Fashion Sprout

I've just read something very interesting about the Business of Fashion. In a nutshell, it's that high-end fashion is being bought mostly in what they call "hardware" - bags, glasses (sun and ordinary), shoes, beauty and jewellery and then paired with "high street" clothes - Zara, Top Shop, River Island etc. This way the shopper is supposed to get more pound-per-wear than investing in designer clothes. Examine! Yes, this may be true and nothing I do or say will stop this. But do I agree with it? My answer is... a resounding No.

Having just seen the masterpiece Dior & I (we'll get on to that later) clothing from the High Street is descended from the collections, but the longevity of the garment (the feel of the cloth, the cut and the finish of the hem) it just doesn't stand up to scrutiny. And I think very few can really get away with this High/Low dressing (despite what they think).

Yes, yes Francine  - easy for you to say. But not really - I have to make decisions on how to spend my money. And I'm not of the current trend of "wardrobe cleansing". If I was, I'd never been able to have such fun with old/vintage pieces. But for this, you do need space. If you buy good clothes they will always last and pound-per-wear is, I think, a much better investment than this season's handbag. As it happens, I do have a collection of past, expensive seasons handbags (pre-divorce) and never, ever use them. They seem to have dated faster than the clothes. But clothes from that period do get worn so I rest my case...

If you read me and enjoy style and fashion then do not miss this film! As I said last week I thought it would take me into a world I'd never seen. And I was right! In my past life as a makeup artist, I did lots of designer shows including for the likes of YSL, Versace etc. So I did get to see behind the scenes, but the creation of a couture collection is, to me, another world. This film is not to be missed! Plus, the clothes were absolutely exquisite. And, as in my last paragraph, pound-per-wear would (if one wears in that price bracket) be unbelievable. Well, if I were ever in that position I'd wear my couture forever!

Finally - I got to put on my new Evening/Modern Black Tie Dress. It was so the right decision to buy! And widely admired for it's beauty. I loved it! My only near-disaster was the wrong deodorant (white stains). Anyhow, that was resolved before any damage was done. You just have to remember everything!

I find myself here in South London visiting my dry cleaners (winter white...) and finishing off this weeks post. I'm sorry that this week's is so short but with the Dior & I film and as I'm chair of the Langdon Awards dinner which was last night - time's been a bit tight. But all will be back to normal soon.

White, pearlised high heels/black tights. I feel a new Fashion Sprout coming on...

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

SIX Gold Stars from Francine!