BARBOUR FIT FOR A DUCHESS
There are hero pieces and then there are wax jackets interlaced with fabric from the actual curtains from Chatsworth House. When Erdem’s opera coat took its turn around the British Museum at his spring/summer show, there were audible gasps. Yes, the humble Barbour has gone hyper luxe. Erdem, longtime Chatsworth House superfan and visitor, took his cue from Deborah Cavendish, the late Dowager Duchess of Devonshire. He explains: ‘I was given incredible access to Debo’s archive and collection of couture gowns, alongside photos of her in her gardens in her waxed cotton coat. When the opportunity arose to collaborate with Barbour, I knew I wanted to do something that merged those two worlds.’ The showpiece incorporated fabric fragments from Debo’s bedroom curtains; the on-sale version uses a reproduciton print. It’s all part of a new partnership between Erdem and the British outfitter, with more to come this year.
Erdem X Barbour opera coat, £3,495 (erdem.com)
NEW NAME OFF THE OLD BLOCK
Nepo-baby alert: get to know Maya Wigram, who after slipping into our very own ES Magazine’s LFW bash at The Savoy went and closed the Burberry show in Vicky Park. Who, you might well ask? Her father is the art dealer Max Wigram, and her mother? None other than Phoebe Philo. Should have known from those cheekbones.
CHAMPAGNE FOR LEATHER
Clever old Stella McCartney has raided Veuve Clicquot’s grape harvest in the perfectly monikered village of Bouzy and turned the waste mulch into a rather clever collaboration. Yes, we are talking champagne ‘alter’ leather fashioned into McCartney’s Frayme bags, gladiator sandals and a rather nifty bottle holder, too. Animal-free and championing regenerative agriculture practices? All over it. (stellamccartney.com)
FINE CRAFT
Mother of Pearl’s Amy Powney is dogged in her pursuit of a better way of doing fashion. Her feature film, Fashion Reimagined, followed her progress in aiming to produce entirely sustainable, fully traceable collections. It hasn’t been easy but her new partnership shows that perseverance works. She’s teamed up with ethical bag brand Uri, which offers beautiful pieces made from abacá plant that are handwoven by women in the Philippines who are directly employed by the company. Powney has lined the styles with deadstock Tencel leftover from her label. All profits from bag sales will be used to provide eye examinations and glasses for the artisans in the community. The two pieces have been produced in very limited quantities, so snap up quick if you fancy a piece.
From £325 (motherofpearl.co.uk)
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