Last week the fashion industry was frothing over all things high-end haute couture. Shala Monroque, a fashion consultant and front-row attendee, wore this rather fine lo-fi ensemble to the debut Giambattista Valli couture show. Certain quarters of the fashion desk were seriously impressed with the teaming of an old denim shirt (you’ve got one in your wardrobe, haven’t you?), reinvented with a blast of hot summery yellow. What shoes to team with such a bold hue? Sandals with a dash of snake and a splattering of jewels seem to do the job, while a timeless handbag holds the whole lot together. Très bien. Photograph: Wayne Tippetts/Rex Features
Polka dots and circles have been doing battle with stripes this year and dots have the edge. This smashing circular print top is by David David, a label designed by Chelsea College of Art graduate David (no surprises there) Saunders. Previously, Saunders assisted Tracey Emin and has designed prints for Fred Perry. His clothes are unisex, he does a fine line in printed umbrellas, and if you’re not swayed by the dot trend, he also does a very nice twist on stripes.
£65, daviddavid.co.uk Photograph: Bohdan Cap/PR
These bags look posh. With their simple, stripped-back design, a spot of two-toning and a double gold zip front detail, they are available in variations of red, green, taupe and black. Yet they are not bags of bank-breaking proportions. Oh no. These babies are Topshop channelling Céline. Shove one under your arm, walk with purpose and glassily stare through people like you don’t give a damn – all this attitude can be yours for a mere £30. How thoroughly marvellous.
£30, available 22 July, topshop.com Photograph: Alicia Canter for the Guardian
Fendi’s new perfume, Fan di Fendi, is a nasal romp. Think the Collins sisters. In a bottle. With added gold. It’s what Dynasty would smell like it if it had a signature whiff. The press blurb says “sun and electric nights, leather and rose, luxury and seduction” - which means blackcurrant and pear, with tangerine, pink peppercorns, rose and patchouli.
From £39.95, available from 25 July, houseoffraser.co.uk Photograph: PR
Men can finally have proper Jimmy Choo shoes. The label’s previous dalliance with menswear was with H&M in 2009, a collection that sold out in a microsecond. Naturally, the new collection is dearer, to reflect the quality. This double monk-strap style is called St James, while other highlights include a pair of shearling-lined grey sneakers. Asked who “the Jimmy Choo man” is, boss Tamara Mellon purrs: “the man on the arm of the Jimmy Choo woman”. Obviously.
£560, mrporter.com Photograph: PR
