Scene + Heard

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

BEHIND THE SCENES | IDOL MENSWEAR SHOOT






Check out a sneak preview of our Idol Menswear, shot by photographer Simon Harris with Idol muse and model Kris Di Angelis. The shoot was so much fun, set at Simon’s Mile End race-track studio, there was some great tunes, loads of banter and plenty of inspiring mags and books to peek at. Idol menswear is understated with a slightly distressed edge aimed at the relaxed guy who likes to look dapper but not try-hard. Idol menswear launches in select New Look stores on the 26th November 2010!

Monday, 27 September 2010

Design Director Donovan’s Diary – China






September 25th 2010

Got up this morning at 5:45 with lots of new ideas for the eighth collection, it’s still really warm here in China, so I put on this sleeveless Idol Tee and headed off to the office. It’s actually a holiday here today, so I have the place to myself…which means I can blast the POOLDISCO soundtrack, number 3, whilst I sketch and pull fabrics. My design mentor, Barbara Horspool arrived yesterday which was great, as she helped me range plan and colour block the looks…. It’s always good to have a fresh eye to confirm or dispute my doubts. The range is a mixture of easy but funky day-wear with a colour palette that goes from cream to royal blue and dark red to khaki…I’m lovin’ it so far!

Friday, 24 September 2010

Cat In Boots!


We loved this seasons London Fashion Week, we were exhilarated by all the action at Westwood, Burberry, Paul Smith, Matthew Williamson, Jonathan Saunders, Julien Macdonald and Marios Schwab.

Also there were so many celebrity sightings from Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Alexander Burke, Princess Beatrice, Kristen Stewart and the Geldoff sisters all making an appearance. Our best celeb spot was Cat Deely who was running around seeing all the shows sporting a pair of our Idol boots, proving they’re not just gorgeous but super comfy too!

Wednesday, 22 September 2010

We love Jaime Winstone!








Fashion icon, actress and best mates with Lily Allan and Agyness Deyn, Jaime Winstone may be the coolest person in the world right now. We love her films and quirky style, seen here in our first pic sporting an Idol bag.

Having made her name as a serious actress in Brit-Grit films Kidulthood, Donkey Punch and Bullet Boy, Jaime has also starred in a video for The Streets and modelled for Vivienne Westwood. You don’t get more British than that!

Jaime’s latest role is as feisty Sandra in Made in Dagenham, a film based on the Equal Pay Act of 1970, where female workers at the Ford Dagenham assembly plant protested against sexual discrimination and demanded equal pay for men and women.

The film is an example of girl power at its finest, and you can’t help but love the characters for their humour and strong will, despite being faced with adversity.

The fashion is worth a mention too, with Jaime’s character sporting colourful printed dresses, Mary Quant hot-pants and a bleach-blonde crop, a la Twiggy.

Lashings of mascara and dark eyebrows complete the ‘60s look to a T.

When she’s not working, Jaime’s own style is eclectic, channelling her London roots, and she isn’t scared of trying out daring new trends, especially when it comes to hair and make up.

Think bright pink lips, backcombed hair and smouldering eye make up and you get an idea of the actress’s signature look.

Made in Dagenham is out now!

Monday, 20 September 2010

Remembering McQueen











With all the excitement of LFW there is one designer who Idol, and the world of fashion will never forget, Alexander McQueen. There has been a service today at St Paul’s Cathedral, seven months after the singer sadly passed, so we wanted to pay our tribute. Known for his excellence as a craftsmen and innovator, his presents will truly be missed. So as we look forward to the future of fashion lets also take a look back at a man that has inspired it.

Known for his extremely theatrical shows, In 2002 Paris Fashion Week saw a McQueen model lead the pack with a pair of wolves, and who can forget his Spring/Summer 2010 Show of androids; in fact, all his shows left a impressionable mark entwined in the mind. McQueen was extremely influenced by his British roots and Scottish heritage, often using tartan in his unconventional designs. His Fall 2006 collection is a great example of McQueen’s sensational designs and signature style. The collection featured stunning, intricate gowns, perfected tailored suites and eye catching fabrics. Praised for his extravagant headwear and fabric techniques, his work was often compared to couture.

There are so many interesting angles to McQueen and his designs that will ensure his legacy lives on. So let us all hail the Prince of fashion.

Sunday, 19 September 2010

Best Bestival Ever!



Idol loved every minute of Bestival this year, The Correspondents, Dizzee Rascal, Everything Everything and The Flaming Lips were so, so good. There were balloons, exploding gloves, orange dancers, glitter, visuals and streamers. We loved the fantasy dress theme and Idol girl Hannah Mann looked fantastic in her perfectly sci-fi outfit, seen here with boyf Richard. Also Kris Di Angelis revved up the crowd once again, with his super sounds! Roll on 2011 festivities!

Thursday, 16 September 2010

The xx





Having stormed the airways with debut single, Islands, The xx have been a must-have on everyone’s play list this summer.

Singer Romy delivers hauntingly beautiful vocals, accompanied by band mates Oliver and Jamie, all hailing from good old London town.

Their album, simply titled ‘xx’ has earned the band a well deserved Mercury Prize, wowing judges and handing the trio instant rock-star status.

Describing their sound as a mixture of pop, soul and new wave, each track on the album sounds like it has been stripped down to basics, leaving the band to concentrate on their unique vocals.

The trio have a new single under their belts, entitled ‘Basic Space’ which is just as lyrically spectacular as Islands, proving the band are no one hit wonder.

We’re loving Romy’s masculine style, with her jet-black quiff, kohl-rimmed eyes and vintage t-shirt collection, which contrasts perfectly with her soft, feminine vocals.

The band are currently touring the US but be sure to check them out when they arrive back on British soil!

Monday, 13 September 2010

It’s All About Kris Di Angelis

PHOTO: Louie Banks

Kris is Idol’s MUSE, he’s the finest DJ playing at some of London’s most rocking nights from our very own POOLDISCO at Shoreditch House, Circus and Caligula.

He’s handsome, funny and we love him for making our original, special mixes on our Idol Facebook page that are perfect for Friday arvo’s in the office. Not only is he an Idol friend he’s also uber talented, having just been scouted by Sony to programme the music for this London Fashion Week September 17th – 21st at the prestigious Somerset House. IDOL Hats Off To Kris!

Don’t just take it from us, have a listen to some of Kris’ sounds, we’re sure you’ll be bopping about, wherever you are!

Friday, 10 September 2010

This Is England '86




Back in 2008, director Shane Meadows showed us 1980s England through the eyes of a group of teenagers determined to make their mark on the world.

Based on his own childhood, the film documents the coming of age of the main character, Shaun, who, having lost his father in the Falklands war, is being bullied at school and finds protection with some local skinheads, who take him under their wing.

This Tuesday saw the premiere of Meadows’s newest project, This is England ’86.

The four-part drama catches up with the characters from the film three years down the line, all grown up and ready to take the next step into adulthood.

Still remaining loyal to their skinhead roots, the gang are composed of Lol, Woody, Smell, Kelly, Milky, Trev, Gadget, Harvey and oldies Meggie and Banjo. Shaun has lost contact with the group, but after finishing his GCSEs, finds himself at a loss and runs into his old friends when he least expects it.

Full of gritty British drama, comedy and true-to-life events, the series is set to be a big hit, if only for the great style on set!

Lol and Kelly are the stars of the show, with Kelly sporting Madonna-esque vintage puffball dresses and oversized dungarees, paired with dramatic eye make-up and punk hair do’s in various colours.

Lol rocks a man’s tuxedo, blonde quiff and trademark Doc Martins, nailing the androgynous look which is bang on trend right now.

Get into the spirit with your own take on the 80s with Idol’s Bleach Skinny Jeans, paired with the Stud Jacket and Union Jack Shopper.

Or channel Kelly’s glam-meets-grunge look by mixing a vintage frock with Idol’s distressed leather biker boot, perfect for unleashing your inner punk.

Catch the next episode of This is England ’86 on September 14th at 10pm on Channel 4.

Wednesday, 8 September 2010

Many Happy Returns DM!



This year Dr Martens celebrate their 50th anniversary, and to mark the event DM have had a number of collaborations with singers, designers and artist. The latest collaboration see DM get together with anime creator, Sanrio who is also celebrating his 50th Birthday this year. So let’s all wish a big Happy Birthday to this timeless shoe and it rebellious heritage.

Happy Birthday, Love Idol! X

Monday, 6 September 2010

Idol Muse/ Tomoko & Mimi's Diary/ Post 2


Hi IDOL followers, it's me Mimi from Canne again, I got this IDOL POOLDISCO crop top and cut it to fit me.

It's great to wear around the pool with my silver bathing suit...I love IDOL clothes as my mum has many, but I wish IDOL would start doing kids-wear, as I'm the biggest fan...

See You Soon MIMI xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Friday, 3 September 2010

Corrine Day - 1965-2010








Photographer Corrine Day sadly passed away this week, following a long battle with cancer.

Here at Idol we want to pay tribute to the legendary photographer who was responsible for Kate Moss’s rise to fame back in the early 1990s.

Pioneering the grunge-chic trend of the 90s, Corrine produced raw, un-touched images as seen in her work with Vogue and The Face. Corrine also worked with iconic celebrities such as Yoko Ono and supermodel Gemma Ward, remaining close friends with Moss, whom she regularly used in her photographs.

Corrine was a true leader in fashion photography and here are some of our favourite images from her career.

Thursday, 2 September 2010

Donovan's POOLDISCO









Sunday the 29th of August was the last POOLDISCO of the summer.

I had a great time at the final POOLDISCO of the year, hanging out with the colourful and the cool.

With Idol again being one of the sponsors, we did some washed black rayon tees for boys and girls with the POOLDISCO logo on them. They went down a storm with the lucky few wearing them as they left!

The highlight of the night for me was when Mark introduced me to Karen David who was performing that night and she was wearing my Idol Fringe Dress from the gypsy collection. She looked amazing and her performance was great and the up for it crown loved her!

Roll on POOLDISCO 2011...

DONOVAN PASCAL - IDOL DESIGN DIRECTOR x