J. Lindeberg SS11 - The Modern North

The Modern North.

For SS11, J.Lindeberg continue its endeavour of redefining modern classics with a Scandinavian point of view. By respecting old traditions and combing them with the technical advancements of today, Pierangelo D'Agostin's sophomore collection is one of pieces that you wish had been hanging in your wardrobe for years. I first encountered the collection's mix of lightweight functionality and elegance when the look book images dropped in my inbox at the tail end of last month. Ever since then I've been eager to get my hands on the collection and last Friday I got my chance. Before I pick out the key pieces and look at the highlights in more detail, I think it best to take another glance through the look book to help see what my fuss was all about...

"It’s about elegance with a new attitude, we provide the components for you to put together and create your individual point of view"

Artistic Director, Pierangelo D’Agostin.

For inspiration, D'Agostin looks to the ever growing population of urban cyclists of our city landscapes as he revisits not only the aesthetics, but also the purpose, and functionality of a garment. Each garment has been shaped and further developed with technical fabric mixes and
advanced construction methods. Fast becoming the chosen form of city transport for the modern and aware man, cycling, and the function found in utility clothing, evolved from a specific purpose. J. Lindeberg’s focus is to adapt these concepts and apply them to fulfill the demands of the modern world.

A rail of covetable pieces.

Ultimately more relaxed and stripped down to its bare essentials, utility outerwear is reworked to ensure that it is ready for the modern day, urban challenges. Since its very first collection in 1997, J. Lindeberg has successfully combined fashion with sportswear yet it is really under Pierangelo D'Agostin's design stewardship over the last two season that have since the brand grow in to a covetable label. J. Lindeberg is once again embracing its Scandinavian roots and there's an Italian at the helm to thank for it.

The knit in the centre is unbelievable thin yet retains the appearance of a thick cricket jumper.

We all know that the Spring/Summer months can throw up all kinds of challenges and here aviator inspired hoods and military patchwork detailing provide protection. Contrasting patterns enhance shirts and pixelated army prints provide urban camouflage, while trousers are cropped or worn rolled up to offer technical elegance whatever the weather. As an accolade to the cyclist, the ‘Dreyden’ blazer has been created to include technical mesh membrane to evaporate moisture, 4 way stretch for movement and a reflective collar.

A closer look at the Dreyden blazer's collar. Notice the reflective strip.

Reflective turnups.

In a recent interview with Dazed & Confused, D'Agostin mentioned the importance of collaborating with his tailor, Eugenio and revealed one of his guiding statements... 'Perfection doesn't exist. If you find it you are lost. If you are convinced of having found it, it's time to change your job.' SS11 might not be perfection but it cannot be far off. Proportions are streamlined, shortened and tailored closer to the body. Innovative Japanese fabrics are bonded together, constructed with taped seams and ready to perform.

One of the highlight jackets, this is ideal protection from Spring downpours.

I love the fabrics D'Agostin has sourced, this chambray shirt utilises two of them.

The coastline of Scandinavia provides the colour palette; soft and neutral tones of wet sand, fresh white surf and deep marine blues provide a backdrop for the vibrant oranges and corals found on the town houses of Stockholm. The accessories offering has grown considerably this season. Contrasting printed scarves of silk and cashmere in vintage patterns caught my eye in particular as did the brushed suede shoes...

Just look at the combination of fabrics and textures in this look. The moment I saw it, I envisioned spotting it at Pitti Uomo SS12.

A close up of the silk handkerchief in action.

A flash of vintage inspired luxury.

And another...

Even the ties had the most fabulous vintage prints.

This look encapsulates the collection wonderful, well tailored utility clothing for the warmer months.

Ever the shoeist, these brushed suede shoes held my gaze for some time.

Having been soaked a number times in the last few weeks a significant part of me wishes I had the type of lightweight protection afforded by this collection. I live and learn.

Summertime Sales

As the sunshine has been replaced with grey clouds and drizzle in recent weeks we have often found ourselves day dreaming about dressing for the season ahead, Autumn. With exposure to look books and press days it is quite easy for us to get ahead of ourselves. However, we should remember that sunshine lurks behind even the darkest of skies and there will be opportunities to dress accordingly. We should all be used to the great British summertime and we should not fall in the trap of purely dismissing it as a wash out every year it rolls in to town. There are glorious moments where we remove our coats and jumpers to allow our pasty white skin to turn a shade of reddish pink as we celebrate with childlike enthusiasm in the wonders of summer...

A moment in Broadstairs in summer but it could be any seaside town in the UK. Any hope of sunshine attracts the hoards who soon fill up every inch of sand.

An ice cream begins to melt in front of a Broadstairs beach scene.

We are only in mid August so these moments will surely come again. There will be moments where our toes get sand in between them and ice cream will melt unbelievably quickly to leave us in a mess. These are the summer's that we love to moan about but always wring out as much sunshine as we can from every beach towel. We also love a bargain. Now, is the moment to take advantage of the plethora of reduced items on offer, online and beyond, that would add so much to any summer wardrobe. We have selected just a handful of bargains to reinstate our own sense of excitement over the current season...

Clockwise from top left...Mattalini 2 jacket by Post Overals (Garbstore), Jupiter striped t shirt by Velour (Steven Alan), Red swim trunks by Steve Alan (Steve Alan), Reverse seam shirt from Steven Alan (Garbstore), Joe trousers by Hentsch Man (Garbstore), Selvage stripe launch bag by Bill Amberg (Bill Alberg), Sky blue espadrilles by Hentsch Man (Hentsch Man), Recycled flat pack leather slippers by unu (Beyond the Valley), Spinnaker tote by Woolrich Woolen Mills (oi polloi), Hartford striped shorts (Liberty).

Steve's legs on a rare outing in Westgate-on-sea. This shot was taken by his eighty six year old nan. It is framed perfectly.

Take advantage of the sales and then...to the seaside!

Albam AW10

We might not have reached mid August yet but my sweaty, aching limbs are longing to be protected by soft, texture rich fabrics as the hot, stagnant air is replaced with something a little more fresh and biting. During the press day madness back in April I encountered a dream rail of autumnal essentials at Cube. For AW10, Albam have gone back to their starting principle of creating the essential items within a man’s wardrobe, from the classic white t-shirt, through to the Italian made suit and an English crafted Pea Coat and from August to December, each month will see a capsule collection dropped into store. The first of which is imminent and to provoke a little excitement the guys posted the first batch of look book images over on their 'Behind the Scenes' blog.

Shawl collar knit. A perennial brand favourite

Knitwear is produced by a factory for which this AW10 collection will sadly be the last collection they make. The focus is on pieces inspired by the factory’s archive which counts the 1980’s America’s cup yacht team, the military and the Royal family as customers. Styles include the ‘Submariner’ roll neck and the shawl collar cardigan (a perennial favourite of Albam).

Each piece, when released, will be a numbered piece of one hundred produced.

Artisan waistcoat and chambray shirt.

The Albam signature of white details has been revisited to make them more integral to the garment itself. Highlights of this are seen in the linking of the knitwear in ecru yarn, only visible when the garment is opened up. This can also be seen in the taped seam garments creating an internal framework to the pieces.

Artisan pea coat.

Outerwear has become a focus of Albam since the release of the Fisherman’s Cagoule in 2007. Key pieces include the Workwear Jacket in a bonded cotton weave with polar fleece on the inside, which gives a more structured garment whilst being light and warm. Wax fabric also remains key with a workwear style that is crafted from wax cloth as a lightweight casual rain jacket and a Pea Coat, made from an oiled duck canvas from the USA.

Trail parka

The key pieces that embody the ‘Modern Crafted Clothing’ concept are the taped Ventile styles of the Alpine Jacket and Rain Mac. Designed and crafted in England these are waterproof garments, which combine Albam’s love of the outdoors with the forgotten expertise of one of the factories used.

Ventile mac and backpack.

This is just a handful of the styles that are coming through this winter at Albam. Throughout the ‘Essentials’ the styles remain cleanly designed with a focus on fabrication and construction. A number of the developments have arisen following discussions with customers about what they are wanting and where they themselves want to go with things. I love how the guys have remained true to their founding concept, slowly developing and growing their range all the while letting the right customers find them. I'm looking in stocking up on a few new season essentials.

Style Salvage Speaks to...French & English Confectioner's

The wonderfully named shoe and accessories label French & English Confectioner's first came to our attention after one one of its breathtakingly beautiful, hand made patent leather rucksacks was included as one of Fantastic Man's daily recommendations. Since the 18th May we caught sight of it once again during Nathalie Tunna's GFW show and have subsequently attempted to find out as much information about the craftslady behind it all, Cordwainer trained designer Lucie Gonnord. Gonnord's shoe obsession, which began at the age of five with her school sandals, combined with career twists and turns through animation and t-shirt design, culminated in a decision to create one-off and limited edition shoes and bags. All of F&EC's designs are expertly handmade in London. The ever-evolving collection, inspired by the simple designs of a 1970's childhood and a love for all things pop is a sophisticated distraction from the throwaway fashion of the high street. The tradition of hand-making shoes has all but died out in this country but Gonnord uses old equipment and vintage lasts to help keep the tradition alive. Here we talk to the designer about her creations and are allowed a rare glimpse of her secret London workshop...

A look around Lucie Gonnord's workshop...

SS: What were your inspiration, your dreams, and the driving catalyst behind French & English Confectioner's?
Lucie Gonnord: After studying shoemaking at Cordwainers, I started to develop an idea for a design label that would enable me to hand-make my designs. Making is as important to me as designing. Sitting in an office designing for someone else has never appealed to me.

I wanted to continue the tradition of hand-making shoes which has all but died out in this country, and use old equipment and lasts. Making shoes is a very time-consuming process, with little financial reward. You have to do it for love! Making bags too has helped me create a more viable business.

SS: What does French & English Confectioner's mean to you?
Lucie Gonnord: An old sign painted with the words French & English Confectioner’s was revealed during a shop refit opposite my boyfriend’s work in Tufnell Park. He’s a chef and wanted to use the name for his restaurant. After a bit of persuasion, he very kindly gave the name to me, as it fit so well with my ideas. For my website I wanted to create the atmosphere of an old-fashioned shop, and I’m half English, half French. I found out later that the definition of a confection also used to apply to a shoe. I asked a local who had grown up in the area, and he remembered the shop and the jars of sweets in the window.

Hand stitching

SS: What were the first and last item you remember designing?
Lucie Gonnord:The first item I designed for F&EC’s was a pair of women’s shoes, inspired by the Roxy Music song Virginia Plain. They were navy blue 5in platform Mary-Janes with a cream frill down the side, and only came in one size. I didn’t sell any!


I’m currently working on women’s t-bar sandals with a hand-stitched sole. I’ve never made shoes this way before (I normally glue the soles), so it will be a challenge. I love stitching by hand, and this is a traditional technique in shoemaking. I’m beginning to incorporate hand-stitching into some of my bag designs too.

SS: As all of your designs are expertly handmade in London, craft and local manufacture are obviously very important to you. Can you talk us through some of the process involved in creating your bags? What can you tell us about the workshop?
Lucie Gonnord: After making the pattern, which takes a lot of time and thought, I cut the leather by hand and prepare all the straps, fittings and buckles. I skive (make thinner) the leather for trims by hand. I sew everything on my 1930’s machine, which has a post bed especially made for shoemaking. It’s a bit of a beast and unbelievably heavy, but still works really well. Then I fit all the eyelets and rivets.

A closer look at the craftsmanship of the rucksack

SS: Could you talk us through your current range of bags for men and the inspiration for each?
Lucie Gonnord: I designed a music case, inspired by one that my brother had as a kid. It was vintage even then, and had J. Arrowsmith scrawled in ink on the inside, so I named it after that. It’s perfect for carrying a laptop in.

The patent leather rucksack was specifically designed for men, but works well as a unisex piece. It’s based on the classic canvas rucksack you used to see everywhere in the 70s, but can’t get anywhere now. The two-tone patent gives it a modern reworking.

The weekend bag was the design that started me making bags. I was going to Paris for the weekend and didn’t have any chic luggage! I then made one for my friend, Stephen, who cycles everywhere. He was impressed that he could fit and carry four bottles of Prosecco in it! It also works well as an everyday bag. I still use mine all the time. Making it made me realise that bags could be a good addition to my designs.

The Arrowsmith, Tote and Messenger

SS: The website informs us that men's shoes will soon be available. As a self confessed shoe obsessive, what would you like to see on men's feet? What does the new collection look like?
Lucie Gonnord: I only use vintage lasts for my shoe designs, as I want to re-use old equipment rather than buying new. I’m still looking for a set of men’s lasts, it’s difficult to find a full size run, but as soon as I do I will design a small collection for men. Most of my designs are re-workings of old classics, so I’d like to make simple, wearable shoes, which hopefully will be unique and interesting, but not over-designed.

I like the fact that more men are now wearing proper shoes, like Church’s, and getting away from trainers. I also have a hatred of flip-flops, so a nice, smart covering of the feet always makes me happy!

Designing for men is always a challenge, finding the balance between something interesting and something men actually want to wear.

SS: Is there an item of clothing or accessory that you’d like to see more men wear?
Lucie Gonnord: It’s nice to see more men wearing smart, classic accessories and coats, and investing in pieces that will last. I prefer stylish to fashionable, especially on men.

The patent leather rucksack in all its beauty.

SS: If you could go back in time and experience any moment in style, what would it be?
Lucie Gonnord: The 1930s and 40s, when all men wore hats! And people looked after and repaired their clothes and shoes. People seemed generally to be more well-groomed then. Now it’s so easy to run around in jeans and trainers, I’m the worst for it when I’m busy, so I really admire people who make the effort to look dapper.

SS: Finally, how do you see French & English Confectioner's developing over the next few years?
Lucie Gonnord: First of all, I want to build up the business to a point where I don’t have to work as well! My aim was always to make an OK living out of it, but it takes a lot of time and hard work to feel secure enough to take the leap.

Building up the label online is my first priority. Then hopefully I’d like to open a shop/workshop. If you’re paying for somewhere to work, it makes sense to be able to sell from it as well. I also think it’s good for people to see things being made.

When I have more time, I’d like to start making more shoes again. Taking on apprentices is something I want to do in the future.

The 1930s machine in action

In discussion: Time travelling style

Throughout history there have been countless sartorial snapshots or eye pleasing periods of men's dress which we look back on now either wishing we could experience for ourselves or indeed wanting to emulate that particular sense of style in the present day. Here we talk to a selection of our favourite designers to hear which periods of style or which fashion moment they would gladly hope in to Doc's Delorean to experience for themselves...

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If you could go back in time and experience any fashion moment, what would it be?

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Nick Thomas, Head Menswear designer at John Smedley.

"I remember someone telling me about the moment that the first ever dye colour was discovered, Mauve. What a moment that must have been, to see it appear on cloth, and how different from the normal dreary palettes of yore. It paved the way for brands like us for who colour is integral. We’ve got a lot to be thankful for, it made the world a much more colourful place I’m sure. Mauve is definitely underrated."

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Hannah Martin, jewellery designer.

"I love everything about the 30s. Any architecture, furniture and clothing wise because it isn't as flash as the 20s and everything is toned down."

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Matthew Miller, designer.

"Perfect Moment? The Mods and Rocker era of the Sixties, fast women stylish bikes and amazing suits. What more could a man ask for?"

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Harris Elliott, accessories designer.

"Have to be turn of last century where you would wear formal clothes even if you were cleaning the streets."

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Matthew Murphy, Owner/Buyer/Designer at b Store.

"The beat generation."

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As we are all somewhat obsessed with men's dress we will all have our own particular favourite. Perhaps you lived in your golden era or you might have fallen in love with it via the silver screen. We want to hear all about your enthused stories and obsessions.

Forgotten Fit

Forgotten Future

Last month I encountered the designs of Forgotten Future twice in as many hours. Initially by the unveiling of the label over on oki-ni, quickly followed by an encounter with the creative mind behind the label, Richard Dawson at Stitch. This two fold introduction allowed me to fully acquaint myself with the label and by lunchtime I was a fan, a post soon followed. A few weeks later and a package arrived in my mail box containing a pair of high waisted corduroy trousers in burgundy. Dawson was so pleased with my post and the fact that I instantly understood the label that he sent me one of the highlights from his AW10 collection as a huge thank you. I have to confess that gifts always make me feel a little uneasy because they are wholly unnecessary. I only write about the brands that I truly love, there is no agenda. That said, on the odd occasions that I do receive a gift from one of those love brands, the item will be cherished and these cords are no exception...

A closer look at the front detailing.

Forgotten Future's sophomore collection was influenced by an eclectic mix of inspirations, from Eton schoolboys to No Wave to Constructivism. These seemingly disparate influences combine wonderfully to create a collection that expresses the kind of sartorial nonchalance which I aspire to demonstrate in my own attire during the cooler months. Along with a high degree of workmanship, silhouette and proportional experimentation are both key to Forgotten Future's aesthetic. These burgundy cords wonderfully encapsulate all that is exciting about the label. Now, these are the first pair of high waisted trousers I have worn for as long as I can remember. Despite admiring pairs from the likes of bstore and Tim Soar in recent seasons I have chose to sit this style out. I doubted whether or not my medium frame could really pull them off with any level of success. I could hide no longer with this beautiful pair hanging in my wardrobe. Below are the results of my first, of undoubtedly many high waisted experiment...

The Forgotten Future cord trousers worn with +J Collection chambray shirt from Uniqlo and Kudu boots by Lodger.

A close up...I love the pleated front detailing and the dominant use of zips.

A close up of the Kudu boots on one of their first outings for a few months.

Thanks to Forgotten Future I am no longer afraid of high waisted trousers. I am most pleased with this first experiment and am looking forward to experimenting with them over the coming months as we welcome in the new season. Roll on autumn...

Gainsbourg: Unlikely Style Inspiration

The very mention of Serge Gainsbourg conjures up images of a true French style icon. The swirls of smoke, the conveyor belt of beautiful women, the double-breasted jackets worn with well tailored shirts unbuttoned, the white Repetto jazz shoes or the black cuban heels, the Breitling Navitimer watch and the seemingly ever present stubble. Yes, Gainsbourg's suits and jackets were impeccably tailored, his shirts always fit just right, but it was his attitude that really defined his style. Over his exciting, inspiring and controversial career he showed that one can always wear great clothes, but superior style comes from within. So, it was with some sartorial excitement that I sat down in front of a screening of Joann Sfar's movie portrait, Gainsbourg (Vie Heroique) earlier this week. Even though the film might have lacked a coherent narrative at times, I enjoyed Eric Elmosnino's performance (an actor with an eerie resemblance to the man himself) and often found myself wishing that I would catch a glimpse of Mr Hare's Godard shoe in one of the shots...

However inspiring these style snapshots were it was during the earlier moments of the film that really left the greatest style impression on me. Sfar, who based the film on his graphic novel, boldly sites Gainsbourg's musical career in its political context and unapologetically positions his leading character's talent and complex personality in relationship to his Judaism and French antisemitism. Gainsbourg's Jewish identity is a source of tension throughout the film but it is during a look at the young musician that it is at its most significant. Our hero during his boyhood is played superbly by Kacey Mottet Klein. We see young Lucien startled by an antisemitic cartoon poster, and realising that this crude daub is supposed to refer to him and his kind. It is during these moments and his early demonstrations of rebellion that offer a more interesting style proposition...

Rather than instilling a desire to attempt a roll neck and a double breasted pinstripe jacket, in homage to one of Gainsbourg's most iconic look, Sfar's biopic left me contemplating the idea of well tailored outerwear teamed with shorts, long socks and boots. I expected to fall for the Gallic charms of Serge but found a great deal more sartorial intrigue around Lucien. Unlikely style inspiration indeed.

PETROU\MAN SS11

Almost a year to the day I first encountered the design work of Nicolas Petrou. The launch of PETROU\MAN deservedly received a fair bit of blog love (with Filep Motwary first out of the blocks) as folks were all excited to see the Cypriot designer turn his hand to menswear for SS10. The fanciful images he created for the look book which aim to represent elements of everyday life certainly capture the eye and the imagination. Inspired by men's active sportswear, the debut offering is a mix of patterns, mesh and is a reinterpretation of classic jackets and shirts. I quickly became a fan and was then fortunate enough to document his sophomore collection during New York Fashion Week back in February. I was able to witness first hand the designer's skill in creating a rich, unusual texture achieved through his combination of fabrics and prints. It also allowed opportunity to marvel at the intricate, hand finish detailing including hand dyed tartan suits and embroidered shirts and jackets celebrating the nomads much used tool; the humble safety pin. The collection confirmed that this exciting designer was one to watch and I for one was hooked.

Shots by Nicolas Petrou illustrating the mix of prints.

I have been itching to reveal his vision for SS11 ever since I first heard positive murmurings about it over on Selectism during their coverage of Capsule. Having caught sight of the super soft denim and attention grabbing madras, I was eager to see more and dropped Nicolas an email. Remarkably, he soon replied with a selection of iphone shot images that he snapped while showcasing the collection to buyers and press alike at one of the many US trade shows. This is the collection I've been crying out for all season. Now that most of the buying business has been carried out, Petrou and his team have shot a wonderful look book which I can happily share with you but first a few words from the designer himself on the key inspirations...

"As workwear and heritage lifestyle make way for vintage surf inspiration, Nicolas Petrou combines them all in one unique form with his spring/summer 2011 PETROU\MAN collection. Washed fabrics and hand sewn madras prints are combined with twill and high-tech touches to maximize garments’ breathability and sportswear fusion. Soft denim suiting, pleated trousers, and 50’s inspired tribal prints cut proportions in a manner that defies tradition."

Look book credits: Model: Lyle Lodwick (RED). Photography: Idris and Tony. Styling: Julie Ragolia. Hair & Grooming: Sylvia Dimaki.

The washed fabrics, soft denim tailoring, hand sewn madras and 50s inspired tribal cuts come together beautifully to create a collection to truly covet. Petrou is a designer who mixes fabrics and prints with great skill and his demonstration of craftsmanship never ceases to surprise me. Now, I have to confess that I have spent the last few weeks longing to press the fast forward button on this summer season as my wardrobe screams out for autumnal layering of rich fabrics. Somehow, this collection manages to force me to rethink my haste. I'd happily press pause on this season and live in a constant state of heat and sweat in the capital if I could cool myself off in one of these designs. The collection will of course be presented during NY Fashion Week for buyers and will be styled by Robbie Spencer once again. Having been treated to such a beautiful sneak preview of this PETROU/MAN collection, I'm looking forward to New York even more.

Leitmotiv SS11

If yesterday's post involved Peter Jensen grasping my cautious hand before leading me confidently in to the dazzling and uneasy world of prints, this one sees me getting slapped silly at the hands of Leitmotiv and their penchant for clashing and layering of the whimsical. You might recall that the creative duo behind the label first came to my attention at Pitti Uomo and I introduced their colourful designs soon after. What I didn't tell you in my initial post was how I acquainted myself with their designs. As you know, I was fortunate enough to find myself at the beautiful Jil Sander show which was held in the elaborate garden of a spectacular villa in the far hilly reaches of Florence. As much as I was blown away by the colourful march of Simons' models, my gaze was drawn to two men sitting just in front of me wearing the most attention grabbing all print ensembles. These two gentlemen were Fabio Sasso and and Juan Caro, the creative minds behind Leitmotiv and they were wearing two looks from their SS11 collection. Just over a month on and I can finally share their SS11 look book with you. Prepare to be dazzled like I was by the combinations of paisley, camouflage, polka dots and digital prints....

Of course these creations frighten this print cautious blogger but I like to be pushed from time to time. These Leitmotiv creations encompass both the ancient and the modern, all the while creating an eclectic, ironic, visionary array of designs. By looking to past centuries and different worlds, these prints provide a smile inducing collection. Sasso's passion for tailoring and constant Baroque thoughts combine with Caro's passion for art and all things Gothic. This fusion of these seemingly disparate styles create clothes and accessories that contain the most fantastic stories. The label is an artistic project with a bright and colourful language which frequently teeters on the edge of dreams and theater. It is a label that references art and fashion while showcasing great craftsmanship.

Picking Peter Jensen

Peter Jensen's signature bunny rabbit is a telltale sign of his quirky accessories and smile inducing touches that always accompany his collection.

Peter Jensen is one of those designers that I have often admired from afar but for one reason or another his designs have eluded my wardrobe. No longer. Over the weekend the designer opened his studio doors on Shacklewell Lane for a sample sale and this opportunity was too good to miss. Jensen's whimsical creations offer a Scandinavian approach to directional day wear that reaches out to the comical and the colourful in all of us. As soon as I entered the well organised sale space my eyes were drawn to the SS10 rail and a printed long sleeve shirt in particular...

A closer look at the silhouette scene

My apprehension towards prints in all of their myriad of forms is well documented on the blog, as is my desire to turn this sartorial uneasiness in to a gun ho approach of colours and designs. Who better to hold my cautious hand and confidently lead me through in to the world of prints than the playful London based Dane? This SS10 find evokes memories of my childish attempts to create paper cut portraits. Of course, my creations come along way short of this silhouette scene. Here, children play with balls, playful dogs excitedly pull on their leads, hatted gentleman confidently totter down the road. I'm not quite sure what imagined scene the print depicts but I'm quite sure that I would have there if I ever visited.

To ease myself in to the world of print I decided to layer the printed shirt under a simple navy cashmere sweater from M&S.

A close up of the collar detail. One quiet day I might name the characters...

The playful cuff.

Jensen has carved out a reputation as a designer whose impeccably produced creations thread together mischievous humour and a celebratory approach to individuality, with an impressive attention to detail and lightness of touch. This approach is clearly apparent in his designs for both men and women - the results of which always deftly remain on the wearable side of unconventional. His is a spirit which manages, seemingly effortlessly, to be simultaneously modern and timeless, fun yet rather clever, too. It is infectious. For me, this sample sale gem embodies everything that is wonderful about the designer.