Fashion fever has already kicked off in grand style in New York, with flights full of fashionistas landing at JFK. One can only imagine such a stylish customs queue and no doubt those yellow cab drivers will be working those biceps what with all that luggage…

Over here in London things are hotting up too. Yesterday news came through that Allegra Hicks has had to pull out of fashion week due to funding difficulties and today we learnt that former Chloe designer and talented Londoner Phoebe Philo will be taking over the helm at Celine. Add into the mix the possibility that Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney might well design fur-free Bearskin hats to be worn by the guards outside Buckingham Palace. I’m sure the Queen will be popping out with the Corgis to cop a feel.

Charles Anastase has shown in Paris in previous seasons but this September he will debut in London to much anticipation; expect modernity in a non-aggressive way with hints of nostalgic charm. For Spring/Summer 09 the words ‘ballerina’ and more importantly ‘pastels’ have been hinted at, expect it to be the wearable equivalent of a Laduree Macaroon…delicious.

Vivienne Westwood has gone mix-tape crazy and done us all proud with a compilation album released by Mercury Records entitled Catwalk Breakdown. Filled with sixteen of the Fashion Grande Dame’s favourite picks featuring songs such as Last night was made for Love by Billy Fury. According to Westwood she has relied on these classic tunes for years and they have never failed her so now it’s our turn. To celebrate, Selfridges will transform its Wonder Room into everything Westwood, displaying old and new collections alike as well as her one-off designs.

Henry Holland might well have jetted off to New York and be pounding those Manhattan sidewalks with best friend Agnyness Deyn for New York Fashion Week but that has not stopped him from collaborating with Levi’s for Spring/Summer 2009. A six-piece jean collection will form part of his London Fashion Week show and then the very next day hit the racks in Selfridges’ Superbrands section. Using Beverley Hills 90210 as a design cue Holland has reworked the iconic Levi 501 jean with bold floral prints and kooky polka dots. Destined to become something of a classic no doubt.

Next installment coming soon!

 

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James Tregaskes