Fashion – The Cultural Exposé

Photos: Afropunk London at Alexandra Palace

Matilda — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 07:30:53 +0000

AFROPUNK LONDON. It came, saw and it truly conquered, not least in part to the stylish people who came out to SLAY, the solid musical line-up (Grace Jones…WOW) and the positive vibes all day long. Was it perfect? Not at all (Ally Pally is a mission for starters and the indoor setup? Meh.) but the highlights definitely outweighed the shortcomings, and so I don’t doubt 2017 is gonna be a smash. Here’s a few of my snaps from the day:

Did you make it to Afropunk London? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

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Somewhere you should go… Duke of York Square

Matilda — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 07:00:18 +0000

Unless you’re made in Chelsea, there’s a slim chance the Duke of York Square is at the top of your radar. But after being invited along to an evening which showcased everything this swanky shopping complex has to offer, here’s five reasons why it’s worth a visit:

It’s where you’ll find a branch of the world-renowned Taschen store

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Apr 22, 2016 at 2:11pm PDT

This is the maker of sexy art, design and photography books, many of which will look incredibly dope on a coffee table.

It’s also got a wonderful Italian spot in the form of Manicomio

A photo posted by Duke of York Square (@doysq) on May 17, 2016 at 4:20am PDT

This classy restaurant offers both indoor and alfresco dining, and considering the area, a reasonably priced set menu – you can get a three course meal for £23.75.

It’s the home of Saatchi Gallery

A photo posted by Duke of York Square (@doysq) on Apr 12, 2016 at 4:02am PDT

The next time you’re forced to queue up for nearly two hours for another Saatchi gallery exhibition – the nerve of that Louis Vuitton show! – get fed and watered somewhere around the DOYS beforehand (they’ve got a Polpo cafe) so at least you’re not starving to death. That said, the Rolling Stones exhibition is on until 4th September and since it’s ticketed, you’ll be spared the hassle to get in.

There’s a party for the Queen on June 12th

A photo posted by Duke of York Square (@doysq) on Apr 21, 2016 at 1:08am PDT

Her majesty is turning 90, so there’s going to be a street party with plenty of fine food, booze and cake – and we’re all invited!

And the Square is hosting a screening of the Wimbledon semi-finals and finals from 8-10th July

Strawberries & Screen will be your chance to pitch up on bean bags, munch on picnic food, sip Pimms and catch all the action at SW19 for free.

Have you been to the Duke of York Square? What do you love about it? Tell me all about it in the comments!

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Three reasons why I’m here for Beyonce’s Ivy Park collection

Matilda — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 07:00:42 +0000

Remember House of Dereon? Those old/young enough to recall Beyonce’s failed clothing collabo with her mom will know Ms Knowles hasn’t always had the best luck when it comes to fashion. But when I heard she was working with TopShop on an athleisure line (and they were poaching designers from the likes of Sweaty Betty), I knew she was gonna nail it this time. And after checking out the range on my lunch break yesterday, I wasn’t wrong. Here’s why:

She’s kept it classy.

I’m a big believer in the monochromatic wardrobe, and here’s a collection that appreciates there are some women out here who’ve really had enough of the day-glo activewear. I’m personally loving the black, white and gray combos, but the little bit of colour she’s thrown in – royal blue, baby pink and red – isn’t offensive either.

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:43am PDT

The prices are great.

Given the mega-celebrity endorsement, I was expecting pieces from the collection to hurt my feelings (and my pocket) – but paying just £30 for a cap and vest (in the yummiest fabric, I might add) was a pleasant surprise. There are plenty of sportswear brands that are more than comfortable with their premium pricing, but B’s approach looks like it wants more people to access her stuff so she’ll be on course to becoming a real contender in this market.

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:23am PDT

There’s room for more.

There’s ALOT in this first collection – hats, leggings, jackets, shirts, vests, sports bras – but I’m excited by the possibility that design-wise, her people could really push the boat. She’s played it safe this time round and that will obviously work in her favour. But there’s nothing novelty about debut, which makes me think she’s gonna come back even stronger.

Have you checked out the new Ivy Park collection? What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments.

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Functional fashion: those dope socks from Stance

Matilda — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 13:00:43 +0000

Until recently, I’ve always been a plain black socks girl. No stripes. No ribbing. No subtle trim of colour or polka dots. Just safe, easy and simple black. But that started to change after I went to the launch of a friend’s book Socks: The Rule Book. Although it’s aimed at sartorial man, it did get me wondering why I’ve never considered giving my wardrobe a bit of pizzazz where my socks were concerned.

Guess who’s just launched a book and exhibition celebrating the weird and wonderfully sartorial world of socks…? #style #culture #london

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Mar 3, 2016 at 11:12am PST

I left the party with a goodie bag, and in it, a pair of woolley, argyle socks in bright orange. I’ve wore them once – and doubt I’ll wear them again. That’s just too much, too soon. But coincidentally, another sartorial friend (Fred Butler) just put me in touch with a PR who was putting on this fitness event I couldn’t attend. Turns out one of the PR’s other clients is the mighty Stance – official sock providers of the NBA and makers of all kinds of bold and beautiful stockings that look amazing on your feet. They’re the folks who designed those brilliant Biggie socks, so with a philosophy for cutting edge style, it’s no wonder trendies like Willow Smith and Rihanna are ambassadors.

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Mar 22, 2016 at 1:04am PDT

They’ve also got a lovely performance range for sporty women and I’ve been sent a batch to try, which includes:

Night Run – a bold low-cut, breathable sock that offers arch support (yes!) and a reinforced heel and toe for durability. These will be my new running socks, for sure.

The Fitness Crew – I wore these under my leggings yesterday and wish I hadn’t. They need to be flaunted! I love the style of these mid-rise athletic socks (very arty); they’re also super breathable and provide arch support and extra padding on the feet.

The Pro Crew – These socks are HOT. I love the graffiti / 90s era design – and they’re also good for moisture control and cushioning.

Are you a fan of Stance socks? Or are you all about that trusty,plain black? Let me know in the comments!

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In photos: Tokyo fashion and style

Matilda — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 08:20:05 +0000

On my recent holiday to Tokyo I couldn’t help but notice how stylish Japanese people (and dogs!) were, often in their own unique way. Here’s some of my favourite sightings (all pics shot on a Canon 5D Mark 1 with a 24-105mm lens):

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Cycling chic: the new cap collection from onenine9teen

Matilda — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 08:30:56 +0000

I know some of the most talented people – like Ollie, who I met a few years ago through Run Dem Crew. He’s worked as a tailor on Savile Row for a few years but recently decided to branch out and create a brand that combines two of his loves: quality design and cycling. The result is a new collection of unisex cycling caps for cruising around town that are modern and luxe, made with 100% cotton or merino wool.

Photo by Adam Corbett

I’m wearing the black cotton cap, but to check out the other styles visit onenine9teen.com.

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Functional fashion: that long jersey dress (with the high slits) from H&M

Matilda — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:55:43 +0000

I think it was two or three years ago that I stumbled across the concept of the “capsule wardrobe”. It’s a simple philosophy: you commit to buying a few quality core items that can help you work a number of looks whatever the weather or season. Tones are kept neutral to get the most out of the swappage (accessories and make-up can provide the colour pop), and in the long run, you always have something to wear. It saves money too (which you already know is crucial to living this London life right, okay somebody?)

But my challenge is the need to have clothes in the capsule that are not just multi-purpose, but multi-lifestyle. They need to be functional for the times I’m going from the bike to the boardroom and can’t afford to be a sweaty mess. And if I’m off to a restaurant launch in the evening, I still need to be representing in the style stakes without looking like I’m about to race the Tour De France.

So big up H&M for my new favourite capsule item right now, their long jersey dress. It’s my kind of minimal (I bought it in gray), a good price (only £14.99) and I love the 3/4 sleeves. But the clincher for me is the high slits. I wore Ms Thang with a pair of leggings and my black Nike Lunar Glide 6‘s as I cycled into work yesterday, and let me tell you, freedom reigned.

The decent length meant the dress didn’t get caught in the chain (like my other jersey maxi dress, RIP). And it’s extremely breathable, thanks to the 50% rayon which also makes it quite comfy to wear. The other 50% is polyester, so it’s pretty hard-wearing and should see me through many more commutes. But more importantly, it can easily go from day to night with nothing more than a shoe swap and a belt. Win-win!

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The new Chanel exhibition is now open at the Saatchi Gallery

Matilda — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 11:15:24 +0000

I’ve been waiting WEEKS for this! The MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ exhibition has finally arrived in London to present the wonderful world of Chanel. Set over three floors, the show will give visitors the chance to explore the history and cultural impact of the French fashion house, all at the helm of Karl Lagerfeld and the original Coco Chanel. This includes an exploration of the Haute Couture, the bling, the iconography and even that infamous scent, CHANEL N°5. There’s daily workshops too – and if you’re lucky enough to snag a free ticket (they’re released every morning and have so far gone in a flash) you’ll learn about the artisan trades of embroidery, flower creation and perfumery. Check out a film of the exhibition’s preview below:

The exhibition runs until 1st November, so for the latest news and workshop bookings, visit MADEMOISELLEPRIVE.CHANEL.COM

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Photos: Street Style, London Fashion Week (Brewer Street)

Matilda — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 07:45:40 +0000

London Fashion Weekend guarantees two things: creative fashion and the people wearing it. Here’s a few snaps of fashionistas I spotted around LFW’s new home on Brewer Street Car Park yesterday: I even caught a quick glimpse of an Isabella Blow look-alike (good shout Kate!)

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Louis Vuitton Series 3 exhibition arrives in style

Matilda — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 11:30:53 +0000

Louis Vuitton’s Series 3 exhibition presents the brand’s Fall 2015 collection (helmed by Nicolas Ghesquière) through artistic displays and the fashion photography of legends Juergen Teller and Bruce Weber. Housed at 150 The Strand, it’s free and open to the public from 21st September until 18th October. Book your guided visit here: http://vuitton.lv/1hxkMny

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