Vintage déjà-vu

A/W 2011 season brings back both the 60s and the 70s, reasserting that vintage is definitively here to stay.

But what do “real people” go for, when it comes to shopping?

I’ve been asking it to Shoreditchers, where vintage is not just a trend but a true lifestyle.

By Val Moro

Time to raid your grandmother’s wardrobe in search for that piece that will make your look unique.

For those addicted to high end fashion and the trends seasonally set by the industry, catwalks at both Paris and Milan fashion weeks showed a true interest in putting vintage in the limelight.

Heritage brands such as Gucci and Prada picked up, respectively, the most glamorous side of the Seventies and a certain playful approach from the Sixties.

That is, femme fatales against (unconventional) dolly girls.

Which look is going to win? Trendsetters and buyers from all over the world have different views on that, while the street has extremely clear ideas about it: always keep an eye on what’s going on around you, but in the end do it your own way.

No matter what glossies say.

Summer Trends Revisited

by Anne Z.

As we head into autumn we get bombarded with new trends and styles. But there is always more than one trend a season and not everybody is necessarily going with it. A short visit to Spitalfields Market reveals what summer trends young fashionistas have adopted.

This being summer in England, there are no sunshine trends in sight when I arrive at the market; everybody is warmly wrapped into jumpers and jackets. Even so, people are keen to talk about their favourite summer piece.

Expecting a more suttle colour palette for the future season, there seem to be two ways of dealing with the past. Wear bold and bright fabrics to mark the difference or save money by buying hot weather pieces like maxi skirts in earthy warm colours, like 19 year old Emma, a student from Epsom university.

Either way, this means reacting on and adapting trends. Besides that, there are also the ones who are always fashionable, but who insist that they are wearing the same styles for several seasons. For example denim jackets and shorts. But you`ll still find little up to date influences, e.g. the shorts being denim cut-offs combined with a vest this year.

Though I very much like and completely understand (!) the fact that people care about their lookings, I do have a secret heart for those who don´t listen to trends at all. „It´s jeans and t-shirts, like every year“, says Sagun, 32, trader at the market. Not very exciting, but in times of ever so fasten changing trends maybe even a little braver than the rest of us.

Emma and Olivia, 19, students

Bringing Street Style Home

It’s a balmy, mid-August day and the lunch hour rush is in full swing at Spitalfields, as urban professionals hurriedly chase down a cup of coffee from one of the street food venues. Jostling with them are the summer tourists who have come to London in search of our world famous art, fashion and design.

 It is no surprise then, to find them scouring Spitalfields Market for hidden treasures and original fashion finds. London is the leading city for spotting street style, with our laid back, eclectic and creative anything- goes -approach we turn out some of the best looks on the block. And our markets are the locals’ high street.

Along with the tourists, I love to wander the area. While no longer the fashion secret it used to be, there is still an air of excitement in rummaging the rails, breathing in the vintage fabrics or finding that one of a kind piece. But today it is the market vendors who have caught my eye. It is their home, and the sartorial choices they make, from paired down military jackets to ethnic print wrap blouses not only reflect their wares but the creative canvas of our city.

By Marissa Baxter

The style of the street

By Gabriella Albuquerque

This situation is common in London: you are on the streets, you suddenly see a person so full of personality and style that you can’t look away. Am I correct? The fact is the clothes themselves do not necessary draw attention, the most important thing is the mix of style with charisma and persona.

In Covent Garden, for example, this is always happening with me. We can see a lot of types of styles and street fashion. And, you know, study fashion journalism or design isn’t just know about labels or magazines, like Vogue. The streets are like a real book, you can learn about what the people really use. And more, why they use this? Actually, clothing is always more than just clothes.

For the photographer Gorde, for example, labels aren’t something important. “I prefer buy clothing in unknown stores and mix with my accessories, is more particular”, she said. For her, fashion is being free. But for the student Andrew is good learning about street style and is essential knowing about brands because he studies fashion design.  

So, when you go to the streets and talk with the people about what they are using, you can understand what exist behind the clothes. Who would know what the favourite brand of Jemane is if she doesn’t said that? “I love Fred Perry and the style of his clothes”, she said. Sometimes clothing doesn’t say everything about the people. Is essential for fashion journalists and designers learn about people too, not just about clothing and labels.

After all, are people who wear the clothes and inspire us.

Fashion start from street!

Fashion start from street!

By Fatma Kertikoglu

Wowed by fashion? Why not head down to Covent Garden where you can see some of London’s most stylish people, many of them visitors to the capital.

For me, fashion in Covent Garden is crazy; you come across so many different trendy people. Some of them don’t really care about fashion, they only wear what they feel comfortable in, some of them wear their own style, and some really care about brand names.

For example 26 years old Elena likes wearing thing which makes her happy such as colourful and trendy clothes, one of her favourite brand is top shop she found it quiet reasonable and trendy also she likes buying some different kind of fashion accessories from top shop.  

On the other hand photographer Garde wear what ever she finds, she doesn’t like spending much money for her cloths, she specially buy her cloths from charity shops or bargain sometimes she only restyle her old clothes make it wearable for the second or third times.

Fashion designer student Andrew thinks Fashion start from street, it is good for him to see many different trendy people around Covent Garden it gives him some ideas about his new design.

Obviously it is not very difficult to understand street fashion, when you look around. Easily it gives us some ideas about what kind of design people wear which brand they like. Also it is quiet useful to take their opinion about the street fashion and famous brand.

Wear what I say, not what I do

Ask people what they can’t stand and you’re guaranteed a passionate answer, even from the most casual looking hipster. That’s what I found in Shoreditch one afternoon when I asked what fashion trend or item was most deplored.

The responses were reassuring for most of us who don’t consider flip flops a valid complement to an outfit. Or those who firmly believe that if your shirt does not reach below the hips, trousers must be worn. I encountered a typical resistance to the revival of the more clichéd 80s staples and I confirmed that men do not appreciate the shapeless maxi.

Even in this scenario, I found that what you wear is often louder than the opinion you’re voicing. Louise, 21, right on trend and colour blocking like a champion mused, “I like a really classic look... I don’t like following trends at all”... even her Chanel quilted bag was cobalt blue. Or Ben, 21, who was raging against the lack of individuality in women’s fashion while adjusting his beige trousers.

Shoreditch is clearly the scene for strong opinions about fashion, whether you’re wearing a prison jumpsuit with heels or having a rant.

By Rebecca Pearson

It's a jungle out there.

Perhaps I’m just shy, perhaps I’m just young, or perhaps it’s just the fact I’ve lived in London for too long. But the idea of asking strangers –Londoners no less –to tell me their name, where they work, where they buy their clothes and the dreaded, how old are you. A very scary thought. 

It’s noon, ravenous office workers disperse onto Spitalfields as quickly as their high heels will let them, in desperate search for nourishment, their next fix of caffeine or that well deserved cigarette after a morning of meetings, endless emails and over bearing bosses. You can imagine these are not the people you wish to bother.

Detouring away from the madness, I came across Spitalfields Market –a place I had not visited since childhood. It seemed almost tranquil among the wildness raging on outside. Here I found, a magical array of bohemian chic and city sophistication. The range of products and garments available brings a diverse and colourful element to this city where grey concrete seems to be the national palette.

Hidden in the back of their tiny stalls, are the market vendors who with their proud individuality magically enhance the edgy an urban feel to this little known gem.

Written By Georgina Ardill

Men's Fashion Rebirth

There is a renaissance in men’s fashion with men swapping the ‘uniform-like’ clothes they’ve been wearing for the past two decades for an entirely more personal approach to dress. Previously the sole domain of the noughties ‘metrosexual’, fashion seems to be playing an increasingly large part in the professional male’s life. On a recent trip into the capital to survey the urban male in his natural habitat, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of men who clearly took an active part in planning and putting together their ensembles.

Visiting the new London menswear-only tradeshow ‘Jacket Required’ (Aug 7-8) showed me that not only have men changed their relationships with fashion, but that the men’s fashion industry is changing too, with the some of the most exciting fashion of the season. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this season the menswear collections far outshine womenswear. Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy all had particularly strong men’s collections and if the offerings from Graduate Fashion Week are anything to go by, the likes of Yan Liang and Matteo Molinari are two of a barrage of young designers who are determined to keep men’s fashion a very exciting place to be in the future.

Dries Van Noten S/S 2012

Louis Vuitton S/S 2012

Givenchy S/S 2012

Matteo Molinari

Yan Liang

Posted by: Kate Williams

A Man’s Urban Jungle by Rebecca Roe

Pursuing the most stylish men, asking them their fashion opinions and what they wear.

From the six men I interviewed and photographed, all had very strong opinions on fashion, what they wear, and buy. Most worked outside the grand and imposing Liverpool Street station, during today’s lunch time rush, I was “creative industries”, from painters to fashion designers and art directors. Each had different influences that dictated their wardrobes.  

All agreed that catwalks and high fashion influenced their style, as their jobs involved them having to keep a close eye on up and coming trends. Each of the men had a smart yet edgy look; black jeans seemed to be staple among them. Each one was wearing a designer label, from Hugo Boss to Alexander McQueen. But even though they wore a lot of designer clothing, they said they were not afraid to mix it with high street and vintage.

It’s safe to say that not all British men wear socks and sandals, and generally they have evolved their style to become a very well suited and booted bunch.

MY SUMMER STYLE

As we head into Autumn, Zoe and Anne from LCF interrupted lunch to ask at Spitalfields Market: "What was your Summer Style?"

Fixed Fashion

Anthony, 25, store manager, West Hampstead

"My summer look consists of vests, cut-off denim shorts and denim jackets. It was mainly the same thing last year, nothing really changed."

Summer Suit

Anna and Olivia, 13, students, Bath

"We wear playsuits, more than last summer. Most of them floral."

Selfsame

Sagun, 32, trader, London

"I am not very fashionable. I mostly wear jeans and t-shirts, always dark."

Print Passion

Anya, 16, student, London

"I've really got into star prints, tie-dye, head scarves and 60s dresses. My favourite piece this summer was the gypsy blouse I am just wearing."

Pleasing Pleats

Emma, 19, student, Epsom University

"I love this pleated maxi for this summer. But for the colour I can also wear it in autumn."

Colour Crush

Helen, 19, drama student, London



"I like florals and lace, but that comes every summer really. But I definately did more bold and colour-blocking this year."

Sportswear from the 80s

Andrew, 29, freelance art director from London.

He's definitevely got a thing for the 80s.

His love for sports is reflected in his passion for 80s sneakers (even if right now he's wearing Chuck Tailor All-Stars), which he usually buys in selected vintage stores around London.

Report by Val Moro

Prints galore from the 70s

Adam, 28, unemployed (for the moment!) from Nottingham.

He likes the use of prints and graphics of the 70s.

He's got a huge collection of printed shirts, and he loves his Pan Am shoulder bag.

Report by Val Moro

Take Me To Market

Tucked behind the well dressed offices of Spitalfields, there is a small community that captures the bohemian vibe of London street style. With tourists flocking from all around the world, Spitalfields Market is one of London’s street fashion gems. Georgina Ardill and Marissa Baxter scoured the market for LCF to discover the people behind the stalls.

Deborah, a leaflet distributor epitomises her home country's minimalist French chic pairing the now classic skinny jeans and an over sized jumper, creating a laid back yet stylish look.

Naoko Sato, a market vendor incorporates her personal style within her work outfit. Wearing a printed wrap around jacket from her stall paired with relaxed pair of 70s flared jeans.

Samzoe, retailer for GoldKid clothing maintains his street style look, fitting with the casual ethos of the GoldKid aesthetic.

This outdoor clothing vendor (name withheld) chooses to sport his own design, creating a tailored urban look with his outdoor military jacket and contrasting pair of vintage frames.

Nerd is the new cool

Lulu, 21, shop assistant at Brick Lane's Rokit.
She loves 90s' nerdy outfits.

For a girly touch, she likes sparkling details such as glittery make-up and bright nail varnishes.
Her source of inspiration are tv shows such as "Daria" and "Freaks and Geeks".

Report by Val Moro

Seventies allure

Ria, 17, high school student from London.

She likes the 70s boho look.

Her favourite garment is the iconic wrap dress, while for accessories she likes wide brimmed hats.


Report by Val Moro

London's Street Fashion

Fashion Boy

Andrew, 20. Student.

From Edinburgh.

“Streets’ London are really good to learn about fashion because everybody is different. Here the people are more free to wear what they want than other countries, is a mix of cultures. My favourite brand is Givenchy, but is difficult choice just one, I like Hacker too.”

Freedom Fashion

Gorde, 25.  Photographer.

From Lithuania.

“London has amazing street fashion styles, people like to wear stylish colourful clothes. To be honest I stay a bit different from main street brands. I wear what ever I find and match them with fashion accessories, don’t care about brand name.”

Fashionable

Elena, 26. Student.  

From England.

“I love street fashion in London, we can see many different styles. For me it is important to wear something which makes me happy, especially I like colourful and trendy clothes. One of my favourite brands is TopShop because has everything trend.

Sporty girl

Jemane, 30. Fashion designer.
From England.

“For me the streets are nice to see cultures. Everyday is different, we can have new ideas when we see others people using something like mix strips with plaid. And my favourite brand is Fred Perry because is sport wear.”

Urban Jungle

‘Schoolboy Posh’

Matt, 23, Teacher of American Sign Language

‘For me, fashion is very relevant. It sparks my interest and gives me inspiration to reinterpret the looks to suit me. I love to regularly recreate myself.’

Vest: H&M
Top: Armani      
Shorts: Forever 21           
Shoes: Gucci

‘City Vintage’

Eric, 28, Art Student

‘Fashion is so inspiring. I love to bring it in to my everyday life, mixing High Street, Designer and vintage finds together to create my own unique look.’

Hat: Topman    
Jacket: Rokit      
Jumper: Vivienne Westwood     
Jeans: Alexander McQueen

‘Own Brand’

Angelo, 30, Fashion Designer

‘As a designer, fashion is such an integral part of my life. I live, sleep and breathe fashion.’

Jacket: Dries Van Noten                               
Everything Else: Own label

‘American Prep’

David, 23, Actor

‘I’m definitely not a slave to trends, but I do like to look to fashion for inspirational influences.’

Jumper: Marc Jacobs     
Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger   
Bag: Louis Vuitton

‘City Sport’

Ian, 41, Creative Director

‘As I work in design, I use many elements of fashion in my work, but I mainly look towards classic European design with good quality fabrication.’

Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger     
Vest: Adidas Golf            
Jeans: Hugo Boss            
Shoes: Aldo

‘Beg, Borrow and Steal’

Michael, 21, Painter

‘Fashion is not very relevant to me as I very rarely buy clothing for myself –I rely on gifts, hand-me-downs and flea markets. I have an easygoing and evolving wardrobe.’

Jacket: Gift     
Shirt: Vintage    
Trousers: Unknown           
Shoes: Borrowed from brother

Scouted (harrassed) by: Rebecca Roe and Kate Williams

Urban Vintage

Angela, 20, Student wears £40 Creepers from Camden Market, Cheap Monday denim jeans, a vintage Lacoste tee and a £90 vintage leather jacket to create an urban look that conforms to current trends.

Casual Rainy Day Cool

Allesandro, 24, Photographer teams classic Levi jeans with bold band T shirt, complete with American Apparel hoodie. He adds a vintage barbour jacket and tan satchel to complete his practical look.

Seventies Biker

Haley Nunn, 27, Stylist

Jacket: Whistles

Skirt: Topshop

Bag: Zara

Haley is the definition of mixing comfort with style. She creates one look using a combination of trends: seventies, biker with a sophisticated edge. Haley pulls off a look which is overloaded with texture- leather, felt and sheer- by complimenting it with the simplistic hues of black and tan. Personally, we adore her style and think she looks effortlessly chic and ready for the Autumn/Winter season.

Goldilocks Gone Grunge

Nicola Bligh, 19, 

American Apparel sales assistant and Company magazine intern

Top: Topshop, Jeans: American Apparel, Jacket: Peakaboo Vintage, Shoes: Vintage Roket, Necklaces: Vintage

We love her bold style: tomato red drainpipes meet masculine boots and leather jacket. The crochet cardigan adds another length to the statement outfit.

Floral and Fearless

Jamelia, 19, costume designer

Kimono: Primark
Shirt: Charity Shop
Jeans: Topshop

Jamelia is a true individual, she likes to be different and enjoys fashion. She feels confident in how she dresses and doesn't care about what people think.
Her floral kimono brings out a feminine touch whilst the boots give it an edge.
We like this style because it is versatile, unique and the colours compliment her skin tone and hair colour.

Emigration of Style

Marie, 16

Student

Wearing : Leather jacket, Asos. Dress, vintage. Boots, Topshop.

Marie shows us Scandinavian cool, wearing vintage from her hometown mixed with the British high street, creating an effortless chic look.

Decadently Distressed

Alex, 31, Stylist

Mixing sophistication and sexy grunge; Alex wears a tailored blazer from Zara and black leather bag by Prada, paired with Topshop distressed leggings, army-inspired lace up boots from H&M, and a vintage t-shirt.

Mannequins

I can't remember which jeans brand this is, but these are some seriously well lit mannequins.