FASHION DILEMMA
Does SATC really set trends?
[INT. London - day: Fashion Statement is poised at her desk near the windows in cosy Guardian Towers, tapping away at her heavily product-placed laptop while occasionally looking wistfully out across the utterly-devoid-of-romance King's Cross basin.]
Ploughing through her inbox and mailbox this week, Fashion Statement just couldn't help but wonder, does anyone really CARE what the characters in Sex and the City wear?
Our esteemed colleague Hadley Freeman recently wrote about the sad demise of a once-fun television series into an overpriced couture lookbook. So, too, the looks it once styled have degenerated from trend-setting to jaw-dropping. When the series first started, the quirky mix of wacky vintage with the odd bit of designer may have been inspirational to some - though Fashion Statement for one never once tried wearing a stupidly oversized corsage or a tutu. But, dear reader, can you really say that there is a single trend from the show or films that you've ever actually adopted? Come now, don't be ashamed. Bring out your name-necklaces for a spot of group therapy.
Thanks to NY Mag's handy slideshow by stylist Patricia Field, we have a handy list of the looks the new SATC film adopts, including the "homage to Galliano" and Arabian nights - essential for that luxury beach holiday in Abu Dhabi you've always longed for. Some of Field's pronouncements are truly gobsmacking. Readers, we give you:
It was a concern of Sarah Jessica's that Carrie's not a kid anymore, and so maybe we should change her style, but I said, 'No, she's not a kid, but she's still Carrie! She doesn't all of a sudden have a lobotomy and become like Charlotte, or become a designer-driven dresser.
This is the caption to an outfit that cost $50,000. Fifty thousand dollars, and it's not designer? Of course, that is merely 0.5% of the total staggering wardrobe budget of $10m. FS loves a bit of new wardobe clutter as much as the next fashion-obssessed email, but ouch, that's just obscene. And hell, the airbrushing budget must have been twice that ...
Then there's another frock, on which Patricia proclaims:
The Halston. We got it originally from a vintage dealer, and that started the whole Halston idea for the movie.
Gosh, how funny. FS was under the distinct impression that Sarah Jessica Parker being the chief creative officer for Halston Heritage might have started that idea. How terribly naive of us.
All this nitpicking aside (though FS does love to nitpick), the fact remains that despite increasingly shrill press releases and email newsletters, very few people seem to be buying into the "SATC2 look". After all, the fashion editors' buzzphrase of choice at the moment is "the new minimalism". And if you spot any minimalism in this movie, then please let the director know as we're sure he'd like to have it publicly flogged.
Another recent film, Alice, also resulted in dozens of "get the look!" emails arriving down the rabbit hole into the FS office. Both films are being marketed by the fashion world (presumably to detract from their sheer awfulness as films) to within an inch of their lives. Buy the dress, get the look, buy the sodding teapot. No! FS invites you to join us in a cathartic shout: I WILL NOT BUY THE LOOK!
BANG ON TREND
Polka dots
Last week Fashion Statement declared we were 'ditching the dots' in favour of gingham, but we like to keep you on your toes with a dose of fickleness every now and then, so this week we are all in a rash over polka dots. Besides, who can resist an occasional hint of retro chic?
Nobody does proper British eccentricity quite like London stalwart Vivienne Westwood. This faded red-and-white polka dot strapless dress (£802.07) is a deliciously feminine way to do dots, although admittedly spending the best part of a grand on it might cause you to break out in a rather unfeminine sweat.
For those of us who save that kind of deposit for property, this classic tea dress from Hobbs (£129) is a sweet alternative, with a cute pussy-bow neck, flattering cap sleeves and a neat belt to give extra shape.
Hobbs could well be your one-stop shop where polka dots are concerned, as they also stock a matching bright and zingy blouse (£69) with detachable bow and belt, and this classic, spacious blue-and-white dot summer bag.
For a casual take on the trend, try this comfy T-shirt from Urban Outiftters (£30.) The braces are removeable, so with them you could team with a pair of peg-leg black trousers for the office, or without, tuck into a pair of denim shorts.
Also at Urban Outiftters is this smart button-down ACNE shirt (£100.) The colour is classic and the cut is androgynous, and it would work well left untucked over a pair of dark denims, or tucked into a pair of navy high-waisted trousers.
In keeping with the navy and white theme, this skirt by Kew at John Lewis (£65) is delicate and very 40s, and would look the epitome of elegance paired with a plain white T-shirt and a nude cardi.
If you prefer to pay lip service with just the merest hint of the trend, get your hands on a summer scarf like this one from Reiss (£59 at Asos). The gold detailing will look great against tanned skin. Though as an aside, FS would quite like to know why everything in Reiss must cost either £59 or £89?
Finally, with rumours of backpacks making a surprise return into the fashion mainstream, we're beating the crowd with this stylish shopper come backpack from Asos (£28.) Since it doubles as both, should backpacks once again go the way of bootcut jeans, you can just use it as a shopper. Win-win.
FASHIONISTA OF THE WEEK
Kirsten Dunst
FS likes Kirsten Dunst, even if we're not entirely sure why (and the answer is most definitely not Spiderman). But she's thoughtfully given us a reason this week with this lovely frock. Understated hair, understated makeup, full skirt and a lovely blue/black floral print. Thumbs up.
FASHION GRAVEYARD
Jennifer Lopez
If the Mirror is to be believed, Jenny from the Block's rider for performing at the World Music Awards included a helicopter on standby (hover-by?) a custom-fitted speed boat, an on-call masseuse, a 12-member hair and makeup team and a hotel floor to herself. Aren't ludicrous riders just a bit over, Jenny? Oh yeah, and the clothes. We know you have cleavage. We know you have big hair. MOVE ON.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I'd love to have a sanctuary because they're such big animals, they require a lot of work and a lot of space. I definitely think I was a horse in a past life - I feel a very deep connection with them.
And who says Leona Lewis is boring? [Um, you? - Ed]
SHOPPING NEWS
Jeans are the staples of all our wardrobes, but Fashion Statement does admit to struggling sometimes to find the perfect fit or style. Rejoice, then, for my-wardrobe.com's new online denim bar. OK, so we're a bit disappointed that they haven't yet invented a device to beam cocktails on to your desk, but there are some great hints and tips on what's good for your figure, what to wear with different styles - and how to refresh your old pairs, too. If you'd like to try it in the flesh, they also have a pop-up shop in Carnaby Street, London, today and tomorrow (27 and 28 May).
Like vintage style but prefer returnable purchases? You'll love A|wear's new Antique collection (on site from 1 June). Lovely floral print dresses, simple satchels, cute skirts - we've had a sneak preview and we're a bit smitten.
Radley is opening two new stores: one on Cribbs Causeway, Bristol (29 May) and one in Manchester's Trafford Centre (5 June). You might know the brand for their handbags, but FS suggests you check out their fabulous new shoes - we love the wedge heels and the colourful flat sandals.
Eco Age in Chiswick, co-founded by the lovely Livia Firth (a Fashion Statement girl crush) is having a 20% off sale on its ethical fashion today. Hurry, there's just time to get yourself there. Eco Age, 213 Chiswick High Road, London W4 2DW; eco-age.com
Reiss is holding a sample/warehouse sale this week (it started yesterday and runs through to Saturday). With up to 70% off and prices from £10, you can bag yourself a bargain. The Music Room, 26 S Molton Lane, W1K 5AB.
OUT AND ABOUT
Masquerade as a culture vulture at this month's Late night at the V&A, Friday 28 May, which is inspired by Artangel's The Concise Dictionary of Dress at Blythe House. There's a chaperoned walk, music, cocktails and a dress parade in the courtyard garden, word games around the museum, film screenings and talks that explore ideas about the meaning of dress and how we feel about what we wear. More details at vam.ac.uk.
With little over a month to go, the Enchanted Palace exhibition at Kensington Palace is well worth a visit. Featuring the work of top British designers Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest and Stephen Jones, the exhibition invites guests to walk through the palace, where each room tells the story of a different former Royal resident. Call 0844 482 7799 to book tickets.
In aid of Look Good ... Feel Better, a charity which helps women manage the visible side effects of cancer treatments by offering free makeup workshops, Harrods is hosting a Red Lipstick day on Thursday 27 May. Enjoy a personal consultation from some of the world's best international and catwalk makeup artists, £25 for half an hour, £50 for a full hour (all proceeds go to Look Good ... Feel Better.) Call 020 7730 1234 for appointments.
A new exhibition opens this weekend at Glasgow's Scotland Street School museum. Forty exquisite fashion plates from the 'Journal des Dames et des Modes' will be display, including the work of leading designers of the day such as Georges Barbier and Roger Broders. The exhibition is free. More info at glasgowmuseums.com.
OFFCUTS
Jess Cartner-Morley visits Louis Vuitton's luxurious new London store - sorry, maison.
Emanuel Ungaro hopes for a revival after the Lindsay Lohan debacle by appointing Giles Deacon as creative adviser.
Not sure whether clogs are for you? Watch our video to find out how to wear them.
Enter our competition for your chance to win a £250 voucher to spend on M&S undies.
For all the latest fashion news, visit guardian.co.uk/fashion
News to tell us? Email kate.carter@guardian.co.uk
