Cool-Girl Jewelry Brand Dylanlex Debuts at Owen in New York

Dylanlex launched less than a year ago, but the jewelry brand has already reached every corner of the globe—mainly due to social media. Founder Drew Ginsburg essentially started the company on Instagram, posting photos of her own collection of reworked bib necklaces to gauge her audience’s reaction. She layered, deconstructed, and reassembled jewelry she picked up on trips to Turkey, London, Tokyo, and beyond for a truly unique, far-flung vibe. She began lending her edgy-meets-earthy pieces to stylists, and immediately received a steady stream of orders.

“I was making one-offs by hand and scouring markets and bazaars all over the world, but once I sold a necklace, it was gone forever,” she told. “So I started looking into large-scale production in New York. A lot of my pieces are inspired by jewelry I’ve found in India—their beadwork and attention to detail is unreal.”

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Until now, Ginsburg’s necklaces were sold exclusively at dylanlex, but she just picked up her first brick-and-mortar retailer: Owen in New York’s Meatpacking District. Images of her latest collection and the boutique’s illuminated case debut exclusively here. “We have a really strong online presence, but I wanted to give customers the experience of trying on the necklaces, picking out one that fits them best, and even having a stylist there to help build the look,” she explained.

Dylanlex necklaces are silver-plated and crafted from brass, copper, white bronze, and other mixed metals, plus hand-laid Swarovski crystals. Ginsburg designs each style on Photoshop before her team solders and finishes each piece by hand here in New York. “I was previously a clothing designer at a big corporate company, and it was always about really big margins and making things cheap,” she said. “I felt I didn’t have those limitations with jewelry, so it’s sort of an outlet for me.” Her trademark bib necklaces will soon be accompanied by bracelets, rings, and more. Considering that her customer base now includes the likes of Rihanna and Kendall Jenner, we’re thinking this is only the beginning for Dylanlex.

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BMW IBFW sees Tarun Tahiliani's magical 'Modern Mughals'

The sixth edition of BMW India Bridal Fashion Week 2014 in association with AZVA at DLF Emporio, New Delhi on day 1 saw a magical collection from the czar of haute couture, Tarun Tahiliani in celebration of the global indian.

The arena was packed and viewers were welcomed by a spectacular sight of a fully lit up Rashtrapati Bhavan, through a projector. Tarun Tahiliani’s unconventional and edgy approach of showcasing bridal wear in the color black stunned many! Apart from black & gold the collection formed a pastoral romance of pinks, beiges, burnt orange and noir.

Extensive layering, long trains and ruffles were seen. With the use of modern fabric like sheer silks, reshams and tullé; the ensemble became lighter, giving ease of movement. From textured salwars, dhoti pants, Patiala salwars and non-conformist pair of trousers to gilded amour choli, vest coats and anarkali kurtas. Every ensemble looked distinctive. The traditional mangtika was modified into a Mohawk that added a dash of power to the whole look.

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TT showcased many new and extraordinary embroideries and techniques. The gorgeous planter’s chair cannage weave jacket certainly got our attention. The sari with ostrich feathers looked spectacular.

The concept sari has always been a strong point for the couturier. The hybrid dhoti-sari and numerous other draping techniques made viewers take note of the detailing. Tarun’s bride was dressed in an orange lehenga choli with intricate and intense gold work.

For men, the couture collection used a plentiful of gold, unconventional pistachio, deep oranges for the kurta and sherwani. And even wilder punk palette for luxurious linings. The 'Modern Mughals' collection was truly Indian in origin but global in sensibility.

With top Indian designers showcasing their collections at the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week 2014, the event and the fabulous setting of DLF Emporio – India’s first and finest luxury destination – makes it one of the greatest shows in the country.

The name BMW has always spelt aesthetics, design and quality of a very high standard, which will perfectly synchronize with the joy, beauty and grandeur of Indian weddings and bridal wear. Indian bridal fashion is haute couture of the ultimate kind that reveals precision and perfect craftsmanship, which resonates perfectly with the BMW brand values.

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Skin savers: Why dermal cosmetics brands like Bioderma works

The minimalist packaging might not be exciting, but French skincare brand Bioderma is so successful that models, make-up artists and beauty editors make their way to French pharmacies when they’re in Paris just to stock up on it.

“The cosmetics and skincare industry is highly regulated in France,” says David Leow, co-founder of Fusion Cosmetics, the company responsible for bringing Bioderma into Malaysia. “As a result, dermal cosmetics – products that are based on research and endorsed by dermatologists – are very popular in France. Not only are these products very affordable and widely available at pharmacies, they’re also highly effective.”

Bioderma, named as such because the company’s principle – “biology at the service of dermatology” – was founded in France in 1977 by Jean-Noël Thorel, who declared that “when skin suffers, we should use its natural biology to teach it to react, rather than treat it.” Put simply, Thorel believed that products are best when they respect the skin and complement its natural mechanisms.

When it was launched, Bioderma’s first product – the world’s first non-detergent shampoo called Node – provided the perfect solution for people who disliked washing their hair due to the drying effects of shampoos at the time. Thanks to its unique formula, Node was able to simultaneously cleanse their hair and restore its hydrolipidic film.

Today, Bioderma prides itself on its scientific know-how, collaborating with dermatologists and biologists from three dedicated laboratories in France. By using only active ingredients that are already present in one’s complexion, Bioderma is able to produce over 50 international patents, including the highly coveted Sensibio H20.

“It’s our superstar product, with one being sold every three seconds around the world since it was launched in 1995. A lot of women are amazed by what it can do,” says Leow, who demonstrated his point by using Sensibio H20 on a model, removing all traces of heavy-duty make-up, which included “BB cream, foundation and eyeliner so thick it can rival ICI deluxe”, and impurities on her face in just under a few minutes.

The magic, it seems, is in the (micellar) water. Micellar waters first gained momentum in Paris when it was introduced by the company. It’s known as the holy grail of light, effective cleansing sans water. Just one swipe is said to leave skin squeaky clean, moisturised and prepped for serum and moisturiser.

How does it work? The liquid crystals, known as micelles, are actually tiny molecules containing water inside. Micellar water combines the freshness of water with the technical properties of oil. When gently applied to a surface – say, the skin – its spheres split open, drawing make-up (including waterproof mascara), sebum and impurities from the skin without stripping off moisture. And since micelles adhere naturally to cotton, there is no need to rinse with water!

Ordinary make-up remover, on the other hand, dissolves cosmetic pigments instead of absorbing them. As a result, wiping it off requires more work, quite often double cleansing, thereby posing a significant challenge for sensitive skin.

Unfortunately, the runway success of Sensibio H20 has spawned a lot of imitation products, which don’t do the job as well. Bioderma’s micellar water uses fatty acid ester – an ingredient which has a composition closely resembling that of the skin – as well as highly purified water, making it gentle and well-tolerated. It’s also formulated for oily or acne-prone skin (Sebium H20) and dehydrated skin (Hydrabio H20).

The brand also carries a full range of highly-effective moisturisers, serums and body creams designed according to different skin types for those searching for a complete skincareregimen. Available under three different lines, colour coded according to the type of skin concern addressed, there’s red for Sensibio (normal to sensitive skin), blue for Atoderm (very dry to dry skin) and green for Sebium (acne-prone skin).

The Sensibio and Atoderm range contain DAF complex, a patent made from golden seaweed extract that offers a natural preservative system and increase skin’s tolerability. In addition, Sensibio products also contain a Rosactiv patent to reduce the appearance of both temporary and permanent redness, and preventrecurrance. There’s also the Fluidactiv patent, which biologically limits the thickening of sebum and regulates its quality under the Sebium range.

Another beauty staple is the Bronz Complex, which was launched in 2009 under Bioderma’s Photoderm range that biologically stimulates skin’s natural self-defences against the sun.

Figures why Bioderma is a celebrity favourite.

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What to do when you work in a “no dress code” office

It’s got to that point where we’ve begun to dread the phrase “smart casual” when describing an event’s dress code. It’s great for guys, as they can simply rock up in jeans or chinos with a clean(ish) shirt. However, the term smart casual for women is horrifyingly broad. The same seems to apply to a “no dress code” office dress code. Does this mean I can come to work in sweats and my comfy old jumper? We’d say, probably not…

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First thing’s first, stay smart in your first week regardless. Go for a nice dress and blazer, or trousers and shirt. This way you can focus on your new role in the company without fretting over what you look like. You can figure out the level of casual everybody else takes it to, and your new boss might just be convinced that you are a seasoned professional who knows exactly what they’re doing. Might. We can’t promise anything though.

Once you’ve settled in, you can start adding your personality to your workwear. Wear the nice version of whatever makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. Don’t try to impress anyone, especially if it’s going to distract you from your work. Sure, those high-waisted jeans you got from eBay look incredible, but the fact that sitting down in them for extended periods of time cuts off the blood circulation in your waist means that they might not be the best option for work. Neither will that dress that needs yanking down every five steps…sorry! There may be no dress code, but it’s still a working environment. It’s like mufti day in school, but five days a week. You want to express yourself, but without angering your teachers or getting a detention.

Here are a few of our top picks for summer workwear in varying grades of “smart casual”.

PHOTO © TEAM PETER STIGTER   SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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This is super casual but totally clean, crisp and cool. You just can’t go wrong with a shiny pair of brogues, some red lippy and a gloriously white t-shirt.

PHOTO © PETER STIGTER  FILENAME IS DESIGNER NAME  FALL/WINTER 2011

Heading more into the realms of office wear, we love this chic and classy look. A classic shirt-skirt-blazer combo, with the added quirkiness of the flowing A-line – a perfectly put together work look that retains some personality.

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Kate Middleton – always pulling out the big guns. This would work so well in an office with a stricter dress code. It’s elegant and professional, but the cinched waist paired with the peplum gives it a great edge.

Things to do in Miami during Mercedes-Benz fashion week swim

Celebrating its 10th year, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim events take place in Miami Beach from July 17-21. Over five days #MBFWSWIM showcases the collections of 50 swimwear designers across multiple venues on South Beach.

While the official catwalks are open only to industry and press, there are plenty of “unofficial” fashion parties and runway shows open to the public. So the fashion loving traveler will find it worthwhile to visit Miami Beach during this week.

The centerpiece locale is the ever-hip Raleigh Hotel, official host hotel and location for most of the fashion shows. For travelers wanting to be near the action of Fashion Week but not consumed by it, two great fashionable hotels within a few blocks are The Riviera Hotel and The Gale Hotel.

A renovated hotel opened in 2013, The Riviera Hotel strays from the modernistic interior design that dominates South Beach. Instead its room interiors are darker with classic finishes such as brown leather ottomans and animal hide rugs. A few blocks off the ocean, it’s also on the periphery of South Beach activity. However, it is nearby the W South Beach Hotel, which will host swimwear shows at its Salon Allure.

Closer to the center of South Beach, The Gale’s “Mad Men” era décor offers a low-lit lobby, dark wood hallway walls, and black and white photographs of Frank Sinatra and Mickey Mantle. It has a great bar with large, comfortable leather seats, plus a tasty Italian restaurant, Dolce Italia. Be sure to photograph the black Model T Ford quirkily stationed outside.

The restaurants and bars will be extra busy with thousands of visiting fashion professionals which attend other non-Mercedes Benz shows such as the Swim Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Take in some down home cooking at Yardbird Southern Table and Bar just off Lincoln Road.

Traverse to Yardbird’s culinary opposite, the quiet, sleek, seafood oriented Local House in the Sense South Beach Hotel. If you find yourself starving after watching skinny models at The Raleigh, walk across the street to taste Korean fusion at the Catalina Hotel’s Fung Ku.

Between the eating and the playing, you can attend “open to the public” events during the week. Probably the most popular of these is the Funkshion fashion show at the super fabulous SLS Hotel.

Or, be a fashionable philanthropist at the Fashion Saves event in SOHO Beach House. Don’t drown in fashion at Splashion in the Filmore Theatre, hosted by local media stalwart MIAMI Magazine. Mingle with Miami's fashionable at Miami Fashion Network's fashion lovers event at The Betsy Hotel South Beach.

A passion-for-fashion crowd will dominate the Miami scene this week, so visitors should familiarize themselves with a few names and motifs of indie swimwear designers.

Check out Wildfox Couture which perfectly integrates sensuality with hippie culture, creating a relaxed yet very sexy look. Brazilian born Sinesia Karol mixes American cuts with the colorful prints and chic allure we expect of Brazil. Colombian designer Paula Saavedra brings bold, sexy swimwear that tastefully mixes bright colors in her brand Caffe Swimwear.

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From Homeland to Aquascutum: Damian Lewis’ modelling debut with top model Eliza Cummings

Award-winning actor Damian Lewis leaves the persona of Marine Sargeant Nicholas Brody behind and strikes a pose for the quintessentially British brand Aquascutum.

His role in Homeland has earned him an Emmy and a Golden Globe, but his looks landed him this modelling job - the 43-year-old appear as the new face of Aquascutum’s autumn/winter campaign alongside top British model Eliza Cumming.

The two play a couple in what the brand describes as “an intimate stolen moment, just steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city”.

The romantic black and white shots were taken by the acclaimed photographer Alasdair McLellan along Regent’s Canal in North London – described as a “cinematic environment”. Celebrating the wet English weather – perfect for Aquascutum’s trademark trenches - they are seen wearing luxurious coats and standing under an umbrella.

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The Homeland actor follows the steps of Kit Harrington, Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, who has just been revealed as new face of Jimmy Choo.

In one shot Mr Lewis wears a seam-sealed navy wool breasted Howell coat, whilst Ms Cummings looks effortlessly stylish in an oversized Baxter coat.

That outwearwear is what Acquascutum, founded in 1851, is famous for. In Latin, the words 'Aqua Scutum' translate to ‘water shield’. This year the British brand’s trench celebrates its 100 birthday. A century ago the founder, John Emary, became the first pioneer of waterproof wool fabric, which was then used for trench coats for First World War officers from 1914.

Aquascutum was once famous for dressing Lady Thatcher, Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant but has been in turnaround mode over the past couple of years. In 2012 it fell into administration from then owner Harold Tillman and bought by Chinese group YGM Trading. Since then, YGM has put funding into the brand to support its growth and has seen huge recovery, particularly in its menswear clothing line. The booming sales led to the opening of a new menswear-only store in London in April this year.

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3 Mistakes women make when buying heels

How long have you been wearing the same shoe size? It’s been years hasn’t it? But it’s important that we realise that our feet are constantly changing due to our ‘Life in Motion’ such as, ageing, weight gain/loss, pregnancy etc.

Not all shoe shops have a shoe fitting service so here are the top 3 mistakes we see ladies making when buying that perfect pair:

Mistake Number 1 – Buying shoes that do not fit now!

Always buy shoes that fit you NOW. People constantly try on shoes (especially when the heels are in the sales), think to themselves "they feel a little tight", and then convince themselves, “Well, they’ll stretch…” 9 out of 10 times, they won’t, or at least not enough to make them really comfortable. Buy heels with a little more give, but overall, don’t buy a pair of heels with the hope that they’ll fit in the future. Also, the majority of us have one foot bigger than the other, so when buying shoes fit the shoe to your larger foot.

Don't make these mistakes when buying heels

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Mistake Number 2 – Buying Heels In The Morning.

Shop for heels towards the end of the day where possible. Our feet swell towards the end of the day and this will give you a truer fitting of the shoe by the end of the day. As well as being uncomfortable, no-one wants a foot muffin top on a sexy pair of heels.

Mistake Number 3 – Wearing Heels For Way Too Long.

Wearing heels for a prolonged amount of time is not good for your feet, neither on a short nor long term basis. But let's face it, every lady loves a good pair of heels to complete that perfect OOTD (outfit for the day). If you wear heels to work or on a night out, try to bring a comfortable pair of shoes along with you so you’re not having to wear them for a prolonged period of time. Once you've finished at work or your event is over, swap those heels for a comfy pair of shoes.

Top tips to survive a day in heels

Stretch your leg muscles

Stretching your leg muscles before and after putting heels on can lower the negative effects of wearing heels

Build up your arches

Strengthening your arches will also help prevent foot problems. Use a small rubber ball and practice picking it up with your toes to keep your foot arches strong.

Visit a podiatrist

If you have a foot problem, go and see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long: many of our patients come to us too late. Waiting too long increases the risk of a condition worsening and it can develop into a serious health or mobility problem.

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Wondering How To Get Rid Of Dark Under Arms? Try These 3 Natural Remedies

I’ve been shaving under my arms for almost two decades and the Dove commercials are correct. I treat my underarms like shit; I don’t exfoliate, I shave dry, and I certainly don’t take any precautions for things like UV radiation or harmful rays from the sun. One would think I hated my underarms, but in my defense, I feel as if I have such a large area of body to cover in my beauty regimen that clearly something has to suffer. My underarms may be the part of my body that I pay the least attention to, but it’s also the part of my body that is less likely to be seen by the public…or so I thought.

I’m sure you feel me on this example: You shower and get dressed, only to find out that it’s going to be a tad bit hotter than you expected. So, you ditch that shirt you’re sure to get sweat stains in for a tank top. Then, of course, you grab a razor to quickly dry shave before running out the door. On one of these days, I caught my reflection and thought to myself, “Wait…I definitely shaved today, right” Right. It’s just the dark coloring of my underarms from years of shaving and never moisturizing that has given my pits a darker color than the rest of my body. The worst part? The darkness will only deepen with time making it harder to fix.

Turns out, although more prominent in darker skinned ladies, the dark underarm drama is not just specific to skin color. Loads of shavers out there are starting to fear that they’ll have to stop hailing cabs or limit elaborate dance moves if they don’t get that underarm game under control. Even Beyonce is no stranger to the dark underarm plague! Fortunately, I’ve got it covered now and these natural remedies will def up your confidence on the dance floor this summer.

Lemon Juice & Raw Honey

Mmmm, lemons. They freshen up tap water, act as a natural skin toner for your face, get rid of hiccups AND lighten underarms like a BOSS. Each day, take a lemon wedge and rub onto your underarms before bathing. Afterwards, use equal parts raw honey and lemon juice to put under your arms. The raw honey is great at eliminating dark spots and is an antibacterial that has a natural pH level of about 4.5 — something your underarms will thank you for in the long run by getting smoother. Add a moisturizer after you’ve rinsed your paste off to protect your underarms from UV radiation and keep that dryness at bay.

Potatoes

It seems that whenever I need one potato, I end up buying a dozen potatoes only to find them months later growing horrifying eyes all over their once clear skin. Fortunately, these potatoes that I’ve discovered in the back of my cabinet don’t have to go in the trash. Instead, slice those bad boys open for clear underarm skin. I recommend slicing the potato thick and rubbing directly under your arms daily — ones that are a little juicy works best, since potato juice is a natural skin lightener. Who’da thunk. Potatoes brighten dull skin and increase skin’s elasticity for smooth even skin tones. Do this daily for maximum results. Be sure to apply a moisturizer when you are taking your pits out into the world or you’ll be slicing potatoes for nothing.

Baking Soda

Now, this is my personal favorite method. I exfoliate my bikini line with baking soda to keep razor burn at an ultimate low, and it works to lighten underarms as well by removing dead skin cells.

Ready to start treating your underarms like real skin? Check out some great DIY natural deodorants on Wellness Mama’s website; don’t be scurred, nature can kill even the most advanced body odor!

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Shakira Covers 'Glam Belleza Latina,' Here Are 6 Things We Learned Her Beauty Regimen In The Story

That petite powerhouse and honest hip shaker known as Shakira covers the Summer 2014 issue of Glam Belleza Latina, with her golden waves filling the frame. The gorgeous Colombian, who just wrapped her stint as a coach on The Voice, indicating that she will not return for another round, loves being a mom, considers her Latin fans like friends, and views her boyfriend and baby daddy Gerard Pique as “the one.” In addition to all those Shakira fun life facts, the cover story also reveals quite a bit about Shakira’s beauty regimen, as well.

Shakira is preternaturally stunning, so she has a fab base on which to build her look and her style. But her hips don’t lie and neither does she. Her beauty routines and perspectives are actually quite honest and super refreshing, since they allow for indulgences, aren’t too princess-y or precious, and are easy for her fans to emulate, because, well, who wouldn’t want to follow Shakira’s lead and tackle her tips for looking faboosh?

Take a look at the cover for a second. The pale pink, almost mod lip color works with her sun-smooched skin and the way the wavy layer covers one eye adds an air of mystery.

Check out the 6 most interesting tidbits I gleaned from her feature, then head over to the mag’s website for the rest of Shakira’s cover story.

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1. Shakira Prefers Light Hair Because She Is Not Trying to Be a Member of the Cullen Clan

Shakira likes lighter hair because it brightens her face and doesn’t present her as a goth or vampire-in-training like her formerly darker locks did. ”I like that blond hair gives a lot of light onstage and makes my face pop a little more,” she said. “The dark hair made me look more goth. And besides, how many blond Latinas are there in the world? Hello!” Point taken, Shak, even though we’re sure Edward Cullen would love to sink his teeth into your neck.

2. She Is Not a Slave to Diets, So Bring on the Food

Her off-tour eating routine and food philosophy? It’s totally simple. If she likes it, she eats it. Shakira said, “I don’t believe in depriving myself or being a slave to diets. I generally eat healthy, but I indulge too. And when I have to, for a video or a performance, I pull back a little. But it’s all about balance.” At least she has a team of trainers and managers to remind her when the pull back needs to occur.

3. She Remains Active When Not Touring, Too

While dancing onstage during a tour is “great for cardio and toning,” and is, in effect, like exercise cheating, Shakira isn’t a sloth when off the road. She stays active and it’s as though she tricks her brain, doing “things that feel like fun and not just a workout, so that I stay motivated. Tennis is my current favorite. ”

4. Latina Beauty Is All About Intangibles

Latina beauty is all about the intangible elements, save for one. “To me, it’s confident, passionate, and — of course — curvy,” Shak said. What’s that sound? Oh, just the melody line and hook for “Hips Don’t Lie.”

5. She Is Kind to Her Thirsty Hair

The singer uses serums with natural oils and sulfate-free shampoos to add moisture to her hair, which is prone to drying out due to all the processing she puts it through.

6. Her Beach Bag Essentials Are Not Shocking

“The highest SPF sunscreen I can find,” she admitted about what she totes in her beach bag. “I always avoid damage to my skin from the sun, and a good detangler for my hair. I also use a vitamin C serum before applying makeup to nourish my skin, along with lots of moisturizer. I also try to buy beauty products that have as few chemicals as possible.”

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Young British fashion designers are attracting international brands to London's menswear showcase

Today is the start of London Collections: Men. It's the fifth time that London has presented a stand-alone fashion week for men, cramming almost 70 shows and presentations into three days. It isn't just about showing what British designers have to offer, though. This time around, Italian label Moschino (helmed by the American designer Jeremy Scott) has elected to show its menswear in London, and Scott joins fellow American Tom Ford and a welter of homegrown names including Burberry Prorsum and Alexander McQueen. The visibility of London's menswear showcase is fast rising.

What is it that makes London menswear so appealing? Its comparative youth, for a start: Milan and Paris have been showing menswear separately from their women's collections for more than 15 years. The status as a fresh newcomer of London Collections: Men is mirrored in its designers, whose ages hover somewhere around 30.

JW Anderson, newly appointed head of Loewe, reaches that milestone this year; new talent Craig Green, who shows his hotly anticipated show tomorrow, is 27; while the inaugural winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, Christopher Shannon, is only 33.

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Compare that with the stalwarts of Milan and Paris: Giorgio Armani is 79, Dries Van Noten 56. Even Hedi Slimane – a champion of youth fashion – clocks in at 45. London menswear is showing the world something new.

That newness is vital. "Fashion is reaction. It's about what people are talking about, what happened last season," says the designer Jonathan Saunders. "If you're going to make a man go into the shops and buy something new every season, then newness is important."

JW Anderson agrees … in a way. "You need to make sure 35 per cent of the collection is something you're not comfortable with," he says. "If you're comfortable, it's stale."

Stale is a word that is often applicable to menswear – where, even at designer level, there is reliance on the tailored suit and casual basics including chinos, cotton shirts and sweaters, which demand little or no design input.

If designers in Milan and Paris can be relied upon to deliver their aesthetic tropes (Armani's relaxed, neutral tailoring, Cavalli's glitzy look), then London has gained a reputation for bucking trends and spearheading new movements – the resurgence of luxury sportswear, for example, which can be traced back to designer Kim Jones 10 years ago. Jones is now men's style director of Louis Vuitton.

The presence of those emerging young designers has enticed more established brands to show in London. Both McQueen and Burberry previously presented their clothes in staid Milan, before joining the London showcase last year in January and in June, respectively.

What is London's pull for those mega-brands? It's the same as it is for press and buyers – the latter increasing 30 per cent year on year, and from 33 countries: the promise of something fresh and exciting.

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