ASOS - Varsity Collection

With snow currently falling outside, some may find it hard to think about spring fashion. Yet, with us soon finding ourselves in February the warmer months are fast approaching. I know the idea of freely wearing lightweight open cardigans and polo tops without the winter coat is enough to make anyone shiver right now. However, online giant ASOS are making our spring purchases easier than ever to obtain. With a site that is beautifully simple in its layout and design, ASOS are the largest online only fashion store, offering all things fashion to suit any budget. Saving any need to wander aimlessly around the high street piecing various items together. With their new Varsity collection, ASOS have placed together the alternative key pieces that still remain bang on trend for Spring/Summer 2012, which when combined create a colourful American inspired look that has a ‘relaxed preppy’ feel.

Appearing to have taken influence from fashion weeks and designer collections, Varsity offers the range of styles that will be at the forefront of men’s fashion in the coming months. Staying true to its roots, ASOS caters for any budget, offering branded pieces at as low as £10 up to £135 for Polo by Ralph Lauren. As a result, ASOS make it possible to purchase similarly styled designer and high street garments from one place and from one collection.

With Harrington jackets, tanned desert boots and an array of contemporary rugby shirts at the core of the collection, Varsity offers the on trend colours to go with them. Yellow’s, Green’s and Blue’s combine to form a vibrant look that makes spring edge that little bit closer. 

Adele - Modern day style star at twenty something...

With her heart wrenchingly soulful voice and song writing talents that are off the chart, London born singer Adele has become something of a modern day phenomena. Having released her debut album, 19, in 2008, Adele became someone to keep your eye on. However, it was after the release of her second album, 21, that the world sat up and listened. Having had record breaking global success, the album still tops the charts a year later. However, along with her musical accomplishments in 2011, Adele also came under the watchful eye of the fashion industry. With her enviable autumnal locks, heavy eye makeup and dark toned clothing, the singer has somewhat effortlessly created an almost 'current classic' look. Uncomplicated in its presentation and delivery, Adele always appears refined in her image but by no means dated, often adding modern twists through the use of accessories or colour.

However, after having appeared on the cover of both British Vogue and Cosmopolitan last year, the star is set to appear on the front of the coveted spring issue of U.S Vogue, an issue known for being the most important in the Vogue calendar. This has sparked a wide and varied reaction within the industry and beyond, questioning the decision to put a fuller figured female on the cover. In all honesty, this is a shame as the issue could now be seen as an achievement for that alone as opposed to the celebration of a stunningly beautiful 21st century woman who has achieved global success in her early twenties. I do however feel that although this should be the real reason behind the cover, it can't be completely ignored that an industry known by many for such shallow and superficial values is making such a step to access a wider, more realistic demographic.

Either way the singer has taken the music and most recently the fashion world by storm, maintaining the ability to never compromise herself. Always appearing down to earth, warm and real, Adele is a 21st century icon whom many will love for years to come. I for one am interested to see if the star stays as true to her image as she does to her music.

The wonders of Zara!

Zara. A clothes shop found on most high streets. That many see as an outlet producing expensive clothes for city types. I used to be one of these people until I actually went in and had a look at the items on sale. I couldn't have been more wrong! The clothes in Zara are some of the most interesting and uniquely designed on the high street. Although perhaps not to everybody's taste, a lot of the garments are statement pieces. Which I love. Even basic tshirts are designed in such a way to make the individual wearing it stand out, whether it be the colour or an interestingly cut neck line.

Whereas topshop and topman churn out clothes designed to appeal to the masses. Zara seems to produce clothing for the fashion conscious individual who wants to mix it up a bit! Now don't get me wrong. I shop in topman but it seems so does every other guy who considers themself 'fashionable'. I lose count of the amount of guys I see in skinny maroon or mustard chinos paired with a fair isle knit. Not to say that this isn't on trend but it's nice to see people dress more individually. Expressing their own sense of style. And that is where Zara can help. The clothes sold are only on the shelves for a limited amount of time. Making the chances of seeing someone wearing the same thing very slim. The cost of Zara clothing is also a common misconception. The garments are very well priced - skinny coloured jeans £25. Bargain. Their sales are particularly great as well. Offering a vast range of stylish and interesting tops for as little as 4.99 and bottoms at 14.99. Everyone should pay a visit to Zara and see what it has to offer. As far as I'm concerned, for consistent style and individuality, it has more to offer than any other high street shop.

Celeb turned fashion designer?

It’s come to my attention recently that a lot of celebrities are trying their hand at fashion design. Now I have mixed feelings about this but the thing that strikes me the most is that the profession requires a huge amount of talent in one very specific area. Designing clothes! We all know that fashion makes up a huge part of a celebrities public image and branding, but surely an interest or appreciation for fashion does not mean an ability to create it...and why is it that we never see fashion designer turned singer? Or fashion designer turned footballer? Now I’m not swayed to agree or disagree, however I think it is important to take a look at some of the very people I am talking about, and the clothes they are producing.

Tinie Tempah - Disturbing London.

The collection “Disturbing London” is the result of a collaboration between Tinie, his manager and his cousin Dumi Oburota. The line is focussed on producing menswear that demonstrates the artist’s style, street cool culture mixed with high end fashion.

  

The line has produced a range of shirts, tee shirts, chinos, shorts and hoodies.

Only time will tell as to whether Tinie’s clothing style can survive in the vast competitive world of fashion. I personally hope it does. I really like the designs; they are super cool, and produce a slick urban look that is refreshingly current.

David Beckham - Bodywear at H&M

Mr Beckham has recently released a line of underwear with H&M and it seems the football superstar knows a thing or two about the world of under garments! Having been the face of Armani’s underwear line for four seasons, Beck’s has seen the turnover double, stating ‘It proved to me that there is a real market for good looking, well-made men’s bodywear.” With Victoria’s place in the fashion industry firmly set, it seems the hubby could be heading in the same direction.

Although I feel the pieces look good, and are affordable. Going on the advertising, I can’t help but feel this is a blatant case of men buying them to look like Beckham, or over ambitious women forcing their partners to buy them hoping there is some resemblance when they are worn! (Sorry girls but come on, you would at least give it a go!) Anyway, I expect it to do really well, why wouldn’t it? It’s David Beckham, selling cheap(ish) underwear. Sold.

Kanye West - Kanye West Line and Pastelle

Now, the next individual to come under the spotlight should probably consider avoiding the fashion world for a while. Kanye West has been involved in fashion on and off for a few years now but it seems maybe its best he stays off for a while. After opening and subsequently closing his fashion line ‘Pastelle’ in 2009, West then released another, ‘Kanye West’ in 2011. Debuting the collection at Paris FW ‘11, the star received a critic slamming and it was pointed out that outfits were ill fitted and lacked creativity. It has to be said, after looking at snaps taken at the event, I can’t agree more.  

As a standalone fashion designer, I think West should stand down. His footwear involvement with Louis Vuitton and Nike is even questionable as far as the designs are concerned! However, considering his musical market, I feel this area of fashion is better suited to him, rather than ‘designing’ (ahem) feminine wearable women’s wear.

Just goes to show some have it (or a bit at least) and some don’t...