Beckham for Belstaff!

When British heritage brand Belstaff opened their new shop on Bond Street recently, none other than David Beckham was stood outside wearing the brands iconic four-pocket leather jackets, and posing with an orange BMW bike. Not only is Beckham set to be the face of the Belstaff Spring/Summer 14 campaign but has been chosen as ambassador for the brand. They had decided he was perfect for ambassador as he is a keen motorcyclist,with a hefty collection of 12 motorbikes at home. I've discussed before how men buy clothing not fashion, so was this choice a clever promotional pick for Belstaff? I think it is, David Beckham will encourage men to seek out the brand and find out what its all about,which in turn should provide the brand with more customers. I also think he is a really good choice, as they haven't just randomly picked him because he's a good looking man, but he is interested in motorcycling which ties him in with the brands heritage and image more. Another good marketing trick, is that Belfast launched their new London store during LFW, which is going to boost the brand and  promote it even more!

Bert Stern:Original Madman

Iconic photographer Bert Stern has died aged 83.He was a self-taught photographer,perhaps known best for 'The Last Sitting' , a collection of 2,500 photographs taken of Marilyn Monroe for Vogue over a three-day period in June 1962, six weeks before her death. The Last Sitting was published into a book 1982 and then again in 2000, he also recreated The Last Sitting with actress Lindsay Lohan and has shot many others including Audrey Hepburn,Madonna,Elizabeth Taylor and Twiggy. Stern is widely regarded, among others photographers, for redefining fashion imagery in the fifties and sixties. There is also a film based on Stern's life, Bert Stern:Orginal Madman. A photo shoot of his that I really like is the from 1963 for LIFE magazine, featuring Cary Grant as Charlie Chaplin.

London Collections: Men

London Collections: Men will be an event between 16th-18th June this summer, showcasing the most prominent names in menswear, including international designers, Britains acclaimed designers and up and coming talent in fashion.  Dylan Jones, Chair of London collections: Men, announced in New York, that after years of showing in Milan renowned British brand Burberry will be moving their menswear show to London. Burberry will be showing on Tuesday 18th June, this is great news as it celebrates London as the city of menswear.

The event will showcase collections from our iconic British designers such as  Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders and Savile Row designers Richard James and E.Tautz.
The event will also be a platform for up and coming designers to showcase what they have to offer. The MAN show will take place on Sunday 16 June and is presented by Topman and Fashion East and will be showing work from three of London's emerging designers to watch!

Another iconic show will be a presentation from the tailors of Savile Row at Lord's Cricket Ground on the afternoon of Monday 17th. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London will also get involved with the antics by hosting a celebration of menswear in London on Tuesday 18th June, this will include a look at the history of menswear in the city and its heritage. What a week for London!