New Minimalism had a moment at London’s Frieze art fair last week courtesy of Princess Rosario of Bulgaria – and no, this column hasn’t momentarily swallowed an issue of Tatler. Look at how brilliantly chic this coat is. It’s the kind of buy that will last years and works with almost everything. All this classic black could be dull but the clutch is textured and the shoes shine. Note these shoes are wardrobe-keepers with medium heel and classic pointed toe. Oh, and the not-a-whiff-of-a-diamond finish makes the entire ensemble reek of cool. Photograph: WireImage/Nick Harvey
The Briefing’s secret shopper was despatched to east London’s Redchurch Street to have a good old nosey around men’s boutique Hostem. The report is in. It’s fabulous – think dark and masculine, with very friendly staff. Mixing well-known designers such as Ann Demeulemeester and Rick Owens with cult younger labels such as Creep, the store provides design-savvy chaps
with original clothes. Check shirt, £210, by Adam Kimmel, hostem.co.uk Photograph: PR handout
To celebrate his 25th anniversary in the biz, Tommy Hilfiger has created a 25-piece range, which he says has been inspired by his favourite icons – think Debbie Harry, Grace Kelly and James Dean. Essentially, it’s a Best Of collection featuring, for women, preppy Oxford shirts, cowboy boots, a boyfriend denim shirt and a navy sleeveless trench coat. There’s top Tommy stuff for the chaps too, including a classic navy pea coat and a handy Harrington jacket. These women’s jeans get the thumbs-up.
£85, tommy.com Photograph: Simon Leigh
Yes, this shoe has a fringe. This makes it one part Golfer chic, one part this season Prada. That’s no bad starting point for a fashion shoe, especially when it also boasts a really wonderful crayon-green sole. This style is part of a new men’s range by Office, known as ffoR. It features simple shapes, pared-back design and, of course, the aforementioned jolly soles. It’s a welcome addition to the men’s high-street shoe scene.
£79.99, office.co.uk Photograph: PR handout
Posh stationers Smythson’s last sell-out collaboration was with Erdem. This season, it has recruited hot young Scot Holly Fulton to create a series of seriously classy diaries, notebooks and notecards. The pale yellow and aqua shades are gorgeous. Fulton’s style marries art deco with bold colour. Note, too, that her collection of clothes for asos launches on Friday.
Diaries from £225, smythson.com Photograph: PR handout
