishes remain key throughout the women’s footwear and accessories collections, presenting polished elegance for the London range against the grunge aesthetic of the KG Kurt Geiger and Carvela collections.

The razor sharp cigarette heel stiletto remains the signature feature for the Kurt Geiger London ‘B’ series in classic patent and moc croc finishes for the Britton range, printed pony skin for Bakerloo boot style and kitten heel versions for the Buckingham range. Court shoes take on a sharp point toe for the season with highlight versions including the embossed animal print leathers in bold mustard yellow, red and silver. Accessories utilise similar textures for the London collection in dark tonal colours, with the Dash single strap backpack and Dino zip pouches showcasing clean minimal designs allowing the pony skin texture to stand out.

A fierce aesthetic is recognised for next season’s KG Kurt Geiger collection, where curved brass metal hardware is seen across backs of heels and ankle straps, as well as panels of studs across toes and heels. Also celebrating the LBB, the ‘little black boot’, Beatle boots and motorbike styles with multiple buckle and lace-up details feature in different variations across the collection. Monochrome hi-tops and contrasting metallic and embossed moc-croc panels across trainers add a grudge outlook to complete the range.

Inspired by British countryside heritage, the Carvela collection takes styles suitable for hunting and fishing and re-interprets them for the city. In keeping with MPDClick’s a/w 13/14 ‘Wanderlust’ trend, country explorer details include camouflage print boots, heeled brogues, equestrian boot straps, quilted suede and multiple fastenings on trainers.

The whole womenswear collection shows some fantastic statement pieces for shoes, boots and accessories which utilise beautiful textures and striking prints to add a contemporary touch, sitting well against timeless classic staples.

Check back soon for our coverage of the Kurt Geiger’s a/w 13/14 men’s collections!

MPDClick subscribers can click here to view the report with the full image gallery. If you don’t subscribe to MPDClick, take a FREE trial here.

- R.J.

Words by MPDClick’s Trend Journal Editor.

MPDClick’s spring/summer 14 ‘Epoch’ forecast has already proven itself for the season illustrated by French powerhouse Chanel’s latest resort collection. ‘Epoch’ draws upon the famous Belle Epoque period citing themes of optimism and prosperity through elegant and refined lines with a masculine leisurewear twist – an aesthetic clearly exemplified within Chanel’s s/s 14 resort collection.

The clean palette of royal blues, primrose and ivory shades characterize the liberation of women back in the 1900s making soft suit tailoring and feminine cut out garments the styles to promote in S/S 14. Classic 3 piece suits are the most popular garments for women in the collection while menswear reflects a luxury vintage Parisian aesthetic with four panel pocket jackets and rounded collars. Menswear garments connote the masculine mystique with an understated feminine confidence in tailoring combined with streamlined, angular silhouettes. Fluid curves and lines are reflected in the garment prints and graphics depicting vintage typography from the Art Noveau movement.

Calico, denim and chambray fabrics also feature in the collection linking back to America’s guilded age and denim industry in the 1900’s. Chanel embraces the optimism of the 1900s with matching embellishments and accessories such as pearls, offering a contemporary interpretation of prominent styles of the Golden Age with silhouettes marking a revolution of femininity.

Leisurewear is encouraged through casual drawstring trousers for both genders however remains understated through masculine silhouettes. Cricket whites and suit ties also feature evoking the vintage sports aspect of ‘Epoch’ merging leisure and workwear. To see the full Chanel resort collection MPDClick subscribers can click here.

Retailers and visual merchandisers can create luxurious displays with the Golden Age in mind expanding on the success of the Great Gatsby inspired trend of this summer, as seen at Tiffany’s New York City window display. Subscribers can click here to view our full womenswear ‘Epoch’ forecast for s/s 14. If you don’t subscribe to MPDClick, take a FREE trial here.

-E.S

Image source: MPDClick.com

Words by MPDClick’s Business Editor. 

Offering a round-up of news and trends from MPDClick’s business area, we take a look at expansion of the sharing economy with changing consumer attitudes and a reconnection to the community, as well as presenting the latest retail trends making the headlines this week.

Developing over the last year, a new sharing economy looks set to become a fixed standard in consumers’ lives creating a shift across markets and how ownership is known. Also known as collaborative consumption, it sees consumers revoke owning individual products in favour of sharing assets. Broadly this includes everything from cars to dresses which have been fairly commonplace for a few years, to now sharing gardening equipment, space on driveways or offering up rooms for the night within an individual’s house. With a struggling economy and the extensive reach of cheap internet in our lives, it is no surprise that consumers are looking to share under-used assets online providing cheaper convenience for users as well as much needed extra income.

Within our latest report we take a look at consumer-to-consumer commerce, platforms that return individuals back to sharing within the neighbourhood, and the potential dangers of shared ownership and what this means for businesses. MPDClick subscribers can take a look here.

Latest business news in brief:

Rihanna’s Topshop lawsuit could be ‘groundbreaking’

Empty shops rate hits record high of 11.9% in April

Yahoo to buy Tumblr for $1.1 billion

Marks & Spencer under fire for online tax structure as customers complain about contactless payment

If you don’t subscribe to MPDClick, you can take a FREE trial here.

- R.J.

Image source: welovebold.com