OK, we’re done with Christmas and New Year, but you’re not out of the “festive” woods just yet. Next on the calendar is Chinese New Year, which begins on January 25. And to celebrate, Gucci is releasing a Mickey Mouse themed collection, in honour of 2020 – the year of the mouse.
The unisex range features footwear and accessories, mixing the Italian fashion house’s signature prints with the iconic image of the most famous cartoon character ever. Obviously, the promo campaign was shot in Disneyland.
This isn’t the first time that Disney’s most famous rodent has made an appearance on Gucci’s catwalks. The brand also incorporated the Mickey as part of its spring/summer 2019 and Resort 2020 collections.
Never one to take itself too seriously, last year my fave fashion house, now almost 100 years old, launched a ‘Three Little Pigs’ collection in honour of 2019, which was Chinese year of the Pig.
In recent years, Gucci has become renowned for its bold colours and excessive patterns, particularly since the 2015 appointment of current creative director Alessandro Michele.
Michele has introduced a bold aesthetic to the brand, as well as a host of frequent collaborators, including Harry Styles, Jared Leto and Florence Welch.
Although Gucci is unquestionably riding high in 2020, I ask you – would you wear any of it, even though it’s Gucci?
It’s a NO from me. In fact, it’s taking the Mickey.
The Disney x Gucci collection launched on January 3, 2020 in stores andonline.
A bit like a journey round a Monopoly board, before Easter, we need to pass Valentine’s Day. And damn – it’s only five weeks away. So, boys, here’s a major heads up regarding what to buy that special someone in your life, for unwrapping on 14th Feb.
Rihanna’s lingerie brand Savage X Fenty is no stranger to generating headlines. It’s probably the hottest lingerie on the market right now, achieving the major feat of overtaking Victoria’s Secret and Agent Provocateur. It should be gift priority numero uno for V Day.
Last year, the Barbadian star, the world’s wealthiest female singer, became the first black woman to lead a fashion brand, when she established Fenty.
In 2019, the label’s wildly successful New York Fashion week show was streamed on Amazon Prime. Its success is thought to be one of the reasons why Victoria’s Secret finally cancelled its long-maligned annual show.
Now, just weeks into 2020, Savage x Fenty is wasting no time in creating more waves, unveiling its Valentine’s Day collection. Designed by Adam Selman, the 19-piece range consists of two distinct collections: ‘Locket Down’ and ‘Down the Aisle’.
‘Down the Aisle’ is designed to be layered and mixed-and-matched, while ‘Locket Down’ is a vinyl foil spandex collection available in black and red hues.
Each set is packaged neatly into a Savage X Fenty Xtra VIP box with a bonus collectors’ Rihanna phone ring.
Commenting on the collaboration, Rihanna said: “I couldn’t imagine anyone other than designer Adam putting together the first Savage X Fenty designer collaboration. Adam is everything the brand stands for – fun, playful, sexy.”
The Locket Down box (£46), and Down the Aisle box (£30), are available to buy now at Savagex.com.
Welcome to the penultimate 2019 issue of Amanda Zips It Up. It’s full-on party season and here’s a heads-up for you.
A chunky gold chain is the “bling” to be seen in this festive month. Yes, if you buy one piece of jewellery this winter, make it a gold chain.
I first noticed the trend during the summer, adorned by the street style set at the Fashion Weeks. Since then, short, chunky gold chains have been trickling onto my feeds and wish lists. They’re set to be the only bling worth having come the new decade – in fact, Net-a-Porter have bet heavily on the trend, ordering 840 units of chain necklaces for spring 2020.
There’s a really appealing gold chain on Mango for £19.99 but, should you have £36,380 to spare, alternatively you could opt for the really rather fabulous 18K Rose Gold Diamond Chunky Chain Necklace from Shay.
The great thing about this jewellery trend is that it spans the full gamut – from high street to high end.
Personally I’ve got my eye on London brand By Alona’s chunky gold plated textured ‘Tiffany’ chain, set to drop next week. At a relatively reasonable £190, this is “statement bling” that treads the perfect balance between pretty and punchy.
Whatever your vibe and husband / boyfriend / other half’s budget, one thing is for sure, a chunky chain brings ample attitude to your look this party season.
Anyway, in this issue of Zips It Up we check out a Licence to Thrill in the men’s fashion stakes, pinpoint some Agent Provocateur copies for Christmas, and since today is officially Christmas Jumper Day – make some suggestions regarding how to look ‘cool’ and not ‘naff’ in a festive sweater.
“No Time To Die” looks epic – but from the look of things, Daniel Craig’s wardrobe does not. Bond (2019 incarnation) is seen in a not-so-suave ribbed navy jumper, plus trousers fit for a plumber. Hardly 007’s usual stylish clobber.
The average bloke now spends up to 15 days a year visiting shops and browsing online for clothes. With that in mind, we’ve re-styled Bond’s shoddy 2019 outfit, plus investigated you how to recreate four other classic looks rocked by Daniel Craig as 007. With these tips you can get your wardrobe shaken and stirred just in time for Christmas.
Cool ‘n’ casual
Ditch naff jumpers and opt for this knit with a horizontal yarn to make your shoulders appear broader
White high-collar top, £15 from Topman
Navy knit jumper, £35 from Topman
Trousers, £29.50 from M&S
Brown lace-up boots, £85 from Office
Dressed down
Even Bond needs a dressed down day – relax in chinos and a casual knit to keep your look dapper
Beige chinos, £28 from River Island
White T-shirt, £15 from M&S
Navy cardigan, £12 from Primark
Brown suede boots, £59 from Office
Eye spy grey suit
Reach for smart, light-coloured suits which are ideal for work, play and a licence to thrill
Grey jacket, £65 from Topman
Grey trousers, £35 from Topman
White shirt, £26 from Burton
Navy tie, £2.50 from Primark
Black sunglasses, £5.99 from New Look
Black brogues, £69 from Office
Tuxedo or die
Make guests at your festive bash swoon in an updated, traditional tux with suave satin lapels
Black tux jacket, £65 from Topman
Black trousers, £35 from Topman
White tux shirt, £40 from River Island
Shoes, £40 from River Island
Bow tie, £15 from M&S
Tinker tailor
Look very sharp in or out of the office in a pinstriped three-piece suit
Get Agent Provocateur-inspired lingerie for less, with sexy High Street dupes, just in time for Christmas.
Last week, DAISY LOWE was one of the queens of the red carpet at the Fashion Awards, wearing a bespoke lingerie outfit by Agent Provocateur. The 30-year-old model dazzled in a waist-shaping corset and sexy lace dress – a look that would set you back a (not so easy-on-the-eye) £1,990.
But hold on – there is an alternative. Tighten your belt and cinch in your waist with this copycat corset look. The High-cut shape will lengthen the legs, helping you look fabulous in fuchsia.
Pink bodysuit (left), £275 from Agent Provocateur
Pink bodysuit (right), £20 from prettylittlething.com
Delicate petals with sexy sheer are the perfect pairing for a feminine set
Bra and brief set (left), £120 from Agent Provocateur
Floral thrill bra and thong (right), £42 from Ann Summers
This gorgeous moody bloom set is too pretty to be kept under wraps
Floral set (left), £150 from Agent Provocateur
Floral set (right), £44 from Lipsy
Festive bright red will lift your mood – and the boned cups will lift the bust, too
Red bra and briefs (left), £265 from Agent Provocateur
4 genuinely stylish ways to wear your Christmas jumper
Christmas Jumper Day is today – Friday 13th. As you can probably imagine, Xmas sweater day isn’t the highlight of the fashion crowd’s calendar. Yep, bad luck if you have to wear one to work, but let Zips It Up show you how it can be done the “fashion” way.
Christmas Jumper Day is all for a good cause, so shouldn’t be too “looked down upon”. Charity Save the Children kicks off the eighth year of its annual fundraising event. Last year, you’ll remember, the likes of Kate Moss and Liam Payne rocked their STC Xmas jumpers.
So, if you want to support the cause without committing unpardonable fashion crimes, how about these?
A splash of sparkle
MSGM metallic knitted jumper | £494 |
How about a metallic knit? London’s own Chinti & Parker has some seriously shimmery offerings, and MSGM has a disco-worthy Christmas jumper to take you straight from desk-to-dancefloor.
Say it with a slogan
Bella Freud Love Sick intarsia-motif wool jumper | £310
Bella Freud’s designs are light-hearted and wearable year-round. Just add a chic pair of jeans or flares and some statement earrings, et voila!
Cool cashmere
Mandkhai’s plated rib jumper | £670 |
The Christmas jumper is the silly season’s sartorial hallmark, but it needn’t conjure up knit nightmares – far from it. To invest in a knit with longevity, turn to cosy cashmere. Pair with your favourite jeans, a statement jacket and you have a very well-done Christmas Jumper Day ensemble.
Cult Argyle knits were rolled down the catwalks of J.W. Anderson and Molly Goddard, and come to think about it, did they ever really go out of fashion?
If you’re unenthusiastic about the notion of an over-busy top half, opt for a classic knit in a limited palette of primary colours. For the office, there’s nothing more on-brand than an Argyle knit with slim-leg trousers and some chic flats.
Hey Zipsters. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year – or flu season?
My other half has just had a serious dose of ‘Man Flu’, which I’ve been desperately trying not to catch, because otherwise it’s going to wreck my party season.
Christmas is top of the seasonal list for health hazards. And while it’s the peak period for colds, flu and hangovers, not all of its seasonal dangers are so immediately apparent.
Cold weather and temperature changes can raise the likelihood of heart attacks and chest infections in vulnerable people, while the festivities themselves bring some unexpected risks, from asthma attacks to house fires. No wonder hospital admissions shoot up between December 19 and the New Year.
Here’s a quick guide for a happy, healthy Christmas.
1. Accidents at home
An incredible 80,000 people a year in the UK need hospital treatment for Christmas-related injuries, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Mishaps range from cuts opening presents to people electrocuting themselves on fairy lights, plus falls whilst putting up decorations.
2. House fires
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without fairy lights or festive candles but both are fire hazards. Candles alone sparked 1,000 house fires in 2011/12, according to government figures.
3. Full-blown flu virus
Besides ruining Christmas for anyone, flu can lead to life-threatening complications for people with underlying conditions and the elderly.
4. Asthma attacks
In the UK, someone will have an asthma attack every 10 seconds on Christmas Day and 200 of them will end up in hospital, according to Asthma UK. The charity warns that December is full of potential asthma triggers, including cold weather, stress, smoke from open fires and strong fragrances from perfume and scented candles. Even real Christmas trees are a danger as they can harbour mould spores that trigger reactions in some people.
5. Running out of medications
It’s easy to overlook this in pre-Christmas panic but with many pharmacies shut over the holiday period, it could be a disaster. If you take prescription medicine, make sure you have enough to last over the festive period.
6. Food poisoning
Food poisoning risk rises over Christmas because people cook food that they don’t usually cook – and for larger numbers. Check the Turkey is cooked through and that prawn cocktail isn’t out of date.
7. Sexually transmitted infections
According to online pharmacies, the sales of treatments for sexually transmitted infections jumped by nearly 30% last January, when the consequences of the party season began to show. Ho Ho Ho.
8. Cold sores
Cold sore breakouts are more likely when you’re tired and stressed, such as at Christmas. Bad news for eating, parties and photos! I’m prone to this.
God. I’m not selling Christmas well am I?
Anyway, hope that helps. Onto this week’s instalment, and may the ‘force be with you’ this Christmas, we take a look at the 2019 Model of the Year and investigate how 2020 could mean we all start ‘RENTING’ our clothes rather than buying… keep reading.
I know we’re living in a new sustainable era, but nevertheless I didn’t see this coming. H&M has decided to trial a new initiative, in an effort to reverse some of the damaging environmental effects of “fast fashion”.
After drawing criticism for its contribution to waste and pollution, the retail giant is now testing a clothes rental option.
The project permits a few select shoppers to rent clothes and return them within a defined time frame. That doesn’t mean you can borrow as many items as you want – H&M is capping the service at 50 garments a month, after which time you can return the clothes or pay to keep them for good. This is my dream come true, because I have a mass of stuff that I’ve worn once only.
At the moment, the deal is only available at the Swedish retailer’s flagship store in Stockholm, where shoppers can spend a total of 350 kronor (£29.36) a week. The decision comes after Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie tried the idea, tapping into a market that was worth $1billion in 2018, according to Bloomberg.
Free People and Banana Republic also have a similar service called Style Passport. If successful after three months, H&M may roll out the offer to its other branches around the world. Soon you might be able to borrow clothes when you need them, guilt free about the environmental damage caused by fast fashion.
H&M’s service follows a United Nations report, which revealed that the fashion industry is the second greatest polluter of local freshwater in the world, and is also responsible for 10% of the global carbon footprint. The new green rental choice probably won’t be open to any old shopper or tourist visiting the store – those hoping to take advantage will need be a member of the brand’s loyalty programme.
Meet Sudanese model Adut Akech, who has just been named ‘Model of the Year‘ at the glitzy British Fashion Awards 2019 – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of British fashion. Here, the top players in the industry are recognised for their talent.
One of the most highly-anticipated awards of the night is “Model of the Year” – and this year’s line-up was also one of the most diverse.
It’s no mean feat to be honoured with the prestigious accolade, with many household names as previous winners.
(Obviously) Kate Moss won the first award back in 2001 and again 2006. While recent victors include Kaia Geber last year, Adwoa Aboah in 2017, Gigi Hadid in 2016, Jourdan Dunn in 2015 and 2008 and Cara Delevigne in 2014 and 2012.
Sudanese-Australian model Adut took home the 2019 crown, beating out the likes of Kaia Gerber and Winnie Harlow.
It’s been an landmark year for the 19-year-old beauty, whose meteoric rise in the industry has seen her become of 2019’s most in-demand faces.
Adut served up pure elegance on the red carpet in a strapless emerald green velvet and taffeta dress by Pier Paolo Piccioli for Valentino, paired with crystal drop earrings and bedazzled silver rhinestone heels and a matching clutch.
Adut has had huge support from the industry, including British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful and supermodel Naomi Campbell, who have taken the starlet under their wing.
But the model’s success hasn’t come without struggle. In an inspiring speech Adut, who moved to Australia with her family as a refugee, spoke about how rare it was for girls like her to win such a prestigious award.
“It is important for all of us to remember that someone like me winning this award is a rarity,” she said. “This is for the young women and men who found representation and validation in my work. I want them to never be afraid of dreaming big like I once did.”
This is just the beginning for the young model, 2020 watch out!
It’s the most wonderful time of year for Star Wars fans – the latest film “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is out imminently.
Lovers of the epic franchise will be delighted to know that a brand new product launch is looming, and it’s perfect for anyone wanting to show off their super-fan credentials.
Can I add-in here, I’m NOT a Star Wars fan (but I did love it as a kid).
Columbia Sportswear is unveiling the new Challenger™ Jacket, Star Wars™ Force Edition, inspired by the ultimate battle between the light side and the dark side of the Force. Fans can now choose their allegiance – whether it’s the black ‘dark side’ jacket with Imperial details, or the grey ‘light side’ jacket, with features honouring the Rebel Alliance.
These special-edition pieces will be available in-store exclusively at Columbia’s Carnaby Street store in London from 8.30 am today – 6 December. But be prepared, they’re only available while stocks last.
If you’re not up for queueing, don’t worry, anyone in fancy dress gets priority entry to the shop. So whack out your best Princess Leia buns… and a gold bikini if you’re really serious.
The anorak-style jackets have been produced in a Columbia heritage style dating back to the 1990s, and the team worked closely with Lucasfilm to incorporate features inspired by the Star Wars saga – specifically Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
The lining of each jacket matches both of the characters’ legendary light sabres, which appear in the graphics. The jackets are practical too, with Columbia’s Omni-TECH™ waterproof-breathable shell and synthetic insulation that will keep you warm and dry in all weather conditions.
They are unisex in style, and will set you back £190 – so you need to be a serious fan.
