When Luther Vandros duetted with Janet Jackson in 1992, he hit the nail on the head, noting the best things in life are free. We all like a bit of something for a whole lot of nothing.
A particularly robust invitation for the GQ S/S Style event dropped through my letterbox with a thud some time last week. With it, the lure of champagne, goody bag and an opportunity to gawp at Jameela Jamil as well as a host of male models made the wait almost unbearable.
Slipping past the eye-popping treats of the ground floor, my plus one and I averted our eyes from the sirens of accessory shopping, zipping up the escalator to be greeted by an expectant atmosphere. Gaggles of sharply dressed, geek-chic males strategically placed around the temporary bar; one eye on friends, the other on fashion. As the DJ span smooth tunes overlaid by house-vibe tones it was all in all a sophisticated air. Despite being only 6pm.
Vodka tonic in hand, we transferred ourselves to our seats as we spotted the flawless Jameela Jamil teetering to the stage. Clad in a floral fantasy, her temperament and humour had the audience both in awe and at ease – captivating. Introducing her fellow presenters Adam Kelly, Selfridges’ Menswear buying manager, and the delectable Robert Johnson, GQ’s associate editor, we were subject to 12 ‘looks’, anchored by 3 fiercely dressed people.
Showcasing the abundance of variety and choice clothing that they have to offer; Selfridges & GQ presented a cohesive 12 look collection of what S/S 2011 is shaping up to be in store and in fashion.
Combining exclusive to Selfridges brands, as well as established and new kids on the block brands, there was something for varying pockets, tastes and styles. Treated to the likes of Acne, The Kooples, Junya Watanabe and Spencer Hart; the crowd saw multitasking S/S workwear, lazy weekend clobber and a celebration of texture and colour.
Check out Selfridges Spring/Summer 2011 fashion trends below:
South Pacific
With utilitarian playing a prominent role for the past few seasons, now’s the perfect time to kick back as Spring Summer ‘11 sees designers add a new romance and calm to the look. An amalgamation of khaki army duds, as playful work wear with Hawaiian shirts provides a hit at weekends; this is washed-out post-wartime Americana with a subtle Asian twist. Think more M*A*S*H and musicals than Normandy landings and make Elvis proud.
Fashion’s giants led the way here, with Burberrys off-duty army leathers and classic trench Polo Ralph Lauren’s very literal translation of the trend with classic Hawaiian shirts, Paul Smith offering their own take on hibiscus. Newness and exclusives came from the likes of John Galliano, Levis,Scotch & Soda and Maharishi who makes a welcome return to Selfridges.
Visions of Mad Men style in the holiday sun need no longer be imaginary.
Paul Smith shirt
Polo by Ralph Lauren
Lyle & Scott shorts
H by Hudson espadrilles
Polo belt
Persol Sunglasses
This look was topped off with a vintage camera. Don Draper would be proud.
Carry On
Charlie Chaplin, the British Riveira, Brighton Beach and multi-coloured beach huts – holidaying in 1930s Britannia was a slightly different and more whimsical affair. But even if the Great British Seaside Holiday is dying out, SS11 sees the fashion world embrace it with open arms.
Galliano cropped their shorts and dropped their crotch, Jil Sander popped vibrant colours with nautical tees, Unconditional looked to the leisurely suiting of Charlie Chaplin for inspiration.
Oversized swimsuits and donkey rides optional.
70s Holiday
Excuse the excessive holiday theme but we are looking onwards to summer after all……And of course what season would not be complete without a decade revival? Enter the 1970s for a wave of bright and sun-soaked sartorial opulence and cool.
Dries Van Noten offer contemporary sportswear with bleached denim, cotton suiting and a range of loafers. Marc Jacobs throw vibrant neutrals into the mix, Sundek too are new to Selfridges, offering swimwear in a kaleidoscope of colours – the perfect accoutrement to that Frank Zappa moustache you’ve always wanted.
Classic look with contemporary styling. One can only dream of Mancunian men donning this come Summer.
The Kooples suite jacket and trousers
Margiela White Shirt
Hugo Boss tie
Cheaney tan boot
18 caret gold plated grammy award special edition I Gucci watch (one of these was given away at the end. Hopes were dashed)
Gucci Bag
Rainbow
It seems there’s a fair few about trying to see off the dark monochromes of the recession as a new playful and optimistic mood swept over the SS11 catwalks, lighting them up in a sea of brights, neons and flouros. Colour blocking and super brights from Jil Sander, clean and sharp textures and patterns from Prada, McQueen went oriental and Moschino looked to pop art.
All available at Selfridges.
As the panel disbanded, we were free to roam the floor. Bourbon of choice, Makers Mark, were on hand to ease the pain of an overused credit card, coupled with Ona Medi-spa experts indulging us with facials and beauty advice. To those spending over £150, a t-shirt customised by notorious graffiti artist The Urbanist was given. I’m sure, given the capital, each and every attendee could have spent that sum thrice over. So whilst Vandros and Jackson, had a point, I’d side with The Flying Lizards in ‘I want money’.
Still, the photographers, PRs, bloggers added to the events ‘slickness’; slick attitude, slick ambience and slick aesthetics. The goody bags weren’t too bad either.
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