summer news and archive

Matthew Williamson partners with Free People for first apparel collection in 7 years

British designer Matthew Williamson has partnered with Free People to design an exclusive 15-piece capsule collection for summer 2026. The move marks his return to fashion design, with his first collection launch in seven years. The partnership felt like a natural fit for the two, as the designer’s work resonates with Free People’s philosophy of...

Design

Heatwave fuels July sales

The British heatwave is sending shoppers to the high street. Sales of swimwear and summer fashions have seen their fastest growth since 2006, during last heatwave in the UK. According to the British Retail Consortium, same-store sales were up 2.2 percent while online sales growth was 7.9 percent. It was the third consecutive month of retail...

Fashion

Bad Summer For Fashion Retailers

Fashion retailers are set to record a dismal summer as the unpredictable weather takes its toll on sales. In recent weeks the weather has taken in soaring temperatures and torrential downpours in rapid succession, and research by property consultants Donaldsons reveals fashion retailers have been worst hit. James Brown, head of retail research...

Fashion

Summer the season for fashion parties

The season of fashionable parties has begun. This week, Hardy Amies, Vivienne Westwood, Premier Model Management, and Gareth Pugh all have something to celebrate. From birthdays, to product launches, to couture; fashion houses are throwing decadent parties to mark the start of summer. On Tuesday, Hardy Amies showed his couture collection at...

Fashion

Cover up for summer

Summer has arrived and the months of covering up our legs and arms are over. Or are they? As fashion has it, this is not the season of the skimpy swimsuit. Take note from designers such as Michael Kors, Stella McCartney and Miuccia Prada who made the most convincing case for poolside modesty when she paired jewel-tone satin tunics and turbans...

Fashion

SS07 fashion show dates revealed

The season may only just have ended, but the dates for the spring/summer 07 catwalk shows have been set. This time there seems to be less conflict and overlap between cities, however tradeshows dates are still to be confirmed. The women's ready-to-wear shows will commence in New York from September 11-16, followed by London from September 17-21,...

Fashion

Fashion goes white

The summer may seem ages away, but that won't stop fashionistas looking out for the cruise collections in store now in search of the summer's hottest looks. It's also the perfect excuse to buy new outfits for that February Caribbean break. This season, white dominated the catwalks and the colour is dubbed to the biggest trend for summer....

Fashion

Summer Is All About Havaianas

A good pair of Havaiana sandals look good in the city, on the beach or at the pool, blends well with the blue of the sea and sky but is also equal to the demands of urban life. Such is the proverb of the famous Brazilian sandal. It is, without doubt, the most democratic sandal known to man because in the words of the writer Jorge Amado (himself...

Fashion

A Short Moment

Summer weather calls for shorts and fashion is dictating that shorts are back. For the best look, wear them turned up for the chic look, or rolled up for casual. For evening team with a chiffon top & heels or for those scorching days with a cotton vest and flip-flops.

Fashion

Summer Dressing

In case you hadn't noticed, the dress is back this summer. Girls in full skirts, 50s frocks and flirty dresses have been spotted around the capital since the start of the beautiful weather. This time, fashion is on a nostalgic trip like never before, so there is something suitable for everyone. There are romantic dresses in silk prints, rippling...

Fashion

Poolside

This summer is all about the poolside look. Beautiful printed scarves - think Missoni, Pucci, Versace - tied into a turban, a twist of silk, wrapped casually around your head. Be inspired by Bianca Jagger, bright prints and anything from Marrakech.

Fashion

Kaftan Cool

There is only one look for the summer girls, and that being the kaftan! Whether holidaying in the Seychelles or eating poolside in Brighton, there's only one way to go - long loose and seriously cool. Dress up the look with shades and strappy heels. (ps it's more Liz Taylor than Margot Leadbetter).