Although the polo neck can be a handy go-to sweater during the cold winter months, this autumn/winter season it’s having a rebirth of sorts. From its beatnikpast, to its chic present the polo neck has found glory again after many years of being left on the un-cool shelf. Keep it minimal or go bold, Twin picks four styles for every occasion.

Cashair Rib Roll Neck Sweater, £255.00, joseph-fashion.com & Missoni Woven Knitted Roll Neck, £800, brownsfashion.com

Blake LDN Redfern Medium Sweater in Cobalt Blue, £292, blake-ldn.com & Cooperative Rib Roll Neck, £20, urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Tags: Blake LDN, Cooperative, Joseph, Missoni, Polo Neck, Twin Picks

This Friday, District MTV is taking over the Design Museum to showcase 80’s and 90’s style revolutions for one night only. The late night celebration is hosted by Harvey Nichols’ former Fashion Director, Paula Reed and co-curated by Double Decker, an independent curating agency specialising in design and applied arts. Rewind The Tape set out to explore the sub-cultures we grew to love, from Goth to New Romantic and Acid Rave to Pop – it will display the leading and emerging contemporary talent, including DJs, directors, photographers and designers, all of which were influenced by the 80s and 90s. Paula Reed will also be launching her new books, Fashion in the 80’s and Fashion in the 90’s, as well as head up a number of talks with with young fashion talent. The night’s other activities include 80’s and 90’s themed make-over sessions by London College of Fashion, exclusive film screenings by new directors including MVA and ASVOFF awarded Zaiba Jabber and upcoming DJ’s such as Edifeye and Siobhan Bell will take to the decks. It’s a night full of nostalgia, poping with entertainment and it’s not to be missed.

To be part of the experience, send images of your style during the decades and your pose could be featured during the evening. Send to: rewindthetape@designmuseum.org

Rewind The Tape – Friday 6 December, 6:30 – 10pm

designmuseum.org

Tags: 80s, 90s, design museum

Your leather biker jacket just isn’t cutting it anymore and last year’s coat is too boring/worn out to contemplate, well it’s officially time to invest. The cold weather has come around fast making today as good a time as any. There are so many styles to choose from when it comes to winter warmers, that the process can become a little overbearing. Twin makes it easy for you with the top four trends in coats this season.

The Parka & The Military Coat 

A.P.C. Khaki Fur Hood Parka, £655, avenue32.com & Whistles Military Coat, £295, whistles.co.uk

The Checked & The Shearling Coat 

Zara Checked Coat, £129, zara.com & Acne Velocite Black Noir Oversized Shearling Jacket, £1900, acnestudios.com

Tags: Acne, APC, Coats, Twin Picks, Whistles, Zara

People Tree, the pioneers for sustainable and fair trade fashion have collaborated with Black Score to create a capsule collection set to make us look and think twice about mankind and our interactions with certain animals. Simeon Farrar, the artist-designer behind the playful T-shirts and slogans at Black Score has given the penguins, sharks and foxes of the world a voice and a platform to stick their middle fingers up.

“I’d heard of People Tree for a long time and I really like everything they stand for,” stated Simeon. “So to be approached by them to do this was fantastic for me. What’s nice about the collaboration is that Black Score fans will be educated in where the clothes have come from, about organic cotton and everything People Tree stand for.” To hear more about the collaboration, watch Simeon’s full interview here.

The collaboration will hit stores at the end of November.

peopletree.co.uk

blackscore.co.uk

Tags: Black Score, People Tree

The flats versus heels debate is a daily conundrum for some women. In recent seasons the fashion world has been paying more attention to the more comfortable shoe, giving it new life and our feet a much needed break. For autumn winter 2013 one style has come out on top (when a pair of Nike Free Runners just won’t do). The monk strap has overtaken the brogue for the boy/girl trend. Pair a dress with this season’s flat for a laid-back, cool aesthetic. Twin picks these four luxury pairs for your feet’s contentment.

Pollini Patent Leather Creeper, £475, brownsfashion.com & Henderson Fusion Monk Strap Loafer, £306.91, farfetch.com

Toga Pulla Embossed leather monk strap loafers, £276, matchesfashion.com & Ets. Callatay Womens Riveted Monk Shoes, £436.00, ln-cc.com

Tags: Ets., Henderson, Monk Strap, Pollini, Toga Pulla

Last year Farfetch started its SUPERSTORE initiative to find the best new independent boutique, and now in its second year their search took them all the way to Wadi Bunder, Mumbai. In an attempt to support the growth and creativity of these international fashion destinations, Farfetch gives the winning store a chance to promote themselves to a global fashion audience. Le Mill was once a rice mill, but now the space carries contemporary and internatonal designers such as The Row, Peter Pilotto and Isabel Marant, as well as resident Indian designers such as Sabyasachi and Pero.

Farfetch carefully curates pieces from different concept stores and boutiques from Europe and the US, Le Mill is the first Indian store to join their network. To celebrate, Le Mill worked closely with emerging designers from India to produce a range of exclusive collections which are now available online at Farfetch. Farfetch created a Bollywood inspired fashion film for the occasion.

www.farfetch.com

www.lemillindia.com

Tags: Farfetch, Le Mill, SUPERSTORE

This week the Fashion and Textile Museum opens a new exhibition that takes a look at the literature adored by fashionable women since the 1950’s. Curated by writer and journalist Sarah Vine the selection features novels such as Bonjour Tristesse, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Couples, Lace and The Secret History. The fiction in question has been choosen from the archives of Penguin Books, displayed together with designs by British couture house Bellville Sassoon, they explore the changing taste of some of Britain’s most glamourous women across six decades. With both literary classics and conterversal titles alike, authors such as L.P. Hartley and Truman Capote to Shirley Conran, Marian Keyes and Zadie Smith are highlighted, giving us an alternative view into a certain social history.

‘The design of Penguin paperbacks has always both captured and contributed to the visual culture of the day, connecting writers both old and new with the contemporary reader,” says Joanna Prior, Managing Director of Penguin General.  “This selection of novels, alongside the glamorous Bellville Sassoon dresses on show, provides a glimpse of what the fashionable, style-conscious woman was reading during these decades.’

Fiction in Fashion is open until 11 January 2014.

www.ftmlondon.org

Tags: fashion and textile museum

Meet Alice Ashby, the designer behind BLAKE LDN. With an impressive resume and thorough understanding of the British craft, Alice founded the luxurious knitwear brand just last year and this week annouced that the designs will be stocked in the French concept store Colette. This is one brand to keep on your radar.

Twin caught up with the designer to find out more…

Having worked as Assistant Knitwear Designer for Rag & Bone, co-founded The North Circular and now BLAKE LDN, when did your love for knitwear begin?

I was taught to knit by my Grandmother one Christmas when I was around 10 years old, so that was when I held my first knitting needles. I was always doing something creative, be it sewing, stitching, anything to do with texture when I was growing up. Then it was not until I was at Central St Martins when I specialised in knitwear that I realised this was what I wanted to do and there was actually a career in it.

How would you describe the BLAKE LDN aesthetic?

It is British luxury design, it is wearable and all about texture, be it the yarn, stitch or pattern. The Blake girl is very effortless in her style and can team a piece with jeans or dress it up.

When it comes to knitwear, quality is key. How do you go about choosing the Merino wool, Angora and Loro Piana cashmere for your collections?

I travel to Pitti Filati in Florence twice a year. It is the tradeshow for yarn suppliers. It is great, as I can catch up with our current suppliers and see their new yarns, textures and colours as well as sourcing new suppliers and fibres from around the world. I use a lot of British lambswool and cashmere as well as Italian yarns for angoras and more fancy yarns like boucle and textured yarn.

What inspired the AW13 collection?

AW13 was inspired by vintage ski images, adapting and creating a modern day take on this traditional chunky knit. Looking closely at the yoke, panelling and racing stripes we modernised this by adding angora and clashing hues of cashmere.

What knitwear staples do you constantly return to?

Our Adelaide is one of our signature pieces, we adapt it each season to cotton for SS and cashmere or wool for AW. It is the perfect slouchy sweater and so comfortable. Other than that, you have got to have a great cashmere sweater – when you find the right one it should last forever. Our Aubrey double ply Loro Piana hits the spot. For beanies – it has to be our cashmere Nova beanies. Perfect simple cashmere beanies, the bonus is that they are unisex too.

Twin loves the Redfern Chunky Sweater and Foskett Beanie from the AW13 collection. Which pieces are your favourite?

The Aubrey is one my favourites, I love the colourway of neon, gold, charcoal framed by rich navy. The Foskett sweater is another favourite, an oversized sky blue angora sweater. Then finally it’s the chunky Redfern in cobalt. I love bright blue and in a chunky knit its just perfect.

You are now stocked at Colette. Where else would you like to see the brand sold?

I would love Opening Ceremony, Matches and obviously Net-a-Porter, to name a few. All stores we are working towards… so watch this space.

www.blake-ldn.com

Tags: Blake LDN, Knitwear

Leather is becoming a more favoured fabric than before, finding itself in many different hues and forms – the leather tee is now a wardrobe staple of sorts. Last season, the skinny leather trouser was a key player, but for your 2013 update go slouchy and loose. The conventional leather jacket is an autumn winter favourite of course, but take this sport luxe version as this season’s interpretation. So when shopping for your new season wardrobe, take inspiration from Twin’s top picks of AW13’s material of choice.

Zadig & Voltaire Leather Sydney Overalls in Black, £587, shopbop.com & Gestuz Women’s Alina Leather Top In Baroque Rose, £80, coggles.com

Derek Lam Leather skirt, £ 765.00, thecorner.com & Just Female Quilted Leather Bomber Jacket, £270, asos.com

Tags: AW13, Derek Lam, Gestuz, Just Female, Leather, Twin Picks, Zadig & Voltaire

Mother London wants to see your bush. But in the name of feminism of course. Project Bush is an initiative that asks woman from all walks of life to have theirs photographed on Thursday October 3 anonymously, to stand up to the pressures of modern society.

In working with a number of feminist groups, Mother London’s campaign sets out to discuss feminism in 2013 – how does it manifest today, what are the challenges it faces and what does it mean to be a feminist? What they realise already is that it’s all about choice. However, when it comes to waxing culture, some young women feel the choice is out of their hands. And so by asking women to bare all, they hope to challenge the stereotype and help people see the choice is, in fact, all theirs.

All bushes will be displayed in a public exhibition at Mother London and all involved will be invited with their friends to a public viewing. So if you would like to have your bush anonimously photographed by top photographer Alisa Connan, 15 Minute slots can be booked all day and in the evening of the 3rd by emailing bush@motherlondon.com.

#projectbush

motherlondon.com  10 Redchurch Street, E1 7DD

Tags: Mother London, Project Bush

One print that made its way onto a catwalk or few back in February was camoflage. The military pattern was seen at Micheal Kors and Christopher Kane emblazoned on classically cut skirts, trousers as well as accessories. The print has connotations of 90’s street dressing but this season it’s matured, and struts it’s stuff in a much more elegant fashion. So instead of blending into your surroundings, get any of these Twin picks and go marching into AW13.

MSGM Camouflage Mohair-blend Jumper, £235, brownsfashion.com & Nike Roshe Run Print, £70, stories.com

Christopher Kane Camo-print wool mini skirt, £495, matchesfashion.com & Whistles Camo Jaquard Trouser, £175.00, whistles.com

Tags: Camo, Christopher Kane, MGSM, Nike, Twin Picks, Whistles

After their sell-out event, How Bazaar! in July, the Pamflet girls are back at the Dome Room tonight, hosting another summer salon. BIRDS IN THE WOODS sees Katie Kitamura, author of Gone to the Forest, and Evie Wyld, author of All the Birds, Singing, reading from their latest works. Katie, a New York-based art critic and Granta Best Young British Novelist as well as South-Londoner Evie will also take part in a Q&A after their readings.

The second half of the salon will take the form of a book club discussion, with Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea as the hot topic. The book in question is a Pamflet favourite, inspired by Jane Eyre and was originally published in 1966.

The Summer Salon takes place at The Dome Room at Drink, Shop & Do on 9 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, N1 9DX, London, from 7-9pm tonight, Monday August 5. The next salon, GENERATION, takes place on September 18 with Judith Mackrell, author of Flappers: Six Women of a Dangerous Generation.

pamflet.com

Tags: Drink, Evie Wyld, Katie Kitamura, Pamflet, Shop & Do

Although the online shopping world is preparing us for autumn, we’ve only just now been able to really appreciate our summer wardrobes. In celebration of the late, but very welcomed arrival of summer, we focus on the season’s must have sandals. Time for that long overdue pedicure.

Chloé Two-tone leather sandals, £325, net-a-porter.com & Antonio Barbato Per Tassinari Sandal, £233.53, farfetch.com

Opening Ceremony Fisherman Sandals, £258 £129, matchesfashion.com & Ancient Greek Sandals Black Leather Alcyone Sandals, £110, avenue32.com

Tags: Ancient Greek Sandals, Antonio Barbato Per Tassinari, Chloe, opening ceremony, sandals, Spring/Summer 2013

“I began by looking at women from different continents and cultures,” explained Raf Simons when talking about the recent creations he sent down the catwalk during couture fashion week. His third collection as artistic director of the infamous house was worldlier than its predecessors. “The collection evolved to be about Dior not just being about Paris and France, but about the rest of the world and how many fashion cultures impact on the house and on myself,” the Belgian designer added. These influences came from Europe, America, Asia and Africa and the collection itself was split into four, each lending its own culture to the beautiful designs.

Not only were we introduced to a more modern, multi-cultural Dior women but we were also introduced to Dior Haute Couture the way four very different, highly respected fashion photographers see it. Willy Vanderperre (The Americas), Terry Richardson (Africa), Patrick Demarchelier (Europe) and Paolo Roversi (Asia) were given their own nation to express and took photographs before the show, which were then projected above the catwalk as the models walked down the runway.

With a magnitude of embroidery, billowing silk and a plethora of silhouettes, now the Dior woman can be transported to the country of her choice when dressing for that special occasion.

Tags: Couture Fashion Week, Dior, haute couture, Raf Simons

This weekend J Brand are inviting denim lovers down to Selfridges new denim space on the 3rd floor to celebrate the Little Black Jean, a pair now exclusive to the infamous department store. Having turned to stylist Angela Scanlon to style the Little Black Jean, she will be making an in-store appearance tomorrow to share her denim tips as well as take photos with shoppers.

Customers are invited to photograph themselves in the new style which will then be uploaded to their personal social media channels, with the hashtag #littleblackjean of course. J Brand will also be launching a worldwide competition on the 1st July asking followers to submit images of themselves in their own black jeans for the chance to win a pair of J Brand 620 in Hewson. One pair will be won each day to the image with the most votes. At the end of July there will be a grand prizewinner, chosen by both Selfridges and Angela, who will win a pair of the exclusive Little Black Jean.

 jbrandjeans.com

Tags: J Brand, Selfridges

Phaidon are set to release another great fashion publication, written by renowned fashion commentator Colin McDowell. The Anatomy of Fashion: Why We Dress the Way We Do, is an interesting investigation, mapping the history of clothes from prehistoric times to today. From 18^th Century bumpads to Alexander McQueen’s bumsters, McDowell looks at how pieces of clothing from every period has influenced the way we dress today.

McDowell also reveals intriguing facts throughout the book, such that Ancient Greek women were the first to wear bras and he also discovers the reason why shoes weren’t made with different shapes for right and left until the 1860s. With hundreds of photography, illustrations, paintings and film stills, you’ll find work by designers and artists such as Yves Saint Laurent and Jan van Eyck, Michelangelo and Coco Chanel. The Anatomy of Fashion is a lavish publication, looking at anthropological, sociological and historical perspectives on why we dress the way we do.

“The Anatomy of Fashion is such an innovative and intelligent way to narrate and explore fashion. Colin McDowell’s mind has the clarity to do this to perfection.” -Manolo Blahnik

The Anatomy of Fashion: Why We Dress the Way We Do will be published in September 2013, but you can pre-order now at phaidon.com

Tags: Colin McDowell, Phaidon

It’s that time of year when resort collections start flooding in and designers show us their creations for the in-between season. With so many interesting lines to pick from, we give you the top four that made our cut…

From Acne’s free-flowing fabrics inspired by overgrown gardens, to Chloe’s over-sized silhouette, Resort 2014 has chosen to ditch the tighter figure. Riccardo Tisci took nuances from previous collections and Alexander Wang for Balenciaga took inspiration from the house’s signature billowing shape to create his latest line. All four of these designers have given us plenty to look forward to the seasons ahead.

Chloe

Clare Waight Keller’s latest collection for Chloe has what she calls “barefoot attitude,” pieces that have no need for heels. This relaxed aesthetic was seen through the ultra-wide legged trousers that came in varying lengths and colours. Crisp shirts were tucked neatly in place, trenches became gillets and soft layers took center stage.

Givenchy

Ricardo Tisci blurred both the feminine and the masculine in this collection, contrasting dense cotton fabrics such as twill and denim with materials such as silk jersey and chiffon to show opposing elements. Layers were key, creating a Holly Hobbie rag-doll look with a-line shapes, full skirts and wide pajama pants.

Acne

For Acne’s Resort 2014 line, Jonny Johansson created a more subdued collection compared to the sometimes-experimental garments seen on his catwalks. Oversized, slouchy silhouettes were created by ikat pajamas, satin dresses and biker jackets. Although inspired by Johansson’s garden, the collection featured less green, more tangerine, white and a plethora of rich, royal blues.

Balenciaga

Having travelled to Getaria, the birthplace of Cristóbal Balenciaga to look for inspiration, Alexander Wang found just that in the house’s archives. Keeping to a muted palette of white, grey and black, Wang played with shapes and length, introducing short-shorts, a theatrical bolero and shredded plastic bucket hats to the Balenciaga’s anthology.

Tags: Acne, Balenciaga, Chloe, Givenchy, Resort 2014, Twin Picks

This week marked the release of If All Now Here, the debut LP from Feathers. The girl band from Austin performed last Thursday at The Old Blue Last, giving a hypnotic performance. Undeniably cool, these girls play powerful electronic pop ballads. Anastasia Dimou’s alluring stage presence and ethereal voice created a certain other-worldly ambiance, one that the girls manage to combine with a pop sensibility.

After their performance last week we can’t wait to hear the full album. You can buy it here.

feathers.fm

Tags: Feathers, The Old Blue Last

Last night the new Versus Versace was launched in New York with an unconventional fashion show. Creative Director Donatella Versace and J.W. Anderson were visible from backstage where they prepared the models, while live performances from Angel Haze, Dead Sara, as well as Twin favourite, Grimes, intercut the runway. The whole event was interactive, streamed live, uploaded to Instagram.

Donatella Versace commented that the event was about bringing together everything she loves. “This mix of music and fashion captures the essence of Versus Versace, a label for a new global tribe,” she says. The collection itself plays with the original Versace DNA, reworking it into new pieces with sharp silhouettes and iconic motifs. With collaborations and limited edition pieces, Donatella Versace hopes to make this a new home for fresh talent and creativity.

J.W. Anderson is just one of the first guest designers who will, in turn, show us their take on the Versus Versace spirit. “The idea behind the collection was about a modern, sharp, Versus Versace, with a focus on the shared wardrobe,” says Anderson, “a man in a woman's wardrobe, and a woman

in a man's”. The result is pieces that toy with gender and sexuality, pieces that should be worn with an attitude of fearlessness. The capsule collection will be available online from June 15, in addition to exclusive behind the scenes footage of the making of the collection.

versusversace.com

Tags: Grimes, JW Anderson, Versus Versace

Downsizing is difficult, whichever area of your life you target – this spring, focus on your bag contents. Miniature hand-held accessories are a key trend this season. Perfect for those credit-card-and-lipstick-kind-of-nights. Take a look at Twin’s picks…

Charlotte Olympia Pandora Perspex clutch, £625, net-a-porter.com & Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Metallic Hologram Leather Bag, £890,