Photos: David Mushegain
All clothes by H&M.
Unbelievably fly with incredible style. The skateboarder girls of Los Angeles head down to the city’s skate parks sporting a mix of boho, street and casual cool, making them today’s quintessential California girls.
With both surfing and prints in fashion’s scrapbook this season, how could you not end up in Hawaii?
The tropical theme was everywhere, from Markus Lupfer to Altuzarra, Stella McCartney and Maarten van der Horst. We all need a little bit of aloha in our lives, and the good news is that this summer it’s easy – just opt for a spot of hot pink, a palm tree print or any patterns with the colours of sunset.
Take your sporty basics – vests, tees and shorts – and layer them up with your trusty jeans and shirts for an eclectic streetwear vibe.
1. Bleached out
Take a soft, bleached out denim shirt and wear it with the brightest blue jeans you have for an electrifying contrast.
2. A good in-vest-ment
A grey marl vest with wide armholes is the perfect layering piece over your shirts instead of the usual under.
3. White on time
A crisp pair of white jeans is the perfect partner to sludgy greys and blacks.
4. Get shorty
You’re used to long-sleeved tees under vests, but for the most daring of you, try layering a pair of shorts over another pair.
5. The fine print
Let a striking digital print tee do all the talking by wearing it over a classic white shirt.
All clothes by H&M.
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Sporty looks injected with a little irreverence goes a long way.
In menswear, sport is a constant source of inspiration. So this season, designers have dipped into the well and drawn out something a lot more laidback as opposed to being overly concerned with technical fabrics or construction. Think basic t-shirts, comfy gym shorts and vests with wide armholes. But with a slim fit all around and clever pairings with tailored items such as blazers or shirts, this is the ultimate in casual cool.
On the catwalk, look to Damir Doma especially – his trademark slouchy, layered looks were sharpened up this season when worn with well-cut, single-button blazers. Open-weave knits were also layered over sheer and subtly structured tunics and shorts. Meanwhile, Savile Row designer E. Tautz showed he could also ease up his formal tailoring. Traditional grey flannel trousers were gathered and elasticated at the ankle like sweatpants and paired with a simple white t-shirt that had a contrast patch pocket. And last, but not least, Givenchy always manages to incorporate sportswear into each collection, and this season’s multi-coloured bird of paradise prints against dazzling whites are sure to be a stand out.
Taking sporty looks and putting a stylish twist on them is rooted in the rebellious streak of the British music and fashion scene. From punks in 1970s London to the 90s Cool Britannia scene, up to the present with renewed confidence in the British fashion industry thanks to names like Phoebe Philo and Christopher Kane, irreverence runs through the cultural vein of the country. For how this all translates to everyday wear, check out Ways to Wear it by H&M.
Contents 16 مايو 2012
A quirky cut-out on your feet will keep you one stylish step ahead of the pack.
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The hottest social media site is also teeming with more than a few fashionistas.
A one-stop website for fabulous images curated into cute little pinboards? Yes, please! Chances are you, or people you know, have been “pinning” everything obsessively from beautiful fashion editorials to objects of desire or even adorable kittens over the last few months. Launched two years ago, Pinterest now has over twelve million users and is fast becoming the destination for some seriously stylish folk, too. Here’s a run-down of who you should be following!
Amy Sia
As a textile designer, it comes as no surprise that Amy’s pinboards are packed with prints and colours galore. But her discerning eye is just as effortlessly applied to street style photographs and runway images.
Cat Khan
Just like her anonymous blog, Cat Khan’s pins are a visual delight, but when organised into boards such as “Cool Threads” or “Teenage Wasteland”, her personal tastes really come to the fore.
I’m Revolting
Another anonymous blogger, on the face of it, the pinboards are simple and to the point, but once you dive in, the number of inspiring images is mind-blowing. Our favourite? “Style Icons”, of course.
Enid Hwang
Sure, she’s the Community Manager of Pinterest, but she’s also got some drool-worthy pinboards herself. With a tomboyish aesthetic and a penchant for paper, Enid’s “Wear” board alone has over 1200 fabulous pins!
Zellain Dystopia
Those with a goth edge will love the pinboards that belong to this artist and blogger, especially “Style Guide”. But the interior design and graphic design boards are also chock-full of great inspiration.
In a season of prints (clashing or head-to-toe) a great tip is to have a look at what the print experts are doing.
The classic names, such as Liberty, Cath Kidston and Orla Kiely should always be considered, but a better tip is to go further back. The prints of William Morris, dating back to 1862, look as though they were made in a kaleidoscopic jungle, while Dutch company Vlisco is the originator of what we today see as African prints. Contemporary names to watch are Timorous Beasties and Ella Doran. But don’t stop there: Vivienne Westwood got an idea for a dress from a pattern she found at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London – inspiration is, as always, all around you.
The capital of Lebanon, Beirut is positively buzzing with culture, nightlife and stylish citizens. Our street style photographer took to the local H&M shop and caught up with just a few of them.
1. Tarek, teacher
How would you describe your style?
Fresh and colourful, always with a twist.
What's your best styling tip?
If your mom is going to hate it, this probably means it’s hot.
Do you have a favourite item from H&M?
The underwear.
Where's the best place to party in the city?
I prefer house parties. They’re more fun and cost less!
2. Melissa, photographer
How would you describe your style?
I usually don't stick to one style – I love refined and precise cuts as much as I love deconstructed, loose cuts. As for colours, I'm either too colourful or head-to- toe in black.
What's your best styling tip?
Use your fashion instincts. After that comes the famous line: “Be daring.”
Do you have a favourite item from H&M?
This red blazer and a feather ring.
Where's the best place in the city to party?
Art Lounge on Saturday – it has a great crowd and music.
3. Ola, producer
How would you describe your style?
A little manly, elegant and with a touch of trash.
What's your best styling tip?
Be yourself with a touch of something else.
Do you have a favourite item from H&M?
I love the men’s shoes and they’re too big for me, but I end up buying them anyways.
Where's the best place to party in the city?
I like Dictateur because it has a friendly crowd.
4. Yara, product designer
How would you describe your style?
Very colourful and floral, and I prefer light colours over dark ones. But in one word, I look like Spring.
What's your best styling tip?
Find the perfect accessory to wear with your outfit.
Do you have a favourite item from H&M?
A glitter jacket.
Where's the best place to party in the city?
Art Lounge.
Photos: Tarek Moukaddem
“My favorite look this summer is mixing pretty pastels, like mint green with a pale pink, juxtaposed with edgier accessories.” – Emily Schuman, Cupcakes and Cashmere
Sweet yet elegant, broderie anglaise is a summer favourite that’s surprisingly versatile.
A form of embroidery, you can quickly spot broderie anglaise by the round or oval holes pierced in the material. Go full-on, like the blouse worn by Poppy Delevingne as she took her front-row place at the Chanel show or opt for small details, such as collars or trims. But broderie anglaise doesn’t always have to mean looking über-pretty. Poppy paired her blouse with a slinky black maxi-skirt to give it some edge while you can always toughen up your pieces with worn-in denim or even a sleeveless biker jacket.