Sunday 24 August 2014

Pure London Autumn Winter 2014

Its that time again! Trade shoes as I have mentioned many times are one of my favourite work outings; I love the buzz around the product stands, I love the different props and textures brands use to differentiate themselves and I really love the WGSN macro trends seminar and catwalk.

Lorna Hall, head of retail at WGSN presents the seminars - she always looks immaculate (usually) in head to toe black with her wonderful wavy hair, killer accessories, statement glasses and eloquent nature. 


(Image sourced from demotrix.com) 

The three Macro trends are:


1. Industrial Evolution 

Taking inspiration from a generation where machines in design are on the rise and taking hard edged utilitarian designs in a softer more artisanal direction. Key colours here are greys an blues straight from a mechanical palette mixed with a colour palette of raisin, oxblood and crimson creating stark contrasts.  


"For casualwear, heavy-duty fabrics and worn-out surfaces add a tough edge to hooded coats and skinny trousers. Subtle workwear-inspired detailing such as overlaid paneling, flat pockets and metal exposed zips add updates. Functional fabrics and taped details add durability while textured knits and rough scratchy fibres provide inspiration for print and pattern. 
Structured waisted silhouettes are central to tailoring, with linear floral prints and sheer panelling adding a soft, feminine element.
 Exaggerated crops and unfinished edges create an architectural feel for shirts, cropped trousers and fitted jackets while folds and pleating add 3D volume to pencil skirts and sleeveless dresses."

2. Modern Myth
The second trend takes a contemporary look at folklore focusing mainly on ceremonial decoration and traditional craft work. Colours here look at vibrant tones of orange, green and cobalt blue juxtaposed against a cooler, pastel palette of blues  with accent colours of burgundy and chartreuse for depth and ebony serving as the new black. 
Occasionwear is taken to a new otherworldly level with dramatic, 3d embellishments using metallic coatings, cosmic inspired detailing and long line flowing fabrics. Long line skater skirts and maxi dresses are key here to build shape and a opulent feel. 
"Casualwear features military-inspired silhouettes such as the hooded parka and the boyfriend cargo updated with faux-fur detailing and handcrafted embellished patches. 
This trend is especially relevant for cosy knitwear shapes like the embellished cocoon cardigan, maxi coatigan and textured knit dress which are renewed through textural multi-thread effects, ombré yarns, colourful intarsias and mixed media embroideries."

3. Rendering Reality
Every day basics and pre-loved shapes and textures are seen again in this third and final trend
updated with digital prints. Key colours are ultraviolet, blood orange, electric blue and pink framed with deep blue or black for occasionwear and a softer coal for casual. 
"Occasionwear combines floral digital prints with bright clashing colours, iridescent fabric coatings and embellishments to update key items such as the full skirt, the fitted overlay dress, and the fit and flare dress. Luminous sheers and patchwork fabrics help to create a modern ethereal look.
Sports themes influence classic tailoring with the use of moulded shapes and structured folding offering a sleek refined update to commercially popular Luxe Sports looks. Sculptural funnel necks are central to this trend, seen in knitwear, woven tops and on statement tailoring pieces while origami style folds and pleats rework the pleat jersey top and slim fitting sculpted jacket. Bonded fabrics, colourblocking, and clean matt finishes modernise shift dresses and A-line skirts.
Casualwear has a quirky preppy feel with classic twill cotton, denim and jersey fabrics updated through sharp colour-blocking, splicing and graphic patterns. Vivid colours and eclectic print mixes breathe new life into key items such as the oversized shirt and the hybrid biker jacket while long-line silhouettes reinvent the classic bomber jacket."
What to expect from Hoad Shoes this season:

- Greys and blacks mixed with injections of purples, oxblood and sage green.
- Embellishment in the form of rhinestone/gemstone/studs and fun bright woven cuffs.
- Classic styles with a colour twist.
- Suede perfection in the form of lace up gentlemen's shoes.
- Simple, beautiful leather knee high boots equalling comfort personified. 







Wednesday 13 August 2014

Birkenstock - Where Ugly Meets Fashion

(Image sourced from http://styledabba.com/birkenstock-sandals-spring-summer-2014-trend/)


This season everyone is talking about the 90's revival - bomber jackets,  florals, thick soled shoes and so on - and with it has come the "ugly sandal" which is actually cool, got it?! We are talking Birkenstock's or Birkenstock inspired flat, chunky, comfortable sandals. 

The resurgence began back in 2013 when Phoebe Philo catapulted them back into the spotlight when she sent models down the runway in fur-lined versions at Celine’s spring 2013 show. It took a while, but since then models, celebrities and shoppers alike have realised that comfortable is actually fashionable (just in this case!). 


(Image sourced from http://notable.ca/nationwide/shop/Embrace-the-Birkenstock-Trends-for-Spring-and-Summer-2014/)

Birkenstock's began in 1774 in Germany and have been known as the comfortable, 'sensible' choice in sandals for years. "Birkenstock are designed for the natural form of the foot to allow freedom of movement and all-round support. The Birkenstock footbed distributes the weight of the body evenly for comfort and well being, making Birkenstocks the healthy choice." www.birkenstock.co.uk

With comfortable being the new fashionable we think you should definitely hitch a ride on this trend:

Womens







Mens

Birkenstock Milano £49.95


Birkenstock Ramses £49.95


Birkenstock Arizona £45

And finishing off with the designer Birkenstock inspired "ugly" sandals:

Givenchy Floral Print Sandal 

River Island Jewelled Double Strap Sandal

Steve Madden Brigad Studded Slider

Kenzo Triple Strap Slider


Are you rocking the "ugly sandal" trend?












Monday 4 August 2014

Brogue Yourself


"She had been looking at shoes. Not just looking, more examining them under her microscope, for she blew up their myriad details by 500 per cent via the digi-printer to human sized proportions. The punched-out holes of a lustrous brown brogue became the chest section of a dress; a brass buckle was recast as a belt; tassels on a traditional man’s golfing shoe became a curtain of patent pleated panels on the front of a short dress or layers of pleats on the hip of a skirt." 
www.elleuk.com commenting on Mary Katrantzou's SS14 collection 



(Image sourced from www.lwcloset.com)


Now here at Hoad's its no secret that we ADORE brogues (and clearly so does Mary Katrantzou, making our tastes high up there with the fashion goddesses, or so I keep telling myself); I simply cannot think of an occasion that a brogue would not work at (OK sliiight exaggeration!). Anyway, brogues can take on a whole new lease of life when produced in different colours and textures so without further ado I present to you our spring summer 2014 brogue selection:





A great example of how a mixture of textured leathers can transform the masculine brogue styling to a smart and girly alternative to a pump.


Part of the brogue family but not full on brogue; a more casual way to rock the brogue is in this suede and textured leather tassel loafer.



Ecco full suede brogues are perfect for the summer; not too heavy to wear at the weekend in your casuals or linens but smart enough to wear with a suit.

TWO TONE SUEDE BROGUE yes I must write in capitals as I love it that much! This shoe is stunning - different to your usual work or casual brogue but bang on trend and not too loud. Just wait until you put this shoe on - you will start wanting to write about it with caps lock firmly on! 

Do you love brogues us much as us? Let us know!