Sinstar Pop-up, Boxpark, Shoreditch | Spring Summer 2013

Freshly opened in Boxpark pop-up mall in Shoreditch, the new flagship for Essex brand Sin Star offers a range of graphic tees and funky separates where the rock kid look meets a sportier, summer vibe. Founded in 2010 and grown into big name on ASOS as well as a hit with independents, the brand started off doing printed tee shirt but has expanded into a full range for the modern lad's lifestyle. I caught up with designers Sam Bell and Ryan Stipe to chat about the new range.

"It’s about having a good time; it’s about not regretting stuff," says Sam. "It’s quite a rock n roll look; it’s about music, really. That’s where all of this comes from; music." Originally the pair started out as musicians, playing together in band, and that is what informs their design process. Leather jackets and denim are also key. 

Though they are intended for boys, girls could easily nick a Sin Star tee or two from their better half's wardrobe, or indeed pick up one for themselves. "It’s a lot of acid washes, really bright colours and some really dark stuff, which I really like," said Sam. "It's basically just sort of get the party vibe out there." 

I love the saucy glamour model prints. For Sam, it made perfect sense. "Yeah, these are amazing, we worked with an artist who works up front, and we just made a few adjustments, and to be honest, they’re a match made in heaven; they are like a rock n roll magazine." 


With the cheeky girls and funny animal face prints, there is definitely a sense of humour to it all that shows these boys aren't about to take themselves too seriously. "We know people like to buy the more fun stuff as well, I like the more serious, graphic designs, in terms of what they say; Ryan has fun with stuff and he designed the Panda Party one which is amazing." 



On the back of the Boxpark exposure, the boys have big plans for this year, and sunshine and parties seems a good head space to begin. "I’m looking forward to doing a pop up shop in LA", Ryan says. "We’re also just looking forward to giving our customers online and out customers that like our brand, like the lifestyle behind it, because that’s what I would want, if I supported a brand." 

Check out the Sin Star pop up shop at Boxpark, Shoreditch High Street, open until aprox. 9th June, 2013.

Hamilton & Hare Spring Summer 2013

As well you know, gender bending is kinda my thing, right? And ever since working at Mr Porter, my peepers have been opened to the gorgeous attention to detail and subtle statements possible in menswear. More than anything, I'm fascinated by the problems and peculiarities facing boys today, and how they might be different from problems posed to girls.  

Let me introduce you to Hamilton and Hare. Label founder Olivia Francis wanted to fill what she described as a gap in the market; all things considered, it's more like a gaping chasm. Bespoke underwear for men; think about it - while we womenfolk have a wealth of choice, some might even say too much, men are kind of expected to clothe themselves with little more than something with the name of a big brand people below their waistline, but nothing where the shape or fit or colour actually matters.

So back to this new London brand. Just six months young, they focus on classic boxers; unique in focusing solely on mens underwear at all, the niche is one they command to perfection. Created by Raf Simons menswear designer Cameron Foden, their designs are shaped at the waist and in the leg, foremost to look great on the body. In particular, Olivia was not a fan of the "nappy" look most boxers have and set out to change that with success. They are sleek and effortless, inspired by and created for the City of London and the smart gents who work there.

It totally makes sense that this amount of detail should be put into a product most men wear most days. That's a whole lot of boxers. Saville Row tailor Graham Tuckett is also on the creative team, and it shows; their streamline shape also means they sit well under suits and smart trousers. Unique finishing touches taken from shirting can be seen at the hems. Mother of pearl buttons and soft cotton labels mean they are comfortable and luxurious. And why not? Women's undies have long been a retail rescue remedy for feeling low, why not have the boys feel a bit better with a pair of boxers? 

Maybe it's having a female CEO, but borrowing from the girls doesn't end there. The logo of boxing hares is evocative of the item's early history, and the shorts come with a matching pocket square, so those in the know can match their smalls, as well as giving a cheeky wink to anyone watching.

London Collections | James Long Autumn Winter 2013

After Sibling, it was off to The Old Sorting Office for the James Long show. The textures were incredible, all the more sensual against the all-grey concrete backdrop, from quilted leathers to metallic threads in the portrait intarsia sweater to brocade trousers. The bomber shape was pretty key, and the soft shoulder was central with the sweaters too. I loved the colour palette to this collection - earthy and yet exquisite, this was a covetable collection for sure - though those jumpers need a frame around them they're so pretty....

Street Style @ LFW: Ready For My Close Up