Style Stalking (Snapshot).... House of Hackney

Ever since we first peered through Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle's kaleidoscope of printed furnishings and finery a few years ago, we've been transported to lavish landscapes filled with fair florals, marvellous menageries and the fanciest of fantastical flights. Continuing to challenging a minimalist world of beige, House of Hackney's evolving empire of playful prints has seen it open the doors to its East London retail home, an enticing emporium on Shoreditch High Street. As Susie searched the seductive, sensory shake-up of a space, I soon followed and dived into dizzying daydreams, softened by feathers, petals and palm leaves whilst sweetened by candy stripes and eccentricity. As one member of its team built a beautiful bouquet of Wild at Heart blooms wearing a Palmeral printed t-shit (of House of Hackney's soon to be launched menswear offering - stay tuned) and camouflaged by a printed plantation of palms and inked sleeves, I couldn't resist taking a quick snapshot... 

House of Hackney's Jay standing outside of the store wearing... 
a Palmeral t-shirt and tribal necklace from World Archive at Dover Street Market.
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Style Stalking (Snapshot)... Fode Sylla

For the last six seasons my London Fashion Week has always begun with an elongated visit to the ever fruitful, Touba Distrubution curated, The Showroom Next Door. Each season, it exemplifies everything that I find exciting about design in London; namely it's diversity and sense of sartorial evolution and revolution. Ever since its inception in 2010, it has showcased a diverse yet complimentary band of international designers alongside emerging and established British talent. The idea behind the showroom was to create a wardrobe of menswear and they have undoubtedly excelled whilst expanding to offer womenswear and artwork.

Now, with covetable rails full of personal favourites including the likes of Casely-Hayford, Bunney, Hannah Martin, Armando Cabral and Bruno Chaussignand, I've often described the space as my dream walk in wardrobe. For Fode Sylla the dream is more tangible. Running the showroom, the rails are ever more tempting and accessible. As his style diary of last year demonstrated, despite temptation at every turn Sylla manages to seamlessly integrate a few of his favourite pieces from each designer in to his ever growing wardrobe. As the Showroom returned to London from its New York debut, I couldn't resist taking an updated snapshot...

Fode Sylla outside Gallery Lazarides wearing a hat by Moody and Farrell, sunglasses by Bruno Chaussignand, shirt by Comme des Garcons, jacket by Casely-Hayford, jumper by Tiger Sushi Furs, bracelet and badge by Bunney, jeans by Kitsune, socks by Comme des Garcons and Vintage gucci loafers.
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Style Stalking (Snapshot).... Ian Batten

Having spent well over an hour talking design and shop with the ever charming and excitable Ian Batten at his Highgate base, I just couldn't resist taking a quick snapshot of the creative talent. In recent weeks I've become fascinated by whether or not designers wear their own creations and if so, how. Much like the designs he has created since the launch of his eponymous line, Batten's everyday wardrobe has a considered, detail rich, ageless quality to it...

   

Ian Batten wearing a shirt and a parie of jeans from his own label paired with well loved Russell and Bromley brogues, topped off with a pair of tortoiseshell glasses from Anglo American perched on his forehead.

Style Stalking (Snapshot) in Tokyo once again

Given my almost Victorian fear of showing off too much leg (no advance on the ankle) the short suit is something I've always been too quick to discount. However, in moments of warm weather when the streets are so often overrun with a cacophony of far too casual wear that share far too much anatomical information, surely the short suit is a better option than most. When worn well this sartorial hybrid feels even more feasible. In the glowing heat of Tokyo we encountered the practically perfect preppy example. In his mix of Opening Ceremony, Fred Perry and Tricker's, this Tokyoite struck the balance between smart and casual.

Style Stalking... Matthew Murphy

As readers of this blog you should all know by now that London’s b store has long been a mecca for contemporary design. Whilst nurturing some of the best design talent in the capital and beyond, the store has been merging art, fashion and design seamlessly for a ten years now. With each visit to this British retail institution, there is the opportunity to discover a new designer, an exhibition, a magazine or even just a moment when you talk to either Matthew, Kirk or Kuni and leave with something new. Though undeniably a stylish haunt, it has always been more than just a physical space and has certainly offered more than mere fashion. Ever inspired. You can expect to be surprised when you visit the space, read its eponymous magazine or encounter one of its numerous but ever considered collaborations.

Now, it has been a few months since we last lurked in the shadows to partake in a spot of Style Stalking and after some fruitless outfit voyeurism, we can now make up for the barren spell with a real treat in b Store's very own Matthew Murphy. Over the course of a working week I followed the Creative Director as he worked on SS13, collaborations and events. Busy but forever stylish...

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Day One: Monday afternoon at the showroom...

Overdyed unstructured cotton blazer by b store.

Shirt by b store loves liberty. We intended this collaboration to continue for two season's but it is now on the fourth season and appears to be getting stronger and creating a life of it's own. Mainly due to the Liberty fabric selection becoming stronger each season 

Sweatshirt by One Nine Zero Six. A new edition to the b store family but already showing a great potential
Jeans and  shoes by b store

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Day Two: Popping out of the office to grab some lunch...

Moleskin double breasted blazer by b store. This blazer from AW12 has become my personal favourite and a signature shape within the collection. 

Shirt is a classic b store pinstripe oxford.

Woven tweed tie by Marwood. I believe this brand has huge potential within the mens accessory area and we are discussing the possibilities of a collab for SS13 

Two pleat seersucker chino from our SS12 10 for DSM exclusive collection 

Shoes by b store

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Day Three: At the Kingly Street store for the b Store for ASOS collaboration launch...

Shirt and blazer by Our Legacy. They have become a b store staple and their collections never disappoint. This blazer and shirt combination from their SS12 collection, channelled my love of Woody Allen late 70's style. 

Tie by Marwood

Jeans and Shoes by b store

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Day Four: Another afternoon in the showroom surrounded by shoes...

Washed twill unstructured blazer by b store 

Shirt is a b store proto from SS13 collection, we were testing different effects of bleaching. 

Neckerchief is by Hermes and was a birthday present from my friends 

Chinos and sandals by b store

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Day Five: Ending the week at the studio before grabbing a well earned drink...

Overdyed unstructured cotton blazer by b store 

Scarf by Cosmic Wonder. One of my favourite brands that we sold at the store, because of the difficulties working with Japanese brands, we had to stop working with them which was a very hard decision 

Sea Island cotton crew jumper by John Smedley 

Washed twill cotton field pant trousers by b store 

Shoes by Vans

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Style Stalking (Snapshot)... Harris Elliott

It has been far too long since we last lurked in the shadows to partake in a spot of Style Stalking. This feature series has become one of the most popular sections of the site and we are constantly on the search for a diverse mix of stylish individuals. After fruitless outfit voyeurism and a number of failed attempts to coincide diaries, we decided to make up for the barren spell with a real treat, a one day tease in to the wardrobe of Harris Elliott...

Coat: Christopher Raeburn
Leather Jacket: Share Spirit
Jeans: Topman
Boots: Dr Martens Cappers
Black Bag: Nubuck Laundry Bag H by Harris
Neoprene and leather rucksack H by Harris
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We're hoping to return to the shadows for a full week of voyeurism in to the world of one of favourite designer/stylist/creative directors very soon, so hopefully your sartorial appetite has been whetted by this street style snapshot.

Style Stalking... Street Peeper

It is at times like this, when we are all a little weary of the goings on of the catwalk, the sight of Street Peeper Phil snapping away at the fashion crowd offers a welcome respite. Now, the mass of street style photographers that pound the streets in search of the stylish is every growing but Phil has been doing it since late 2006. He's a regular on the circuit, frequently awash of print and pastel. His colourful ensembles have the ability to both dazzle and soothe all at the same time. Unfortunately, he is rarely found on the other side of the lens...until now.

On our recent jaunt to Singapore and Tokyo we were joined by the street style veteran and I took full advantage of it in every sense. With Phil as our guide we were able to feed off of his knowledge of the Japanese capital. We gorged ourselves on everything from the finest tonkatsu to the very best designer bargains. However, Phil's need for shopping was exactly that. As he knew nothing of the trip beforehand, this jet setter had ventured to the East straight from a wedding in Mexico and landed clutching the smallest of suitcases. His hand luggage included two pairs of shoes, a shirt or two, two pairs of trousers (one with an increasingly obscene rip on the rear) and very little else. Over the course of his seven days in Tokyo, Phil set about adding to his holiday wardrobe. In addition to consuming all that the city had to offer in terms of both retail and food treats, Phil was there to work. Whilst he shot the stylish folk of Tokyo, I lurked in the shadows and peeped the peeper. Below is a three day style diary and a record of his growing wardrobe. Ordinarily, Phil is quite the talker but when it comes to his style he is surprisingly quiet. Probably because his clothes do the talking for him.

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Day One

Before the real shopping started....

Perks and Mini shirt with white polka dots

SFK camera strap

Comme des Garcons trousers

Cos belt

Happy Socks

Merci Beaucoup shoes

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Day Two

The fruits of the trip to Gotemba and frequent dashes around the various Ragtags on show during a spot of snapping...

Marni Top

Dries trousers

F-Troupe shoes

Lover tote

SFK camera strap

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Day Three

Taking to the streets in yet more bargains...

Comme des Garcons Ganryu top shirt

Peter Jensen purple gingham

Jil Sander trousers

Merci Beaucoup shoes

Tsumori Chisato tote

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Hopefully this three day diary has whet your appetite for more print and colour. All going well we will peep the peeper all over again when he is next in town for fashion week.

Style Stalking... Brandon

It has been a few months since we last lurked in the shadows to partake in a spot of Style Stalking. This seven day diary style feature has become one of the most popular sections of the site and we are constantly on the search for a diverse mix of stylish individuals. After some fruitless outfit voyeurism, we can make up for the barren spell with a real treat. With the help of a few friends, Feigned Perfection's Brandon has captured a full week's worth of his layered ensembles for us to savour.

Brandon is a man who knows how to use colour and play with textures to make truly wonderful, multi faceted outfits. He is someone who knows how to balance vintage, high street and a mix of labels (although, he is a self confessed Issey addict) in such a way that the admiring observer has absolutely no idea where he shops. Now, we could continue to wax lyrical about his style but that would only delay you from the real treat of the upcoming visuals. Without further ado, here's the man himself introducing his diary...

"I couldn't really write an introduction to my own Style Stalking feature, without saying how much of an honour it is to be asked to do this. The following seven days worth of clothing is a snapshot of the schizophrenia that is my style. If you've read my blog, or know me at all; you'll know that there are two things that define the way I present myself: messiness, and layering. I'm not sure if the extent of either of these really translates over the internet, but hopefully some of you won't walk away with the feeling you get after a really intense thrifting experience (I'm talking thrift by the lb. here people). Until doing this, I had no idea how much Issey Miyake and Issey-sub brands are in my regular rotation… I guess I have Issey issues. The good photos were taken by my friends, otherwise the photos were on my fire escape with my timer mode (so apologies for the lack of quality...)"

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Day One - Happy birthday to me!

"My birthday happened to be on a particularly bad week for me so I needed my clothing to bring me up to an appropriate level (or layer… ugh I know, bad) of good spirits. So in that regard, everything I wore was a little nugget of intrigue. From the weird and wrongly worn Undercover jumper (it's really a jumper with a tiny baby sweater going through the stomach. Yeah I told you it was wrong (so wrong it's right?)) to my Grandfathers tuxedo jacket (and Dad's handkerchief as a pocket square). It was also the first outing of my Issey Miyake "Vulcan Parachute" Trenchcoat. From the sci-fi techno fabric with pleated back and elbows, to the way it flies in the wind: this coat a great example of the futuristic vitality of Issey Miyake clothing."

Issey Miyake "Vulcan Parachute" trenchcoat, Grandfathers tuxedo jacket, Pleats Please yellow cardigan (worn upside down), Undercover "Toddler Attached" sweater (worn with my head through the bottom of the toddlers jumper (could this sound anymore f*cked up?), Ivan Grundhal tulle cardigan, Liberty London shirt, Haat printed green trousers, Alejandro Ingelmo Wooster boot/sneaker/wingtips, Issey Miyake organza bow tie, Vintage ugly duckling brooch, Dads handkerchief (pocket square) and Uniqlo socks

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Day Two - College Bored

"I find school can be quite trying for me, despite it being a "fashion" college my aesthetics in both design and choice of clothing tends to be misunderstood. I guess this is a good example of the strange way I think things can go together to make me feel powerful maybe? Definitely cosy and therefore at ease. The photos were taken by Wax of Pop, Bop and Snap, hence they're lovely."

Vintage fringe jacket from London, Opening Ceremony x Pendleton wool suit (with the jacket worn upside down), Ivan Grundhal deconstructed cotton/wool jacket, Haat asymmetric jumper, Kenzo printed shirt, SURevolution belt worn as necklace, Dr Martens metallic boots, Peter Pilotto x Kipling school bag, Ralph Lauren silk scarf wrapped around wrist and a nickel cuff from a friend

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Day Three - Typical Work Day

"Decided to do my version of minimalism today. I recently managed to get a large amount of Pleats Please (Yes I realize I sound a little like an Issey Miyake advertisement) for a song and the sculptural qualities continue to amaze me. This was my first top from the brand and I love the way it clings and bulges in seemingly random ways."

Pleats Please mid sleeve shirt, Paul Smith digital fishing print shirt, Zero + Maria Cornejo fold shorts, Issey Miyake APOC leggings and Alejandro Ingelmo sneakers

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Day Four - Style Like U Book Launch

"Well what can I say? My friends at Style Like U have been working towards this book for a long time, and I was happy. 'nuff said…"

Issey Miyake "future rainforest" biker jacket (The design team traveled to Brazil for this collection and collected actual colour samples as close to real rainforest colours as possible!), Great Grandfathers waistcoat (worn inside out because I think the shredding aging lining is beautiful), Thrifted sheer sweatshirt, Club Monaco floral shirt, Thrifted saturated print skirt, Issey Miyake Fete triangle pleats trousers, Alejandro Ingelmo Woosters, Traditional Mexican scarf, Paul Smith x Lola raffia brooch, Vintage elephant necklace, Rope bracelet from The Brooklyn Flea, same RL scarf and cuff as before and a vintage bag also from The Brooklyn Flea

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Day Five - Another School Day

"Ok so this is a very heavy outfit. Heavy on the heavy, heavy on the earthy warm colours and heavy on the Haat (yes another Issey brand...)."

Issey Miyake APOC cutout jacket, Thrifted Ports 1961 red mohair jacket, Haat african textile dress worn as a jumper, +J blue shirt, Haat folder trousers, well loved Chucks, Haat necklace, Charity Shop tie

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Day Six - Upstate Excursion

"Another outing for one of my favorite jackets, visiting the real world of Upstate New York. Wore a hoodie to fit in more… This is my version of practicality: Boots, shorts 'n leggings (for movement), flannel, you get the picture. The photos were taken by my friend Autumn Seguin of The Memory Mine."

Issey Miyake APOC cutout jacket, Random hoodie, Uniqlo flannel shirt, Uniqlo Henley, Zero + Maria Corenjo fold shorts, +J leggings, Yohji Yamamoto x Dr Martens, Vintage Dooney & Bourke bag

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Day Seven - Supermarket Sweeper

"Yes. This really is what I wear to grocery shop."

Cos zipper sweater, Richard Chai cashmere sweater, Thrifted flannel shirt, Haat skirt, Thrifted Laura Ashley skirt, Margiela sneaker sandals, Pierre-Louis Mascia scarf, Guatemalan cross-body bag.

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