Who. What. Where? No. 75
One to keep on your radar comes is Celine’s “Plein Soleil” capsule collection, which is launching at a pop-up in Selfridges. When Hedi Slimane took the reins at Celine in 2018, he said “au revoir” to California, and “bonjour” to the sunny French Riviera. For the last five years, the designer has been drawing inspiration from the nostalgic allure of this iconic seaside region — all things Bridget Bardot, and all things chic little basket bags. That’s resulted in a collection full of languid linens, woven accessories, and head-to-toe looks that radiate vacation elegance. It’s laidback, European summer dressing for the globe-trotting fashion set. The campaign for the “Plein Soleil” capsule will transport you right back to the Côte d’Azur’s heyday, too. Featuring a classic 1960s Mini Moke beach buggy that’s been redesigned to include Celine’s iconic Triomphe monogram, it essentially looks like a frame from a film that Jane Birkin would have had a starring role in.
The Summer 24 Part II “Plein Soleil” capsule collection will be located at a pop-up in The Corner Shop at Selfridges, and it will be there from June 17th to July 13th.
With the Euros just around the corner (they start on the 14th for all of you less football-inclined), the biggest concern for London’s revellers is where to watch it. It’s going to be stiflingly busy at some venues, and on the slightly seedy side at others. Not to worry — this football season you needn’t look no further than The Volley, a craft beer-focused pub that’s arrived in London’s Old Street. The Volley is all about elevating the football watching experience. Think an unmatched beer selection, good grub, and an atmosphere that’s akin to a community hub for footie fans. The Volley is set over two floors (meaning you shouldn’t have to jostle about for a pint too much), and its walls are adorned with football memorabilia… And, of course, it’s got a number of big ol’ screens. When the game naturally gets your appetite going, there’s food in the form of gourmet burgers and sandwiches, too. Better still, The Volley isn’t just about the Euros. If a game’s on TV, The Volley will be screening it, so you can expect to see all the women’s internationals, and the men’s domestic and international games. And even if you’re not into footie, you can pop down to The Volley for a pub quiz or a live gig.
The Volley is located at 211 Old St, and you can book a table here.
On the fashion front, Russell & Bromley has crafted the capsule accessories of the summer. Their new Raffia collection, made from natural raffia (think rattan but wearable), brings a tropical island twist to hot-weather fashion. With a sizeable array of bags to choose from – crossbody, hand, shoulder, whatever other body parts you can carry a bag on – the collection is all about taking the classic straw tote and adding a dose of elegance. They’ve also got us covered on the shoe front, with everything from a boho flat sandal to an office-siren-core stiletto heel. Best of all for the city girls, the Raffia collection also includes the Trax trainers. They’re essentially the love-child of a comfy trainer and cool, chunky sandal. So, if you’re unlucky enough to be plodding around the city, rather than sipping mojitos on a beach somewhere, the padded base will keep you comfortable, while the double straps (with responsibly sourced leather accents, may we add) will keep you on-brand for summer.
You can shop these spoils on the Russel & Bromley site now.
On the subject of fashion, this week also saw Dior Cruise’s tartan-fuelled homage to the Highlands. The exclusive guestlist of A-list celebs like Anya Taylor-Joy, Rosamund Pike and Jennifer Lawrence were met by the vision of Maria Grazia Chiuri, whose ode to Clare Hunter’s book, Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power, was met by a backdrop of resplendent (and uncharacteristic) sun at Perthshire’s Drummond Castle. The collection itself definitely had an air of the grunge about it, featuring punk-ish tones of purple, crimson and mustard. Biker boots were even strutted down the catwalk (read, picturesque garden pathway). It wasn’t particularly on par with the summer vibe we’re all craving right now, but it was bloody cool.
