Christopher Kane Sample Sale.

Christopher Kane.

In case you don't know who he is (shame on you). Christopher Kane graduated from MA Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins and partnered with his sister, Tammy Kane to launch the brand in 2006. He is now widely acknowledged to have spearheaded a revival of British high fashion.  

Check out Christopher Kane here!

I went to Christopher Kane Sample Sale at The Music Room today (Monday 28th November). Unfortunately, the only picture I got was the chalk board, which I personally found that someone could have done a better job at typography? maybe that's just me.

I fell in love with that dress which was in the sample sale, from Christopher Kane's Autumn/Winter 2010 collection (look 15). There was a wide selection of pieces from very neon vivid from Spring/Summer 2011, to Spring/Summer 2014 and so on. With pieces from those collections, prices ranged from cheapest being £95 to £120 and more. There were simple t-shirts from £25+. What I liked about this sample sale and location was the The Music Room is pretty spacious and had womenswear, menswear, shoes, and accessories. Much more selection to chose from compared to Roksanda's sample sale. Sadly, I didn't come out with a shopping bag, however was very nice to go see the pieces and have a thorough touch and gaze on everything.

Reference: http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_profile.aspx?DesignerID=69

https://www.christopherkane.com/collections

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x4876052c96c877e7:0x68d500d0a8a269e1!2m16!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m10!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e4!3m1!7e115!4shttps://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname%3D100255388573765575211%26id%3D5883316399960237282%26target%3DPHOTO!5sthe+music+room+mayfair+-+Google+Search&imagekey=!1e3!2s-iAnQHvhAwvc/UaW9GDjcJOI/AAAAAAAAVmA/0tPSzOe8gCwQaz2QO5uPILHGuWv--ZrfwCJkC&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiWyMe80dDQAhXMkSwKHXaPATsQoioIbjAM

Photo: Author's own

Designer Clustering: “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.”

Ralph Lauren began with a collection of ties and grown into redefining American style. Alway providing quality products, 'creating worlds and inviting people to take par in their dream'. 

Within this brand is multiples of brands within. There's over 10! Some examples, include Polo Ralph Lauren (launched in 1968- as his first full line) selling Men's polo shirts, rugby and more. Ralph Lauren Purple Label focuses on men's needs in 'supremely luxurious tailoring' launched in 1994. It's not only menswear, there's women's collection and an example 'Pink Pony', which is a campaign fighting against cancer. "At least 25% of the purchase price of Pink Pony apparel and accessories benefits the Pink Pony Fund of The Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation" in the US - supporting programs for education, research, treatment, patient navigation and prevention- a good cause. Another example is Club Monaco- a mid-priced high-end casual clothing retailer owned by Polo Ralph Lauren

Did you know about RL? 

I'm not surprised as designer shops have started incorporating not only fashion service, but also food. By having cafes or even restaurants within their store. 

RL is located in thee largest Polo store in Chicago Flagship on Michigan Avenue. The restaurant represents 'Ralph Lauren's debut into the restaurant industry'- opened in 1999. Of course, the food is inspired by American classics- seafood, steak chops, salads, sandwiches, etc. Also, dress code! You have to look smart business casual.

There's more.. The Polo Bar in New York to Ralph's in Paris.

It's amazing how Ralph Lauren only began designing neckties at the beginning under the name Polo. Through no formal design training, he soon got large department stores stocked up on his ties- leading him to designing a full menswear line. "I don't design clothes, I design dreams". Having so many brands represents his success and the idea of continuing his dream of making and selling that American lifestyle to consumers. An inspirational history and story.

What do you think?





Reference: http://global.ralphlauren.com/en-gb/about/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3979881
http://global.ralphlauren.com/en-gb/About/Philanthropy/Pages/pink_pony.aspx?
http://rlrestaurant.polo.com/about.asp
Photos: Auther's own & http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hypebeast-wordpress/image/2015/11/ralph-lauren-university-0.jpg

Roksanda Sample Sale

Roksanda originally from Serbia, graduated from Architecture and Applied Arts at the University of Belgrade. However, emerged herself with the love of fashion and enrolled onto the fashion MA at Central Saint Martin's. Roksanda Ilincic is one of the most recognisable fashion personalities in London now. She has built her business into luxury and showing her collection on London Fashion Week since 2005.

Check out Roksanda here!

  Photo: Author's own

The Hoxton in Holborn was holding a Roksanda sample sale on 18th and 19th November- I had to check it out. I've never been to any sample sales before, therefore I wasn't sure what to expect. Walked in and was the cloakroom by the entrance to store away heavy bags and coats, which was nice because it means you can freely shop without any restrictions, such as a big winter coat or a heavy backpack. There was plenty of staff to help you. But in a way I felt intimidated at first but soon began becoming comfortable.

The pieces were very nice, and I liked that you can do what you can do when shopping- touch the garments and even try them on. I fell in love with one of the sandals, but sadly didn't have my size. I came out empty-handed. Overall, it was a nice and chill experience and would love to do this more often. I felt a majority of the pieces in the sample sale wasn't to my liking, although there were two pieces I matched together and looked really nice- I can't break my bank you know?

Going to sample sales not only allows you to buy designers are lower prices, but what's important to me is touching every piece for their fabrics/material, to their choice of colour, silhouettes and even textile techniques that you don't see everyday.

Retail Competitor Matrix

This is a retail matrix I did with where I thought Zara's competitors' positions were from high, low fashion, to low and high price. You may not agree 100% with the positions of some high street retailers, because I mainly like shopping/browsing in Topshop and Zara. However, I occasionally go into Mango and Urban Outfitters. 

What would your competitor matrix look if you did one with the competitors of your favourite brand, whether it's high-end fashion or high-street?

Image: Author's own

Zara, I Love You but I Hate You?

Image from @tuesdaybassen Instagram.

Bassen is an independent illustrator and designer based in LA. With over 100k Instagram followers, she was notified of the copying from her fans. The image above is where Bassen has broken silent and posted the side by side comparison of her work and then Zara’s copy. She contacted Zara with a lawyer, and the response from the big corporate was that they rejected her claims because of the ‘lack of distinctiveness’. It is very disheartening. I come from a background of creativity and art, and feel her pain. Bassen has mentioned how so much money was thrown into just having a lawyer. Especially trying to battle it out with a big fashion-brand like Zara, as they claim average of ‘98000.000’ visit a month on their website compared to the small known artist.

Zara has been criticised before of similar designs to Celine, and luxury shoe brand Christian Louboutin have sued them for selling their signature red-soles. My views on this is that these companies have the money, they are able to protect their signature style such as Louboutin. Also, High-end luxury fashion is very expensive to afford for the big number of the population, therefore retail brands coming out with similar versions with small tweaks is a way for common consumers to afford. Fashion is forever changing, and fast fashion which in way can’t be helped.




Reference: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2016/jul/21/zara-accused-copying-artist-designs-fashion
https://www.instagram.com/tuesdaybassen/
https://twitter.com/adamjk/status/755782747206148100/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw