BLOW me down!

The amazing Craig Lawrence hangers!

How many sexual innuendos do you think you can come up with with the name of my favourite PR company BLOW?? I thought the title of this post was just before the line or pure crassness. I could have called it 'Give me a BLOW' or 'What a BLOW job!', but I didn't. I refrained. I love the company too much. I think I did well.

But so as not to take anything away from the company, let's move past the name and onto some of their fascinating brands.

I took Dhillon down to see my lovely friend Ash at the BLOW showroom today. Ash loved Dhillon, Dhillon loved the clothes (to chew on, but we won't tell Ash that!). And me... I'm constantly in awe of everything they do. All their clients are hugely individual and all have a particular niche. You won't find any high street brands here. Oh no sir. Only off-the-wall, completely unique, overly amaze designers.

Take a look at what I found. I'm going to go back soon to take more pics, I could spend all day in there, so stay tuned!

First we have Qasimi who are actually showing in Paris next week. Their stuff is uber-luxurious. I love the ostentatiousness of these shirts. The pearl detail is to die for! Check out their collection at www.qasimi.com



Next we have one of my favourite Central Saint Martin graduates, Fam Irvoll. She takes fashion 3D and super colourful with her cartoony ideas and designs. Gaga's a fan, and so am I! Check it out - www.famirvoll.com/



Lastly, for this session, is Belle Sauvage whose pieces for autumn winter embody all things 80s, so obviously I was instantly attracted. The prints on these garments are UNREAL. Look... colourful, bright with hidden meaning. Love it so much. See more here www.belle-sauvage.co.uk/

Tailor Made

When did we ever see Frank Sinatra out of a suit? Never. I can't remember ever seeing footage of him not dressed up to the nines. That's the way it was in the 50s. Men dressed up. They looked smart, sharp and as if they'd stepped out of a Savile Row shop practically all the time. A fabulously cut blazer, freshly pressed trousers and a slick back hair do - and that was just to pop to Tesco (I've done my research people, Tesco was founded in 1919). Even in high summer it was still all about looking polished - a pair of crisp shorts and a short sleeve shirt on the beach. You can't beat it!

Taken from a 50s magazine - showing typical day wear!

Yes gentlemen, the 1950s was dominated by tailoring. Impressive, Sinatra-cum-Godfather, good old fashioned tailoring. And now in 2010, as we head into spring/summer (hopefully!), it's all back again. The high street is FULL to the rafters with amazing tailored hot buys so there is absolutely NO excuse not to look ultra smart and uber chic. Here are some bits I've found, there might be a splash of designer too...oops! Couldn't help meself.


Green shorts £20, New Look; Red skinny chinos £26, Topman

Navy blazer £127, Lyle & Scott www.lyleandscott.com; Double layer waistcoat £80, Allsaints


Paint splashed AMAZE shorts £360, Alexander McQueen at www.matchesfashion.com; Jersey-sleeved grey blazer £59.99, River Island

Short sleeve mac £59.99, River Island; Red striped blazer £215, Vivienne Westwood


Carolyn Massey linen trousers £60, Topman; Jersey navy blazer £35, Giles by Giles Deacon for New Look


Double breasted BRIGHT trench coat £635, Paul Smith; Deep V uber-cool blazer £1100, Qasimi

Out and About:

Grey jersey with white trim £49.99, Zara; Blue relaxed 'worker' blazer £69.90, Mango

Roll back the sleeves for a contrast in colours: grey with navy £59.99 and navy (multi pockets) with white £49.99 both from H&M

A few from Topman. LOVE the middle two tone, colour block option. So Jil Sander!