Wouter Baartmans and Amber Siegel, the London based Dutch/British Design combo, who met while at avant-garde fashion house, Viktor & Rolf, and were united in their belief of beautiful craftsmanship and imaginative design. Their style has quickly evolved and matured and the duo describe their look as, “Classic elegance with modern masculinity.”

Synonymous with an impressive attention to detail matched with unwavering masculinity, Baartmans and Siegel, are renowned for their use of interactive texture and razor sharp tailoring. Self described modern-traditionalists, Wouter Baartmans and Amber Siegel’s work focuses on beautiful fabrics that seduce and shapes that are accessible yet distinctive.

Having already brought their unique take on menswear to successful collaborations with the likes of River Island and Watch brand Nixon. They turn their attentions to another dynamic duo, who are seen as a national treasure and Great British institution.

The M&S & Baartmans & Siegel collection comprises 12 winter layering staples designed and crafted by Wouter Baartmans & Amber Siegel alongside the in house M&S design team. The styles capture the distinct design aesthetic of Baartmans & Siegel, as well as being relevant to the M&S customer. The exclusive collaboration is inspired by futuristic architecture, with a focus on texture, structure and stretch innovations. Key pieces include block stripe textured knitwear, a bouclé coat and high shine leather trainers, made with high quality Italian fabrics.

The M&S design team worked with Baartmans & Siegel to create bespoke fabrics and trims including a navy and black Prince of Wales check that features on the bomber jacket and mac, and marl tape trims, zip pulls and matte silver linings. The collection has been designed based on iconic M&S staples such as the classic black blazer and trousers, in a muted colour palette of black, charcoal and navy, to highlight the use of texture and detail. Textures include quilting on detachable linings and suede detail on trainers.
B&S commented on their partnership with M&S,“We are delighted to collaborate with M&S Menswear on our capsule collection, M&S has such a history in quality menswear and working with the in house design team has been an exciting experience; creating a collection that fuses our dynamic design with M&S staples. We are looking forward to seeing them in stores up and down the nation.”

You don’t have to be a shoe Aficionado to know Northampton has long been the home of the world’s top shoemakers. In fact even today, their football team is called “The Cobblers”.

Whilst we’ve been witness to the sad demise of UK manufacturing and the likes of Crockett & Jones, John Lobb have turned into truly international brands and Church’s having been acquired by Prada, one could say this is a sign of the times.

However, there are still pockets of resistance, one such being Bodileys. Located in the heart of this region, it was founded in 1919 and gained its reputation in the 1970s as one of the most reliable representatives of the best handmade English shoes worldwide.

Bodileys is, still, now hand making shoes in Northamptonshire using traditional craftsmanship and centuries old techniques.

Sarah Dudley, fourth generation of the Bodiley’s business, is spear leading the development of export sales worldwide and marketing the Bodileys brand and established as a direct to consumer luxury e-commerce brand from www.bodileys.com.

Over the last four generations, Bodileys’ distinguishing trade mark has been its unfaltering commitment to provide great customer service. Today, Bodileys is expanding its commitment to its clients by going back to its roots and recreating a range of the highest quality shoes.

Sarah says of her venture, “This is a true labour of love for me and making shoes has always been a key part of my family’s identity: my grandparents and great-grandparents on both sides were shoe manufacturers. As Northampton’s other oldest brands have embarked on successful corporate expansion drives, I have been heartbroken to see Bodileys become increasingly overlooked. I am making it my life’s work to bring Bodileys firmly into the 21st century as the last remaining traditional Northampton shoe brand that is still truly independent and family run.”

Yep lets face the inevitable, it’s getting colder, the days are getting shorter and the clothes are going on.   Warm days leading into warm light evening are a thing of the past, for now people, let’s not get depressed, they will be back. But like we said, it is getting cold, so it definitely means we need to cover up.

If only one of our favourite, reliable brand would launch a range of essential pieces, you know easy to throw on hoodies, track pants, long sleeved T-shirts. Sorry, what do you mean they have !

Let us introduce you to The Converse Essentials collection, a range of timeless staples, designed to wear better with time. To provide unmatched comfort, with each detail being obsessed upon to cater to a lifestyle of maximum movement and mobility.

Obviously with Converse there is anod to their iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, the Converse Essentials collection not only looks better with age and wear, but becomes even softer with each wear, I know enough to make you weep. Each piece includes fabric that fades naturally with long-term wear, durable stitching and a managed shrinkage fit that remains the same throughout its lifespan.

The new collection including a tee, crewneck, pant and pull-over hoodie. The pre-washed material allows for minimal shrinking with men’s pieces cut for a modern fit allowing for maximum movement and layering all crafted to be both stylish and flattering.