Fashion and Style

What’s in a bag? We ask hand bag designer Tyler Ellis

The rise of the in-store personal shopper

Luxury fashion with a conscience

We can say that luxury fashion is only becoming more luxurious when environmentally friendly and ethical processes are employed in each piece of clothing or accessory. The time it takes to the methods used is almost a work of art in itself. What is more, the art of preservation where ancient techniques are hailed and therefore preserved not only for their uniqueness but also for their incredible originality that cannot be replicated as easily. The importance of preserving sheer craftsmanship and valuing the ethical responsibilities of a brand is one that The Sybarite celebrates. Surprisingly, an increasing number of luxury fashion brands are basing their philosophies on the values of ethical, ecological and technological implementations. Take for example Maiyet, a brand featuring a poetic category selection such as clothing, shoes to jewelry and bags, but all with one factor in common – the employment of rare artisanal skills from unexpected places. But it isn’t just that, Maiyet (https://maiyet.com) also forges strong partnerships with artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs in developing economies to promote self-sufficiency and further trains them with their independent nonprofit organization, Nest.

Vertu For Bentley phone debuts At Goodwood And Pebble beach

The latest release is ‘Signature for Bentley’ which has been designed with Bentley’s Mulsanne Speed in mind. Why the Mulsanne Speed I hear you ask? Vertu’s Signature is a delicate slim mobile phone with a carbon fibre pillow and if you are fortunate enough to have driven or seen the Mulsanne Speed, it’ll be obvious that the model has a similar carbon weave design pattern. The stainless steel sides of the phone are also reminiscent of the control knobs on the luxury car and the Beluga Black calf leather casing gives it an extra layer of exceptional quality. The range will be on display at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed which takes place from the 25th to the 28th of June and the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in August.

Letitia Casta, Parisienne Par excellence for Cointreau

Through history Cointreau has been close to women as they explore their creativity, embodying in many ways the free spirit of  La Parisienne, the Parisian woman. As Creative Director of the House of Cointreau, Casta’s very first goal is to inspire women and dare them to be themselves, celebrating Cointreau’s signature art de vivre. For her first project Casta has chosen to celebrate Louisa Cointreau, due to her pivotal role for the House and her encouragement toward women to explore their creative side. “It’s the fragility of a women that touches me. Today we want to be too strong, today we want to be too perfect, and I think it’s completely wrong. We have to be in love with our femininity and this is the message I want to get across.” said Casta, whose project also involves selecting female artists from all over the world to share their own twist on life. This will happen both through a series of ‘webisodes’, each an opportunity to freely exchange ideas, but also creative evenings inspired by the Cointreau Cafe’ Society.

Valentines Day: top five luxury gifts for him and her

Love is key for Lanvin’s #SS15 campaign

Featuring iconic model Kirsten Owen, Pat Cleveland and Violetta Sanchez alongside their youthful daughters, the images are haunting and dramatic, reflecting on fashion invading close relationships. Menswear wasn’t left out and in this case, the bond of brotherhood is explored with Callum and Haydn Rockall, alongside DJ duo Joshua Quinton and Andy Bradin. The French maison stays faithful to its beautiful heritage left by Jeanne Lanvin and we love how it resonates within the modern, innovation-obsessed fashion world.

Guy Bourdin At Somerset House

Instantly recognisable and undoubtedly surreal, the 100-snap collection combines his early and later pieces of work, featuring unseen material, which spans over 30-years of his career. Renowned for provocative surrealism, the exhibition includes some of his most reputable works alongside a selection of paintings, working drawings, sketches and notebooks, which haven’t yet been seen in the UK. Black and white images have been thrown into the mix of predominantly vibrant photos. Other photographic materials include; Polaroid test shots, contact sheets and double-page spreads, which exemplify photography in a pre-digital time space. Curated by Alistair O’Neill with Shelly Verthime, the exhibition runs from 27 November 2014 – 15 March 2015 and is undoubtedly the most insightful display since the fashion photographer’s death in 1991.

London Collections: Men – the best bits

The biannual fashion event, which showcases the most promising menswear designers from around the world, gives those who attend an exclusive preview of popular trends for the coming seasons. As the menswear shows continue in Milan and Paris, we’ve put together a list of highlights of the best bits from London: