We’re a little bit in love with this campaign… Kind of makes us want to dress head to toe in Surface to Air and live a lustful beach life in the south of France. Um, oops? Did we get carried away?
Ok ok ok, so maybe it’s a little early but never too early to get excited. We’re happy to say we’ll be housing this collection next season. And here are some goodies to join in on our happy dance.
In our latest initiative to catch up with some of London’s finest young talent, something you can find quite a bit of around The Bluebird, we interview Manuela Dack. Vaulted out of Middlesex university only a few seasons ago, Manuela is already making some much deserved waves in the London fashion scene. After discovering her designs at concept shop Machine A, Bluebird became one of her first stockists. This season sees influences from Manuela’s childhood, growing up on a small Caribbean island, as well as her signature: leather and silk, two seemingly contrasting materials that she has seamlessly intertwined.
TSAB: How did the Manuela Dack label come about?
MD: I always knew I wanted to start my own label at some point, so when my graduate collection got significant press attention it seemed like the best time.
TSAB: How was it to work for Alexander Wang versus having your own line?
MD: Doing work experience at Alexander Wang was such a pleasure because it is so organized. It was an incredibly positive work environment and everyone there, from the designers to the sales team to the accountants, has such a clear understanding of what the company is about.
You never realize until you do it yourself just how much hard work goes into making everything seem that effortless.
TSAB: How has your brand evolved over time?
MD: The core principals have been the same since day one, focusing on quality and detail working predominantly with silk and leather. It has been interesting to see which aspects our customer has really been drawn to and accentuate those.
It always seems to be the most expensive, highly crafted pieces that do well, so it’s nice to know that our customer appreciates those pieces as much as we do.
As with the Atelier that we have launched this season I see the future of luxury being very customer driven so for me it is so important to grow the brand around them.
TSAB: How would you describe your design process for each collection? Is there something that is very ‘signature’ you?
MD: I always work with leather and silk and over time this has become my signature. I love the contrast in that combination and the challenges that come with working with two opposing materials. For me good design is all about balance and contrast.
TSAB: What are you looking forward to for the future of Manuela Dack?
MD: We just launched the Atelier and had a great reaction to that during fashion week. I am also in the process of developing an online store for our accessories. This sits well with our signature materials, leather and silk, as it will be mainly silk scarves and small leather goods like our belts and bags.
Next season I am planning to launch another section to the label that caters to the kind of commission requests that we receive a lot. There will be more on this soon so keep an eye on our blog and website for more details.
TSAB: How would you define your personal style? Does it reflect in your collections?
MD: I would say my personal style is very similar to the way I design, minimal with a huge attention to detail. I tend to choose clothes based on their details and fabrics – it’s about the ease of elegance and youthful sophistication.
TSAB: How has London influenced the brand, would you consider your label to be distinctly London?
MD: I would say that my label is distinctly London in that, like London it is eclectic in terms of the inspiration and research that goes into it. Growing up in Cayman, which are British Isles, we had a great sense of identity that has influenced the brand today. I also think the way that women dress in London has had a huge impact. Women here are fearless and have great style unlike anywhere else in the world.
TSAB: Who are your favorite designers at the moment?
MD: A friend of mind Lucas Nascimento has been doing some really beautiful work recently. Otherwise I always love Jil Sander. I was sad to see Raf Simons leave. His last spring/ summer collection with all the white shirtdresses was perfection.
TSAB: Where else have you gathered inspiration? (music, art, travels)?
MD: I am fortunate to travel a lot because my parents live in the Cayman Islands and I have a lot of friends in Paris and New York. My boyfriend is half Italian and we spent a few weeks in the south of Italy last November, which really influenced my recent Autumn/ Winter collection.
I also stockpile books on every subject under the sun! Recent additions include a book on Richard Neutra the architect and a huge book of Elizabeth Peyton paintings.
TSAB: What other side projects are you currently involved with or do you have in mind?
MD: I am working on a new film project with the art director Alexander Ingham Brooke. His work is absolutely stunning so I’m really excited to be working with him.
Photographs provided by Manuela Dack // Interview by Jordana Terk
Under the watchful eye of designer Guillaume Henry, french label Carven is going from strength to strength and yes, we think every girl should have a piece in their wardrobe. Here are some looks from SS12.
Be you a lover of the colours of this season, a hot pink chick, pastel yellow or pure white girl wanting a dashing splash of Jacquard or a sky blue print then the SS12 has something everyone. Here’s just a few reasons to love this label…and more.
In their own words they are honouring the legacy of the House’s Haute Couture years, the one that rhymes with perfect garment design and appropriateness of fabrics, today Carven offers inspired and affordable ready-to-wear clothes.
In Store now and featured are:
Jacquard handbag £339, lace shirt with poplin collar (available in blue), Tux Jacket £659 with shorts £285, Braided collar Shirt £225 (available in Navy with black collar), Oxford Denim shorts £155, Braided two pocket Skirt £319 with matching braided Jacket £449
When we think Acne it’s a high five to the Stockholm team that is this brand, established in 1996 by four creatives with the initial idea of building brands, within the fields of fashion, entertainment and technology. First it was jeans, then came Mens, Womens, Digitial, Art direction and Acne Paper.
Featured: Sweet Fluid high neck top £185 and Castor Star Leather Top £759 (only available in Orange).
A Bluebird staple read more on this great brand and take a sneak peek of their AW12 season which will be in store later this year.
Good things come to those who wait, NAHM SS12 is now in.
Back in September we launched the hot New York label at the Store and have watched the label grow and grow. The SS12 looks blend quirky with cool and playful prettiness. We love these looks, perfect for putting a spring in to our summer.
Featured: Georgette zig zag dress (available in block zigzag with burgandy collar)) £505, Silk Diamond Dress shirt £505 and Emmanuelle Sleeveless shirt £449,
St Martins trained Saloni Lodha has only been on the scene a few years but already cites Helena Christensen, Naomi Watts, Emma Watson and Michelle Obama as fans.
Described as flirty feminine, Saloni inspiration for this range stems from her upbringing in India and love for exciting textures. “My eye was always drawn to colours and prints when I was a kid”.
Saloni is keen to stick to her roots collaborating with traditional weavers, tailors and embroiderers. “My collection is a constant dialogue between India and London.”
Effortlessly chic this collection is irresistibly wearable…see for yourselves. In Store Now.
Lily Twist Wrap Dress – available in red and white dots £469
Drape neck long Dress £705
Dot Print cardigan £275
Dot print trouser available in black and white £315
Panel Dress available in Salmon £469
We’re staying out for the summer, playing games in the rain with the Kitsune SS12 collection.
Now in store here are just seven reasons why to get excited about spring.
Warning, this might make you feel just slightly Parisien.
Bi-colour Jumper £319
Cuffed Shorts with Piping £325
Feather Print Shorts £335
Stripe Day Jacket £525 and trousers £335
Striped Summer Dress £345
Definitely one of the most memorable casual chic collections from the SS12 runway, Lim’s pastel hues set the stage for one of the biggest summer trends. In the battle of pastel VS. neon (if fashion battles exist), Phillip Lim gets 10 points. Here’s a look at some of the runway looks we have IN STORE.
Jumper with Metallic Side Panels £369.00
Celestial Print ‘Sweatpants’ £435.00 // Celestial Print Back Drape Dress £549.00
Patch Pocket A-Line Trousers £335.00 // Detachable Back Panel Top (available in Purple and Rose only) £349.00
Come see the full collection IN STORE NOW.
“Don’t call me eccentric!” cries the British fashion icon. But that’s just the word that comes to mind when we think of Vivienne Westwood and her four-decade-long-fashion-career. It’s no surprise she made it into Tim Blank’s Best of British article (celebrated at SAB during LFW). Here’s a look at the goods for this season’s Anglomania collection.
Off the Shoulder Marghi Dress £329.00
Off the Shoulder Marghi Top (available in Rose) £215.00 // Arianna Jersey Dress (available in Navy and Violet) £269.00
Eight Skirt £315.oo
These pieces and more available IN STORE NOW.
Surface to Air womens are now in store featuring a collection inspired by New York
rock chick Kim Gordon.
…get the look NOW!
Featured Kim Tank Dress £339, Sunny Blazer £359 and Savannah Shorts £169, Patched Trousers £169,
Neo Simple Dress £289.
Watch the Kim Gordon collection teaser here
The playful Peter Jensen is in store and here from his resort collection are Frill shoulder love dress £235, Bib Front dress £259, Canvas Zip detail Jacket £235, Printed Dress with Bow £285 and Slim Trousers with crease £199.
Featured from a selection in store: Viga sheer wide sleeve jacket £535/ Micro modal asymmetrical bra top £69/ Sugar asymmetrical hem skirt £279/ Coral laser leather dress £939 / Silk wool gauze skinny trousers £325/ Sequin fragment dress
The soft feminine and beautifully handcrafted collection that is Hermione De Paula’s is now in store. Handpainted collages and florals take on a quirky twist with these diaphenous designs. Who wouldn’t want to waft around in these numbers?
Daphne Guiness calls her work ‘Magnificent’ and we couldn’t agree more.
Featured: Jessica Shirt Dress £569, Gina Tunic Mini Dress £275, Lily Chiffon French Shorts (ONLY available in blue) £145, Priscilla Dress Shirt £569 and Sheena long sheer dress £429 from a range in store.
Unadorned chic at its best. Studio Nicholson SS12 by designer Nick Wakeman is now in store.
But don’t just take it from us, see for yourselves. Studio Nicholson’s signature identity is of understated androgynous luxury. A cool and genuine brand that delivers a highly desirable wardrobe – one that women will want to wear and talk about.
Featured: Minerva Signature Blazer £365 and Signature Trousers £255, Nico dress ( coming soon) and Cropped Trousers £209.
Marc Jacobs never fails to put a smile on our faces, for those with sense of fun and mischief his new ready to wear collection rocks, we love the Minnie mouse inspired shapes, fun stripes and playful colours. Peplums and paneling, who says frocks can’t be fun?
Watch the show here and spring in to summer with this cool collection, we will be for sure!
From a selection now in store: Taffetta flash dress £605, Flavin striped skirt £269, Peplum Skirt Dress £465, Peak side Skirt £285
Making its way to Bluebird once again is the SS12 collection from hot new talent, Manuela Dack.
This exciting young designer is busy making ripples in the fashion world and introduces her second collection since her graduaton from Middlesex University to the store.
Layers of silk and leather are the corner stone of her collections, which this time also introduces accessories and incorporates intricate crafted details such as beaded fringing, embroidery and hand dying inspired by the sealife and textures of her childhood in Grand Cayman
Sponsored by Vauxhall Fashion Scout and widely mooted as a hot new talent her collection also showcases the designers second fashion film collaboration, with artist Max Langlands. watch it here.
NOW IN STORE
From the label that brings us consistently edgy coolness, Helmut Lang is going for the asymetric look this season. Get inspired by their bold patterns, comfortable elegance and strong colour blocking. Now in Store is the Helios Belted Pocket Dress in Navy £349 and Tetra Print Sleeve Dress £435.
Honoring the legacy of the House’s Haute Couture years, the one that rhymes with perfect garment design and appropriateness of fabrics, today Carven offers inspired and affordable ready-to-wear clothes. We’re a little bit in love with Guillaume Henry’s pre ss12 collection, here’s why…
Featured: Braided fabric full skirt £319, Braided two pocket skirt £319, Buble leather skirt £529, Cotton Tricotine skirt, £235, One sleeve Twisted Shoulder Dress £295, Twist front t-shirt £135, Wrinkled Poplin Skirt £335 and on model the two pocket skirt £319. IN STORE NOW.
View the rest of this fabulous pre ss12 collection here, take a peek of the SS12 show in full force ici and get a taste for the first Menswear collection here.
Back in December we were getting pretty excited about Victoria Beckham’s Denim range and lookbook for SS12, there’s more to come but here’s what’s in store NOW!
Power Skinny – Super soft power stretch jean in chalk £179. Clean Shift in Ivory, Viscose blend shift with crew neck, cb zip and step hem, £235
Watch Victoria Beckham Steps 2 Denim campaign here.
