Archive for August, 2010

Entertainment retailer HMV is diversifying into fashionwear, with a new range of clothing and accessories going on sale across its stores from, September 1st.

HMV is partnering with a small number of select fashion brands that share its passion and affinity for music, including Boxfresh, Lee Jeans, FLY53 and Eastpak.  HMV’s Oxford Circus flagship store will additionally stock designs by Rocawear – the label founded by Hip Hop icon Jay-Z.

The ranges, which will predominantly feature men’s clothing, such as tops, t-shirts, shirts, jackets and jeans as well as accessories including bags, hats, belts, wallets and sunglasses, will go into 38 larger HMV stores, including in London’s Oxford Street, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Southampton, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin. The ranges will be merchandised in a dedicated instore department branded The Studio, which will also carry related and licensed entertainment products. Smaller HMVs will stock a more limited selection of Amplified and other t-shirts and accessories to ensure that the majority of HMV’s 280 stores have some kind of fashion offer.

HMV has been transforming itself in recent years to become a broad-based entertainment brand that gives access to much of today’s popular culture – whether in the home, through its stores and online shop, on the move via its new hmvdigital downloads site and, following the acquisition earlier this year of MAMA Group concert venues and festivals, via the ‘live‘ experience as well. HMV’s move into fashionwear represents a natural progression for the company, which has already been successfully stocking licensed merchandise, such as artist t-shirts supplied by leading manufacturer Bravado, for some years. 

The growing cross-over between music and fashion in recent years has led to a number of discernible street styles, giving rise to such terms as festival chic, and it’s this mainly younger audience that HMV is primarily targeting. HMV’s new fashionwear range will be launched with a number of instore events that celebrate the relationship between music and fashion.  These will include live performances and fan signings presented in association with Lee Jeans by hot new band Everything Everything, who will appear at HMV 150 Oxford Street (3rd Sep) to promote their debut album Man Alive.  During the same period Brit-rapper Kano, who is a brand ambassador for Boxfresh and notably wore their street-gear to great effect onstage with Gorillaz at this year’s Glastonbury festival, will visit HMV stores in Southampton (2nd Sep) and Leeds (3rd Sep) to meet fans and perform tracks from his much-anticipated new album Method To The Maadness.

HMV Fashion Manager Richard Stockwell, comments: ”We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with such great fashion brands that fully share our own passion for music.  I can see so many opportunities for us to work together in future, whether it’s collaborating jointly with artists and labels or even running complementary activity at gigs and festivals.”

Source: HMV

An upcoming exhibition will base itself on Ralph Lauren’s previous releases of Native American inspired pieces. The retrospective should provide some interesting insight into one of the most important cultures in American history. The exhibition will take place at the Monaco Grand Gallery and open on August 27th, 2010.

This retrospective confirms interest for Native American inspired garments, further reinforcing Mpdclick’s forecasted Origin trend for autumn/winter 2010/11 which looks to Native America and the USA’s rich and traditional heritage.

Monaco Grand Gallery
36-4 Toyodabiru udagawachou
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Japan

Source: hypebeast.com

Words by journal editor…

Copenhagen fashion week brought out Scandivavia’s finest fashionistas with an array of simplistic layered ensembles spotted reaffirming the clean, simplistic aesthetic that Denmark is known for. A  utility theme with clear proportion play is sported by our first couple. An open sand utilty shirt is worn over a long line jersey vest by our styled male with loose fitting, rolled up chinos and worn out plimsolls to complete the look. Our stylish lady effortlessly combines a multitude of trends with a khaki green wrap over leather skirt and raw hemmed jersey jumper finished with a no fuss up-do and skinny leopard print belt.

Click here to see the full male and female street style reports from Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Next we travelled to Europe’s arguablly best festival, Sziget in Budapest, Hungary to spot some carefree festival styling. These two (pictured bottom) keep it simple as our jovial guy dons a white vest, cargo shorts, worn out plimsolls and all essential trilby hat while his partner in crime carries an air of sobriety with a dainty floral dress, rustic lace-up boots, short waved hair and barely there make-up.

Click here to see the full male and female street style reports from Sziget festival.

Louis Vuitton’s retail window displays worldwide will have an Indian flavour this year. Starting from 5th November 2010, displays will pay tribute to Diwali; the Hindu festival of lights, an ancient and joyous occasion to light oil lamps, wear new clothes and distribute sweets.

The French luxury brand’s ties to India stretch back almost a century. Vuitton teamed with Indian artist Rajeev Sethito to conceive the windows, which will feature hand-painted paper trunks glowing from within. Special products will include limited edition dresses made of vintage sari fabrics.

Mpdclick predicts this celebration of Indian culture within fashion to develop into 2011, coinciding with Mpdclick’s forecasted Enlighten trend for spring/summer 11; blending traditional rich and vibrant styles with the nation’s contemporary visions for the future.

Source: www.wwd.com 

Paul Smith have announced the opening of its first womenswear shop in the heart of Mayfair, London. Located next to Claridge’s Ballroom in Brook Street, the boutique will sell a chosen selection of women’s catwalk pieces, shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories; some of which will be exclusive to the shop. Staying true to Claridge’s iconic art deco design the shop’s decoration is influenced by the elegant heritage of its prestigious neighbour.

 “We are really excited to be opening a beautiful shop in Claridge’s selling clothes and accessories for women and a small selection of gifts for men. I have been a big fan of the hotel for many years and have held several women’s shows there in the ballroom. It’s original Art Deco style really appeals to me so having this shop is very special to me.” Paul Smith , 2010.

 Paul Smith, 49 Brook Street opens mid-September 2010.

Mpdclick’s Managing Editor Sarah Wade caught up with Dr Denim, denim brand of the moment at the latest Copenhagen Fashion Week to find out what they had on offer for spring/summer 2011.

Dr Denim’s spring 2011 collection blends a modern take on denim history with a fashion range conveying a sense of intellectual simplicity built on modern classic looks.

Men’s denim/bottoms:

The denim revolves around a range of fits from slim to regular tapered. Slim fits remain strong while a more relaxed, tapered silhouette gains ground. Washes aim for authenticity with a genuine second-hand look in mind, ranging from light shades to unwashed and from blue to black base colours where styles are based on the brands ‘simplicity with a twist’ approach. Vintage-inspired regular tapered fit ‘Stanley’ in the unwashed 16 oz selvage denim remains the crown of the denim collection, while the brand’s iconic tight fit ‘Snap’ is presented in an unwashed stretch selvage denim. Chinos come in new steel blue, green and lion nuances while the classics remain.

Men’s fashion:

The well-dressed preppy theme dresses up the denim in a clean and colourful manner that matches with the chino range. The range of plaid shirts adds fresh colours and a well-dressed casual appearance, mixing the classic working class stereotypes in the form of continually important flannels with a fresh colour palette and a slim silhouette. The mix of colours ranges to yellow, brown, shades of green, blue and red. Chino-coloured twill shirts with matching ties add a mid-20th century army theme to build on the roots of the chino and denim, which have ties to American military history.

Women’s denim/bottoms:

Tight fits remain essential, some tighter than others. The other end of the spectrum features chinos in a tight comfort fit and stretchy fabric to relaxed light-weight chinos and low-crotch trousers in light-weight denim fabrics for a casual sleek look. Washes follow the same theme as the mens’ collection, focusing on a sense of broken-in without being over-done. Colours and various forms of acid washes make an appearance with a nod to the 1980′s-90′s. Army-inspired jeans with cargo pockets are part of the subtle influences from military clothing which are also present in the menswear range.

Women’s fashion:

The collection takes on a modern and mature sleek look with a sense of calm, where colours are toned down and less is more. Interesting cuts and a focus on the grey scale, blue shades and powdery accent colours are key. Fabrics range from woven to tape knits and light weight denims as well as lace and sheer fabrics, in fits which lean towards the oversized, creating a feminine, intellectual and contemporary look on the one hand while flirting with army-inspired details on the other.

Click here to be directed to Dr Denim’s official website

August sparks the introduction of Pocketo at Target. Designed especially for retail at American based store Target, accessory brand Pocketo have collaborated with 21 innovative emerging and established designers to produce a collection of limited edition bags, umbrellas and key rings.

Poketo is a design company specialising in the concept of affordable, limited edition, artist-designed accessories, aiming to promote the work of international artists both well-known and on the radar.

This refreshing collection consists of an affordable mix and match of assorted essentials, with 52 distinct pieces (a piece for each week of the year!) ranging from umbrellas and drinks flasks to a functional shopping tote that folds and zips into itself. Practicality is a key theme to acknowledge with this line, from useful pockets and intricate compartments to multi purpose zips.  

The designs themselves reflect each designer and their unique artistic direction. With an intense flare of vibrant colour, designs include repeat patterns, monochrome prints and geometric graphics. Playful illustrations and contemporary character design, incorporating bold silhouette blocking and sketchy directional marks are also seen. With such a variety of designs available there really is something for anyone and everyone.

The designs have already arrived in store but are only there for another three months, creating even more consumer anticipation for the products. Here at Mpdclick we are excited to welcome this burst of creativity and look forward to seeing more of these collaborative designs in the future.

Click here to find out more about the range.

Image source: www.pocketo.com