Chic Redux
BIANNUAL CLASSIC STYLE MAGAZINE S/S 2011 Maximum mileage from simple, effective and classic clothing
CS
Editor in Chief: Francesca Gaymor Cover Photograph: Michelle Beatty Model: Holly Nicholson @ Models 1 A special thanks to... Holly Dowsett, Zara King, Nicola Steinigeweg, and Callum Walker
Copyright Š 2011 by Francesca Gaymor Cover Design Copyright Š 2011 by Francesca Gaymor All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be utilized or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the curator.
Chic Redux
Empowering young women, guiding them to true individuality and self belief
www.chicredux.com
CONTENTS
3
17
Introduction
Tux Redux
4
18
Power Me Up
Sunday’s Girl
7
33
The Bare Necessities
Timeless Chic
8
34
Simple Silhouette
Accompany An Accessory
10
36
To The Tee
Brooks & Beaini
12
38
The White Shirt Takes A Bow
Each Piece Of A Puzzle
14
48
Coco & Me
The Light Of Lemaire
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An Introduction We have been brought up into a world that survives on mass production and mass marketing, a world where trends come and go through the seasons.Style is the one thing that sets us apart, it makes us original, it’s the way we express our identity, Chic Redux aims to embrace this timeless style when a girl makes that transition and becomes a woman. She is often a student or young intern, with little or no money and therefore needs to make the right decisions regarding style and choice. Chic Redux aims to help these young women on their journey from girl to woman, enabling them to achieve their own sense of style without making the mistake of having too many fast fashion clothes in their wardrobes. The essential concept of Chic Redux breaks it down with clear guidelines showing the fundamentals in a simple yet informative way, helping young women to find their own style and identity. Revolutionising new standards in women’s magazines, Chic Redux aims to be the new – biannual handbook that every young woman needs to consolidate her style and express themselves as individuals, an everlasting publication that shows them the way to personal style.
3
POWER ME UP! Image courtesy of Leo Shaw 2011
“Have a voice, be assertive, express an opinion...”
Empowerment is about choice, the choice to live the way you wish to; the choice to dress how you decide. It seems as though women have forgotten about freedom of choice thanks to their daily consumption of weekly glossies. Young women especially are continually being seduced into making masses of mistakes by being ill advised on what to buy and how to look. The result? They end up with far too many clothes, with no autonomy or individuality.
messages which we seek to aspire to through the process of conspicuous consumption. The false messages that are communicated to us are known to be misleading, altering our perceptions of what defines a woman or how a woman should be defined. To some extent, we are to blame for the way in which we consume the media with the endless commercials and advertisements enticing us in to an unrealistic representation of what women should be. Although, within our culture women are aware of the real ideals, we seem to steer ourselves away from the subject. As we see within today’s western culture, consumerism acts as a significant role in the way we identify ourselves and distinguish one another.
The 21st century woman lives in a society that defines identity by categorizing stereotypical fashion cliques, the Preppy, the Chav, and so on. These all take away the value of what represents a woman; personal identity. What we have discovered whilst working on our first issue of Chic Redux is that women live in a society fixated on visual communication. Over time, the boundaries between what is real and what is an illusion have become less apparent. Women are often misled into buying goods that in all honesty does not reflect their real lives and interests, unable to escape the false representation invoked by advertising.
When you feel empowered you can accomplish anything you desire. Empowerment doesn’t mean you have to lose your femininity or in fact anything that makes you the woman you are. There are things you can do to empower yourself without joining the Women’s Liberation and ‘shouting from the rooftops!’ Have a voice, be assertive, express an opinion, choose your own style; that’s the key! Be confident in yourself and the rest will follow, people will notice you, your style will reflect the confidence you exude.
What is interesting is the effect that the media has on our culture. Advertising conveys unrealistic
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The Basics
The Bare Necessities Every woman needs basics. A combination of clothing that forms the basis of any wardrobe. This chapter focuses on the staples that are worn everyday… The Basic Tee, The White Shirt, along with some great undergarment essentials! The key is, when you find a good basic garment, don’t hesitate to buy in bulks, particularly when you’re buying a t-shirt or a sweater.
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Simple Silhouette It’s a look that is here to stay: so why not go with the flow? Every girls essential, the all-in-one… For all round wearability, the body is a lightweight, durable, crease-proof basic that is designed to flatter your figure. A basic body is the key first layer for anyone’s personal style. Commonly known for being produced in both Lycra & cotton fabrics this ‘figure hugging’ all in one is an essential piece to add to your wardrobe. Thanks to the leading brand of basics, American Apparel who stock the body amongst other great essentials. By in bulk girls, this garment is here to stay! Focus on your key colours, black white & beige and you will find it simple to make your day to nights outfits on trend all season.
Image courtesy of American Apparel 2011
TO THE TEE The plain white tee is undeniably and fundamentally a wardrobe staple to the point that there is now even an indie band who also shares the same name. The t-shirt can be viewed as being just as essential as the music on your iPod ¬– the t-shirt is one item we must not be without.
Cutting along the neckline of a worn-in retro rock and roll band t-shirt not only pledges your allegiance as rock’n’roll fashionista, (Think Kate Moss), but it is also your pass to be part of their ultra cool fan-base. The simplicity of the minimalistic draped t-shirt that skims the frame of the body will often denote sophistication and can even transcend to office wear. It is hard to find any other item of clothing that can create so many varied expressions and styles like the t-shirt can.
The humble T-shirt’s original origin and purpose was as a mere undergarment, yet today it is a revered classic look, pair a tee with jeans and you cannot go wrong. We all remember the über-hot Calvin Klein ads of the 90’s, t-shirts made-sexy! It proves that it is indeed quite simply how you wear it and the confidence you exude wearing it.
A wardrobe staple such as the classic tee is a saviour for any fashion crisis moments. Like the LBD the little white tee (LWT) can be dependable in any situation. Thrown on over a ball gown al-la Carrie Bradshaw may not be to everyone’s taste but the versatile T-shirt can indeed be paired with just about anything. From your faithful 7 For All Mankind jeans to your Balenciaga grunge leathers, tucked into a swing skirt to a large oversized masculine tee doubling as a dress. The basic tee can transform any outfit into anything but basic – the t-shirt is the key addition to any ensemble, just add a few accessories and possibly a few light layer and Voilà!
That woman who walks into the room, the one who instantly commands everyone’s attention, the woman who always looks completely immaculate yet powerful. The woman whom many will crave to be, that woman is often a woman given merit for her impeccable knowledge of the classic items. She knows that in an instant, a classic well-designed well-structured basic such as a simple tee will instantly create the basis of her look.
Essential timeless pieces such as the classic t-shirt are worthy investments, they will outshine any fad-trends lasting season after season. Day Birger et Mikkelsen and Acne are often shouted about for their know-how of all items classic and well-designed basics. Designer favorites such as minimal fundamentalists Alexander Wang and king of genderless fashion Christophe Lemaire, may come up with a significantly higher price tag, however these gentlemen sure know how to create the perfect everyday garments, which on a ‘price per wear’ basis works out really well. Nevertheless let us not forget you can also find a good range of t-shirts at many high street shops nowadays; such as Uniqlo, American Apparel or Comptoir des Cotonniers and even Topshop who still remains a store known for the infamous tee. With all of today’s wide choices you will
A t-shirt is the underpinning of any wardrobe, and as simple as it may seem the classic tee lends itself to an array of choices and styles. From crew, to scalloped from plunge to high from capped to long the variations of the classic tee means there is always a firm place for them in everyone’s closet. As the saying goes, you can never have enough t-shirts, which is indeed very true as the t-shirt suits whatever the weather, be it a layer under a coat in winter or on it’s own when the sun finally comes out! Take the approach that the t-shirt is your canvas and you are the artist, to which you can create a mirage of beauty. For example when the summer months draw in a t-shirt can be easily customised, rolling up the sleeves can effortless look chic, transforming your entire look immediately.
never be short in the t-shirt department that is for sure.
Words by Zara King
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The
WHITE SHIRT takes a bow
The infinite variety of classic cotton shirts full bodied and full sleeved, gathered at the yoke or tight to the body, generously wrinkled or neatly pressed. Wear a big shirt over a crop top, as layering is key, even as a light jacket in the summer, this never fails to impress. Top this with some leggings or shorts (depending on the English weather!) and you will have the ultimate basic white shirt dress, all you need is a few good accessories and you are on your way to great style!
“Nothing is chicer than a simple chiffon pleated shirt. Tuck it into a tulip skirt and team it with a blazer, heels and some jewellery will take you from day to evening.�
COCO & ME
Meet Ella, a London-based magazine junkie who lives for Madonna, skinny jeans and fashion’s freedom of choice… Ella Gregory is the ultimate fashion fanatic! Born and raised in South West London this young inspiring journalist is like no other. In September 2006 Ella set out to make her mark on the fashion industry, creating the ultimate style blog named Coco’s Tea Party. Since the increasing status of blogging over the years, Coco’s Tea Party has gone on to attract thousands of daily readers, with over 100,000 hits a month. Whilst being listed in 2010 The Online Fashion 100, and also in the top 10 of the Telegraphs 50 Fashion Insiders on Twitter, this eccentric undergraduate is soon to make her mark on the creative space of the fashion industry. With many important plans lined up this year we catch up with Ella on her final month at University, as she talks of her plans for Coco’s Tea Party for 2012. Who is Coco? The name Coco’s Tea Party just popped into my head, and was a spur of the moment thing. For a while I did blog anonymously under the name of Coco, but
really I just picked Coco as I like the name, and it obviously has fashion connotations. Coco seems to be the fake name of choice in fashion – I’m not really called Coco, neither is Coco Rocha and Coco Chanel wasn’t either.
should take the title and why? Leona Lewis? Really? Well this survey, or wherever this statistic came from is clearly loony. Nothing against Leona, but I’m sure very, very few people would name her as the most inspirational woman from the last 100 years. There are loads of women out there who have done incredibly inspirational work, but purely on a celebrity level it would have to be Madonna. She changed the landscape for female artists (there would be no Britney, Cheryl or Lady Gaga), she’s still copied around the world and she’s all about self-improvement, confidence and power. I think she’s a great role model for girls.
Where do you seek inspiration for your blog? Through so many places: magazines, films, books, the internet (especially twitter)… because a lot of my posts are celebrity related I spend a lot of time on gossip blogs to keep updated. What would you say are the three key classic street style trends that never leave your blog? Skinny jeans, trench coats, ballet pumps.
As a creative and as a blogger, how do you feel about the recent decline in print media sales? I get asked a lot whether I think blogging and online will take over one day, and if magazines and newspapers will become completely extinct. And I always say no. For me there is nothing better than sitting with that magazine in my hand and actually turning the pages – and I always keep magazines. However, I do think there are now so many magazines on the market (and not all of them are brilliant, let’s be honest) that online/blogging is really going to challenge print media to step up its game, and produce something extra-special that you can’t get online. I recently saw Vogue’s creative director, Robin Derrick, talk about fashion online and as he rightly mentioned you can’t un-invent something, so magazines will always be there, but I think declining print sales are an indicator that magazines will have to expand online in the future.
Could you describe your individual style to us? I’m big on skinny jeans, which have sort of become a classic in their own right now. I buy Topshop “Jamie” jeans, which are the best skinnies I’ve found, and handily some of the cheapest too. I prefer a dark denim, and sometimes (especially in summer) I’ll go for a lighter wash, but a navy always looks chic. Oh and I love a beautifully-cut blazer too! On the high street I always think Zara do great jackets, but the dream is a Chanel tweed number. I have a great See by Chloe cropped tux-style jacket, which is great with jeans or with dresses in the evening. I like to play around with quite loud, gold costume jewellery, YSL and Kenneth Jay Lane are my favourites… And you can never have too many black ankle boots – flat or heeled they work with so many different looks! (take note!) Which designer or brand would you stay represents classic style? Chanel is the first that springs to mind, as the label has built up this whole dream of “we’re selling classic style”, and I think Karl Lagerfeld is a genius in that respect. Very clever styling and marketing. On a high street level I suppose you could say that GAP now represents classic style. At least the current take on classic style – jeans, t-shirts, trench coats, sweaters and it has that clean-living image. And GAP adverts always use simplistic styling, yet manage to make basics look fresh. I love a GAP ad.
What’s new for Ella in 2011? I’ll be visiting New York in April and interning at Marie Claire over the summer, and beyond that I’m not sure. I’m hoping that Coco’s Tea Party will continue to head in an exciting direction, and fingers crossed this will be another great year.
What does empowerment mean to you as a young woman? Empowerment can mean so many things, but I think first and foremost it is about choice. The choice to live the way you wish to; and if we’re speaking fashion, then the choice to dress how you decide. Is there something or someone that empowers you within fashion today? Again it’s about choice, and there is so much choice in fashion today. If you just look at the high street, which offers so much choice at low prices, there are a lot of options and opportunities to experiment with fashion in the UK today. And I think women do find that quite empowering – to find a great outfit, whatever their budget, that makes them feel special and gives them confidence. It has been acknowledged by the team at Chic Redux that Leona Lewis has been dubbed the most influential women in the last 100 years (puzzling! We think so!) Who would you say
“Coco’s Tea Party is a very lively blog. Ella is a quirky writer and it’s great to see new talent using blogs to show their work.” – Hilary Alexander
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TUX
REDUX
It is vital to know that clothes need to assert confidence and femininity. For women, things either look cheap and tacky or they are superexpensive. English fashion is too crazy: it works for the fashion editors, but not for the clients. Work-wear can be subtly sexy and fashionable, without having to show some skin. Most fashion magazines never think about that – they are all about trendy. The truth is, there’s absolutely nothing out there aimed at working women. Women now need to take that step and move forward with working in classic style; to femme up the typical 1980’s easy piece and bringing femininity back to the workplace. - Avoid the asexual look. - When looking for a work-wear outfit be sure to keep your focus on the cut and detail of quality fabrics. - Tie your spring looks together with a pussy-bow shirt. Team it with slim-fit trousers or a figure-flattering skirt for a sharp and sassy look for the office.
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SUNDAY’S G There was a little girl who
h
GIRL
had a little curl...
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Photographs by Michelle Beatty Creative Director: Francesca Gaymor Stylist: Holly Dowsett Hair: Eleni Giorgiou Make-up: Louise O’Neill Model: Holly Nicholson at Models 1
The Classics
Timeless Chic The key to good classic dressing is all about investment pieces that stand the test of time, so you may need to spend a little more on a garment than you usually would! A good pair of leather boots or a real leather bag will not only last longer but will make you a good long term investment and show quality where it is seen the most.
and a good pair of tailored trousers will always look good, no matter what you pair them with. The style is subtle, using quality fabrics, beautifully cut in subtle shades that blend together to emphasise the classic look. It might seem impossible to save for a classic piece but if you think about saving a small amount on a regular basis, you could still be wearing that garment in five years time! The key is colour and cut, look for classic soft colours that blend together in quality fabrics that last.
The cheap bag and shoes will always look cheap, no matter what it’s paired with, whereas a pair of expensive leather shoes or a statement bag often look better when they are worn in! A classic jacket or coat
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ACCOMPANY an ACCESSORY
Style is never complete without the use of fashion accessories. The importance of accessories in defining an outfit is key to creating your own style – now is the time to find out exactly what suits you. - Spend your money on a good pair of shoes, boots or clutch bag in real leather; clever dressers spend their money sparingly, but always invest in an item that will last. - Belts are also worth an investment as they will last a lifetime. Steer clear of anything plastic these are the telltale signs of a cheap outfit! - Oversized sunglasses from good quality eyewear manufacturers are another good purchase as they add an expensive feel to an outfit.
Even if you are not a fan of hats, they can add that finishing touch to a look, but be sure to try them on first as not every style of hat will suit your face shape. - Jewellery (although not too much) can change any look from ordinary to stylish. Worn correctly, it can be the one thing that makes you look unique. Small pieces of genuine jewellery can look beautiful when worn with the Classics, add simplicity with a pair of stud earrings, a classic watch timepiece with a statement necklace all add a look of quality without being too bling. Even imitation jewellery can work well, they key is to not buy it too cheap,, but invest in a few statement pieces that add a uniqueness to your desired look. Own your style!
INTERVIEW WITH
BROOKS & BEAINI
“Fashion has always been a part of my life. From the age of three, my Dad had me picking out my own clothes and from the age of thirteen, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer…” Ten years (and a lot of hard work!) later, it seems as though Therese Beaini has made it. A lot of what has been achieved by this talented individual is owed to Kingston University. As Therese points out “They really know how to push you to your limits and allow you to achieve things that you never thought possible.” Therese was fortunate enough to work with some inspiring and influential tutors who used the right balance of guidance and independent work that allowed her to proceed into industry at such a fast pace. It was the contacts at Kingston that led Therese to her ‘dream job’ as a junior assistant for the world renowned Brooks Brothers. Known for its classic styling, Brooks Brothers has been getting the US dressed for nearly two centuries. Owned by Retail Brand Alliance (RBA) and led by its CEO, the Italian billionaire Claudio Del Vecchio, the brand is one of America’s oldest retailers, specializing in suits and outerwear. (President Abe Lincoln was wearing a Brooks Brothers suit and overcoat when he was
assassinated.) The company also sells women’s and children’s apparel. Therese’s Story: Being one of Kingston University’s key sponsors, Brooks Brothers held an annual competition with the Kingston Fashion department in 2010. The brief was to re-invent a Brooks’ classic, the navy blue blazer, with a jet-set prize to win an eight week internship in New York working at Brooks Brothers. Tell us about your ‘reinvention’ for Brooks Brothers? I based my project on childrenswear, with the idea of taking your son to get his first suit from Brooks alongside the brand growing with him. This led to a cut-away navy blazer, with a removable section to allow it to be done up; a sleeveless granddad collar blouse, with a pleated contrast bib and matching ruffle round the collar; and a navy blue pencil skirt with pleated contrast panel. Classic, elegant and flattering the female figure. My project was a success and won me the internship assisting the womenswear team.
I have been in New York for nearly 10 months now, and I have to say I love my new home! This place is incredible! It has given me a real insight into the industry that you don’t get from a university course. The team at Brooks are so inspiring; during my internship they taught me so much in such a short space of time. Although for the most part I worked on womenswear, I was also given the opportunity to work on accessories, childrenswear and men’s knitwear. Later being offered a position as a full time womenswear junior designer was a dream come true, and there was no doubt in my mind whether or not I would take the role. The Brooks Brothers heritage has helped define American fashion offering their customers fine quality, personal service, exceptional value for decades… Describe the Brooks Brothers customer? The Brooks Brothers female customer is someone who appreciates quality clothing. She wants to look her best whether it is at work, out shopping with her friends, or relaxing with her family at home. She looks after herself and takes pride not only in her appearance, but in the appearance of her family.
Brothers spirit, Browne has added newness to the brand, especially with the slimmer and shorter silhouette, details such as handstitching, grosgrain tipping, fur trimmings, embroidery and covered buttons, which are some of Browne’s favourite details and are often incorporated into the Black Fleece collection. Brooks plans to introduce other guest designers in coming seasons.
Who does Brooks Brothers target? Traditionally our target customer is the 30+ woman. However, as of 2009 we now do female childrenswear and as of 2010 we also carry a younger, 20+ line for women. Think J Crew and Rugby from Ralph Lauren. How does your style incorporate into your work at Brooks Brothers? I have always had quite a formal thread to my style which really fits in with the Brooks Brothers’ handwriting. I also appreciate quality in both make and fabric, and especially the fine detailing which Brooks is famous for. Above all I understand the clean cut, all American values that the company upholds.
Could you tell us a little more about Brooks Brothers latest womenswear collection? This season nature provides the inspiration for our women’s collection, invoking the feel of a warm sea breeze, bringing with it the feminine of natural elegance and sophistication. Dimensional fabrics and, an organic colour pallet, graphic combinations and romantic florals combine to create effortless looks for spring. For the younger line, there is a strong nautical feel which has an effortless appeal.
What does quality fashion mean to you as a woman? Quality fashion to me is all about how it’s made. Price, label etc. doesn’t come into it. If it’s been made well then it will last. You would never go into Primark for example and expect quality fashion, you expect cheap and cheerful, but you don’t expect it to last. Even if you manage to find that little gem, you know it’s going to fall apart quickly because there isn’t any quality in the make. Fabric is another sign of quality. Beautiful fabrics, which usually tend to be natural as opposed to synthetic, are always a sign of quality. They make you feel good when you wear them. I think that’s why I always go around touching all the clothes when I shop. If something feels beautiful, I’ll look twice at it, but if something feels nasty, I don’t care how amazing it looks or if it’s the latest thing, I won’t wear it because the fabric is going to annoy me.
What key items are always in the Brooks Brothers showroom/collections each season? The Polo Button-Down Dress Shirt – While on a European buying trip, John E. Brooks, the grandson of Brooks Brothers’ founder, observed that polo players had anchored their collars to their shirts by means of buttons, therefore stopping their collars from flying into their faces during gameplay. Inspired by what he saw, he came back to Brooks and introduced the original Polo Button-Down to America that same year, changing the face of menswear forever. Today, Brooks Brothers shirts featuring the original Polo Button-Down collar remain a staple in the wardrobe of well-dressed professionals.
Why do you think every young woman should incorporate timeless classics into her personal style? During this current economic climate, it is now more important than ever to incorporate timeless classics into your wardrobe. It is far better to invest in a couple of key pieces that you know will last forever, than buying into a load of fast fashion that will disappear the following month. One of the easiest areas of your wardrobe to achieve this is with workwear. It has always been at the heart of Brooks for a parent to take their son there to get his first suit and for him to grow with the brand. Why not the same for women? A navy blue blazer from Brooks would be a key piece for any young woman starting out her career. It shows a level of professionalism and respect whilst in the work place, and combined with a pair of chinos at the weekend shows a relaxed sophistication.
The Suit/Blazer – More so than any other element of dress, the wearing of a truly wellmade suit announces that a professional has arrived. Fine suiting has been a hallmark of Brooks Brothers since 1818. We actually display our suits inside-out on tables throughout our stores so our customers can see the craftsmanship that went into each piece. Times may change, but as style and sartorial experts agree, the dress suit has long distinguished itself as the centrepiece of a wardrobe. Levis Jeans – All of our jeans at Brooks Brothers are in fact Levi’s. The two brands are uniquely and authentically American. These brands are tried and proven to be good. 501, 505 and 514 are the fits that we carry, classic styles in a range of timeless finishes and washes.
From 1818 to 2011 what has been Brooks Brothers biggest change to evolve into a contemporary society that thrives on ‘worthless’ fast fashion? Although I don’t believe Brooks will ever embrace fast fashion, as a way of evolving to keep up with contemporary society, it would definitely be the introduction of the new design laboratory. Thom Browne was the first guest designer to be invited by Brooks Brothers to create a new collection under this scheme, Black Fleece. Thom Browne was the recipient of the 2006 Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for menswear. While keeping the Brooks
What’s new for Brooks Brothers in 2011/12? One of our newest projects is the launch of our Supima Cotton collection, a collaboration between Brooks and Supima; whose cotton is only grown in the South-western and Western portion of the United States. Our Brooks Brothers Supima collection is made from 100% “Superior Pima” the mark of American luxury cotton. The collection is for men, women and boys includes clothing ranging from lightweight sweaters and vests to men’s underwear to fivepocket denim, washed chinos and our all-cotton non-iron shirt.
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Each Piece of a Puzzle Fuel your mind with the classics
Photography Hugh O’Malley Creative Director Francesca Gaymor Stylist Holly Dowsett Hair & Make-up Sandra Bermingham Model Olivia Levoir @ D1
Denim Shirt £19.99 H&M. Carson Black Skinny Jeans £90.00 All Saints.
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Pocket Shift Dress £29.99 Zara. 70’s Hat £40.00 Accessorize.
Structured Blazer £125.00 Karen Millen. Breton Stripe Cuff Top £14.99 Gap. Tailored Chinos £38.00 ASOS.
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Left: Box Pleat Dress £39.99 Zara. Handbag £490 Chloe. Mary Jane Heels £24.99 New Look. Right: Cropped Leather Jacket £95.00 Topshop. 501 Jeans £70.00 Levi. Chelsea Boots £39.99 Urban Outfitters. T-Shirt £4.99 H&M.
Skinny Vest Top £8.00 Topshop. Comfort Fit Peg Trouser £28.00 Urban Outfitters. Oversized Shopper £50.00 Mango. Suede Wedge Boot – Models Own.
Left: Box Pleat Dress – as seen before. Sunglasses £105.00 Marc Jacobs Right: Full Swing Mac £80.00 ASOS.
THE LIGHT OF LEMAIRE
DESIGNER REPORT
“It’s commonsense that style is very much linked to the person who wears the clothes. I never believed that fashion could be some style that you could buy. I can only try being as precise as possible in the way that I make clothes that will underline a personality.” Classic, Focused, Pragmatic, Intense, all of these words describe the subtle complexities of one designer and his work; Christophe Lemaire. Born in Paris, France this independent creator has been prolonged within industry, beginning his own label almost 20 years ago and recently making his first debut as the creative director for Lacoste in their a/w collection 2011 show in February; this is definitely no man to be unfamiliar of. Rising to his expertise with the likes of Christian Laxcroix and Yves Saint Laurent, Christophe Lemaire embarked on a journey as an independent designer. In 1991 Lemaire launched his first collection. Young and inexperienced of the ‘cut throat’ life of fashion, the success soon got too much for young Lemaire, later bringing himself close to breakdown.
Much after his pioneering success in the late 90’s; 2003 saw Lemaire taking a break from his label and moving forward into other positions that inspired him as a creative. His attraction lead him towards a role as an artistic director at Lacoste. A luxurious high street brand recognised for it’s classic qualities of key garments such as the essential polo tee. Launched in 1933, this reputable label is still standing strong as one of the most in demand and on trend brands of classic & basic fashion. Over eight years Lemaire has worked hard to reward himself. As a creative director of the brand; once again his now matured and gifted talents has lead him to success and this time he’s ready for it! As he quotes within an article on www.businessoffashion.com “It was a positive crisis because it was like stepping back and asking myself real questions about my motivations. I have come back much clearer in what I want to say.” Lemaire’s influences leads back to the young writers of Carol Troy and Caterine Milinaire; authors of the 1970’s book Cheap Chic Update a fashion style guidebook. His vision looks beyond what we see fashion as; runways and
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medias informing us on what to buy; focusing on the person and who would wear such clothes, rather than focusing on how good it would look on a mannequin model. His inspiring objective is to refine wearable fashion, which he would call the Mecca of what defines him as a designer. Lemaire centres personal style using a contemporary take on influential and empowering garments and people that never fall out of our fashion bible/fix. His sartorial philosophy speaks of his uniform aesthetic that is fees viable to every customer, acting as the blank canvas or as we’d like to call him the ‘driving force’ to each garment, ready to become personified by any individual who carries it.
“When you have beautiful fabric and you reduce it to the maximum essential design — you can mix it and play with it and then you can tell your own story. I don’t believe the designer can tell you which story you can tell.”
Accessorize accessorize.com
Levi levi.co.uk
All Saints allsaints.com
Mango mango.com
ASOS asos.com
Marc Jacobs Available at matchesfashion.com
Bumble & Bumble Available at spacenk.co.uk
Margaret Howell margarethowell.co.uk
Charles Worthington Available at boots.com
New Look newlook.com
Converse Available at office.co.uk
Office office.co.uk
Folli Follie follifollie.com
Paul & Joe paulandjoe.com
French Sole frenchsole.co.uk
Paul by Paul Smith paulsmith.co.uk
Gap gap.eu
Rimmel rimmellondon.com
Goldwell goldwell.com
Russell Bromley russellandbromley.co.uk
H&M hm.com
See By Chloe Available at net-a-porter.com
Harrods harrods.com
Selfridges selfridges.com
Harvey Nichols harveynichols.com
Topshop topshop.com
House of Fraser houseoffraser.co.uk
Uniqlo uniqlo.co.uk
Hunter hunter-boot.co.uk
United Colors of Benetton benetton.com
J Crew Available at net-a-porter.com
Urban Outfitters urbanoutfitters.co.uk
Karen Millen karenmillen.com
Vero Moda Available at asos.com
Kevin Murphy kevinmurphystore.co.uk
Zara zara.com
STOCKISTS
Chic Redux
Abbey’s Bookshop 131 York St Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Tel: +61 2 9264 3380 Email: books@abbeys.com.au Artwords Bookshop – Shoreditch 65a Rivington Street London EC2A 3QQ Tel: +44 (0) 20 7729 2000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7729 4400 Email: shop@artwords.co.uk Bücherbogen Stadtbahnbogen 10623 Berlin Germany Tel: +30 3186 9511 Email: info@buecherbogen.com Colette 213 rue Saint-Honoré 75001 Paris France Tel: +33 155 35 3390 Email: contact@colette.fr 10 Corso Como 20154 Milan Italy Tel: +39 02 654831 Email: shop@10corsocomo.com Foyles 113-119 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0EB Tel: +44 (0) 20 7437 5660 Email: orders@foyles.co.uk Ivory Press C/Comandante Zorita, 48 28020
Madrid Spain Tel: +349 1449 0961 Email: bookshop@ivorypress.com Magma 117-119 Clerkenwell Road London EC1R 5BY Tel: +44 (0)20 7242 9503 Email: enquiries@magmabooks.com Metropolis Level 3 Curtin House 252 Swanston Street Melbourne 3000 Australia Tel: +61 3 9663 2015 Email: books@metropolisbookshop.com.au Nadiff Tokyo Tel: 03 3477 9134 Page One Shop 3002, Level 3, Zone A Harbour City Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2730 6080 Email: Ras Gallery Calle del Doctor Dou 10 08001 Barcelona Spain Tel: +93 412 7199 Email: ras@rasbcn.com Strand Bookstore 828 Broadway New York, NY 10003-4805 Tel: 212.473.1452
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