This week's 10 favourite things
I have a soft spot for self-taught designers. Fuelled by her twin obsessions, embroidery and classic literature, Olympia Le-Tan’s handbags present a mix of bohemian kitsch and Parisian style. This pretty square bag shows Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' in felt appliqué, £1,035. www.brownsfashion.com
Brainchild of Danny Passarella, ‘complete aesthetic experience’ Passarella Death Squad isn’t afraid of tackling modern culture head-on. Porn has played a big part in its provocative t-shirt designs; now, AW15’s ‘Fantasy Scenes’ collections can’t help but present a veiled critique of alienated society via its gaming, £60. www.harveynichols.com
Nicholas Kirkwood’s former design assistant Sophia Webster literally can do no wrong. We look forward to her collaboration with Barbie next week at Selfridges. In the meantime, content yourselves with this: the patent leather Layla Pom Pom sandals were inspired by optical illusionist Victor Vasarely, £495. www.brownsfashion.com
Soon, soon, I shall write a blog post singing the praises of Stella Jean. The Haitian-born, designer’s mix of ethnic prints over full, romantic silhouettes is intoxicating. From this season’s Himalayas-inspired collection, this sweatshirt offers a western shape overlaid with imagery from a Mumbai barber shop, £405. www.brownsfashion.com
There’s a fine line between kitsch and cool; somehow, print designer Victoria Murdoch stays on the right side. Her label Silken Favours, in Liberty, Net a Porter, Opening Ceremony and Harvey Nichols, turns intricate hand drawn prints of flora and fauna into disorientatingly vibrant, witty scarves and cushion covers, £125. http://silkenfavours.com
Like Stella Jean, labels inspired by African design continue to flourish. Newest fair trade kid on the block is Khama, lush prints created in a workshop in Kusungu, Malawi, and turned into vibrant totes, shoppers, backpacks, cycling caps and bike bags - as well as the loveliest bomber jackets ever, £60. www.khama.co.uk
East End hatters Bernstock Spiers produce a limited edition cycle cap to celebrate the launch of Sentimental Magazine, founded by long term Bernstock Spiers collaborator, photographer Romain Sellier. The cap features logo badges from both the mag and the hatters, £55. www.bernstockspiers.com
Love it or hate it, this velour shift dress by Tamara and Natasha Surguladze aka Tata Naka will turn heads. The identical twins turn to pop culture as part of their aesthetic this season. The Breakfast at Tiffany’s poster features across one skirt, Pretty Woman on a dress, so they’re not tying themselves to one decade …. £550, www.brownsfashion.com
Catherine & Jean is a new accessories line by Jane Smedley. Named for her grandmothers, Catherine Howard and Jean Smedley, Jane blends craftsmanship with a vintage-inspired glamour; every handbag places Deco prints against over simple structured shapes. Pictured: Catherine shopper, £595. www.catherineandjean.com
Burgundy, gold, turquoise and azure blue: fans of Lily Kamper will be excited to see more colour in her totemic multi-column pieces. AW15 has been inspired by the world of sports as well as 'The Metropolis of Tomorrow’, published by architect Hugh Ferriss in 1929, which envisages an architectural future. Foyer Pendant, £384. http://lilykamper.com
