Patrick Cox is well known for his Wannabe experience. Well now there are Patrick Cox Sunglasses to shade any blushes.

The Patrick Cox’ first eyewear collection to debut at Eyewear Tradeshow . British manufacturer Bluegem has been granted to license Patrick Cox to produce a range of eyewear for SS09. The Patrick Cox label is perhaps better known for its footwear. Indded, the man himself was a comtemporary of Jimmy Choo at Cordwainers Collage.

The eyewear collection will feature both sunglasses and prescription frames. The range will consist of six sunglasses styles and eighteen prescription frames and will be available from June through selected independent opticians. With an eye for detail, featuring the Patrick Cox motif of the ‘Fleur de Lys’, the collection has a timeless, elegant and contemporary feel to it. This design has been applied to all products including the cases.

Blue Gem’s MD, Steve Abraham says: “BG is delighted to work with the iconic celebrity brand Patrick Cox. Designs are sophisticated, of the highest quality and dead sexy. The perfect vehicle to drive into the couture arena of high end prescription frames.”

Our friends over at Sugar Cane (the original eco denim) have asked Kitmeout to mention that they’ll be Capsule Show in Las Vegas on Feb. 17 & 18 2009 AT THE LEGENDERY HARD ROCK HOTEL.

Sugar Cane Jeans are constructed of fibres derived from the plant that gave rise to the brand name SUGAR CANE. Sugar is made from sugar cane, which seems simple enough, but not everyone knows that sugar cane and its byproducts contain essential amino acids and enzymes necessary to fuel and rejuvenate our bodies. Likewise, byproducts from sugar cane are used to fuel automobiles in Brazil in order to have a less harmful impact on the environment rather than found in burned fuels of a purely fossil origin. Following these facts in a rather philosophical approach, the textile specialists at Sugar Cane were the first in the world to produce a selvage denim fabric made from woven cotton yarns and sugar cane fibres .

Immigrant Industries 09 Collection. The tightly merchandised Spr/Sum-09 collection features yarn dyed knit tops, custom fleece, lightweight jackets and custom fit styles of screen printed t-shirts. The Aut/Win-09 collection shows the brands development by introducing pants, woven shirts, heavy jackets and a range of knitwear. The collection is manufactured and washed in Portugal using only high quality, organic fabrics. Styling focuses on classic designs with a modern edge, everyday functionality, and strong attention to detail.

Immigrant is also a independent record label and organizer of worldwide music events with offices in Manchester (UK) and New York.

Lanvin stayed close to its roots with its menswear display on Sunday, showing a romantic collection imbued with lived-in elegance.

Lanvin’s artistic director Alber Elbaz — who directs the label’s menswear designer, Dutchman Lucas Ossendrijver — said they had aimed to create a collection that looks lived-in.

“I wanted to give that kind of emotion to clothes so they don’t look like they you just took them from a rack in the store, but maybe from your suitcase,” Elbaz told The Associated Press.

The English schoolboy, with his tweed-heavy wardrobe and penchant for irreverent mixing and matching, had the run of the catwalk at British designer Paul Smith’s show on Sunday.

The collection was whimsical and fun even if Smith, whose flair for giving classics a twist has won him a worldwide following, didn’t stray far from his label’s hallmark style.

Tweed professor blazers were paired with slim plaid trousers and smart wool jackets were worn over cycling jerseys in bright primary colors. Flashes of hot pink lining peaked out from a blazer in oatmeal-colored houndstooth.

Bow-ties largely replaced conventional neckties, somehow managing to look dapper and not too out of place on the teenage models.

The same cannot be said for the show’s clunky plastic eyeglasses. Those wearing the heavy, Clark Kent-style frames looked as if they were itching to rip off the nerd gear and re-emerge in tights and spandex.

Smith said the show’s emphasis on accessories — which also included colorful shoes and scarves — was a response to the financial crisis.

“During recessionary times, people maybe spend money on smaller things as a (cost-effective) way of adding to their wardrobe,” Smith told The Associated Press backstage. Still, he said the brand, which sells some 3 million pieces a year, has yet to be affected by the economic downturn.

Original Japanese Evisu Jackets available from Togged at 40% discount. All the Evisu Jackets are made in Japan and are archive authenticated. Including the following for a mere 130 quid: Evisu 5 pocket jacket - Archive evisu collection. 100% genuine vintage original. Evisu mens “5 pocket” light weight denim jacket. Button through. Cinched back, pleated front plaque. Embroidered logo on 2 Chest pockets & 1 back pocket. BUY HERE

Dries Van Noten does ‘Communist chic’

Though Dries Van Noten’s collection of smart, clean-cut suits in drab and navy could be dubbed Communist chic, the Belgian designer’s collection was, ironically, among the most marketable of day one of Paris menswear week.

Van Noten, whose use of ethnic elements and vivid prints has won him a cult following, pared down his palette for Thursday’s show, which was held in the French Communist Party’s Paris headquarters. Most of the looks were monochrome — sharp suits and belted overcoats in muted shades of khaki, blue and mustard.

Louis Vuitton’s menswear guru, Paul Helbers is renowned for sophistication and the Louis Vuitton menswear Autumn 2009 collection cements his credentials as a fashion leader.

The Louis Vuitton Paris should was further illuminated by a pair of scarlet trainers designed by Kanye West when he was apparently interning.

Belstaff Clothing & Jackets 2009

Belstaff are celebrating their 85th anniversary this year and to quote designer Manuele Malenotti, “There is no innovation without tradition.” Accordingly, for Autumn 2009, it is vintage Belstaff with a subtle twist.

Manuele Malenotti is also apt to say: Belstaff is supposed to look better after 10 years. Which for anyone who’s owned the brand will know is not far off the mark.

It was obvious to all fashionistas the real motivation for the Beckham trans-atlantic switch was his obsession with Italian fashion. Thanks to our friends at WWD a touch more light is shed on the reality.

“As David Beckham couldn’t make it to the front row at Dolce & Gabbana on Saturday afternoon, the front row came to Beckham later that evening. Standing only steps from the field in the designers’ private box, Domenico Dolce, Stefano Gabbana, a bevy of editors and Formula One driver Felipe Massa looked on as Beckham played for soccer club AC Milan. “Beckham! Beckham! Amore! Amore!” the fashion pack cheered, braving the cold and the cacophony of yelps and boos typical of the Italian soccer experience. “Can you believe how big a soccer sponsor we’ve become?” joked Domenico Dolce, pointing out a colossal Dolce & Gabbana sign that ran alongside the field. Beckham’s wife Victoria and their three children also came to show support, but opted for the view from the presidential lodge above. On Sunday afternoon, Beckham, the star of Emporio Armani’s steamy underwear campaign, scrubbed up and suited up to take in the Emporio show, his arrival evoking audible sighs, but hardly the pandemonium of the pitch. “We’re civilized,” sniffed one men’s editor. “I’m enjoying my time in Milan so far and I want to make the most of it,” Beckham told WWD. “The club, players and fans have been amazing to me so far and have made me very welcome so far. … It’s rare I have time to make a show so I enjoyed it.” Still, he doesn’t seem ready to trade in his cleats for brogues. “My priority though is working hard and playing well for AC Milan,” he assured.” Source: WWD.

Alexander McQueen and Puma, who have already teamed up on footwear, have joined forces again to create a sports-inspired clothing and accessories line.

Alexander McQueen is the quintessential bad boy made good. He has brains and brawn, having survived over ten years as a solo designer and being brought into the Gucci Group stable, which bought a 51 per cent stake in his company 2002. In 2008, he not only turned a profit but was also opening new stores from LA to Beirut.

• Alexander McQueen was in 1970 in the East End of London - the son of a taxi driver
• He trained on Savile Row at Gieves & Hawkes, where he once embroidered a suit for the Prince of Wales with the words “I am a c**t” (in the lining)
• In 1991 his entire degree show was bought by influential stylist Isabella Blow, whose later suicide in 2007 led to him dedicating his entire spring/summer 2008 collection to her memory.

RMC Martin Ksohoh’s latest collection 2009 SUKA Jeans collection premium Denim inspired by richly decorated with vintage embroidered traditional Japanese images which gained huge popularity during the post-war era now re born on denim jeans using high end embroidery technology.

Djibril Cisse, undoubtedly the most recognisable footballer in the world, is seen sporting a RMC logo T-shirt and Warlords jeans in an interview with The Sun newspaper.

Cissé was born to Mangue and Karidjata Cissé who originated from the Ivory Coast. His father, Mangue, was formerly a professional footballer and had captained his country. His parents moved from the Ivory Coast to France in 1974. Djibril was the seventh and last child of his family, after his siblings; Nma, Damaye, Abou, Fode, Seni, Hamed. After his move to Liverpool, Cissé purchased a home in Frodsham, Cheshire, and in doing so gained the title of Lord of the Manor of Frodsham. Soon after buying the home, his decision to refuse the Cheshire Forest Hunt permission to hunt on his land received substantial press coverage. In June 2005, Djibril Cissé married Jude Littler, a Welsh hairdresser from Anglesey. The wedding took place at Bodelwyddan Castle, with notable guests including Shaun Wright-Phillips and Cissé’s French national teammates, Louis Saha, Sylvain Wiltord. Cissé married in a tuxedo in the red of Liverpool.

What is a brand to do in a recession? Simple! Create a brand credit card and that’s just what our favourite exotic fur and skin trader, Roberto Cavalli has done. Roberto, who has a reputation for being the Mr Crabs of the fashion world, will be offering the “Cavalli Card” March 1, with application forms at www.robertocavallicard.com and in all Roberto Cavalli boutiques worldwide.

“I love to immerse myself in new projects — they stimulate my creativity,” the designer stated, as be rubbed his hands together in a sinister fashion

The card, with iridescent colors similar to the designer’s yacht, is created in collaboration with Berlin-based Corpcom, a subsidiary of TRIUM Group, which creates new card programs. The Cavalli Card will entitle cardholders to a number of benefits, ranging from dedicated VIP services at all Cavalli boutiques and access to special sales to invitations to events, fashion shows and trunk shows.

Paul Deneve, chief executive officer at Lanvin, has sung his last hoo-rah at the uber-chic brand.

A Lanvin spokeswoman in Paris confirmed his departure Wednesday, citing “diverging points of view” on the direction of the company, which is controlled by Taiwanese publishing magnate Shaw-Lan Wang.

The spokeswoman declined further comment, and said an announcement about Deneve’s successor would be forthcoming. She did not give any time frame.

Deneve is the second top manager to leave Lanvin recently. Last month, Stella McCartney said she tapped Frederick Lukoff, Lanvin’s director of business development, as her new president and chief executive officer, effective Feb. 23.

LONDON January 2009 - Designer Marc Ecko announces a limited edition apparel line to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic film, The Warriors. The collection, which consists of four T-shirt designs and one hoodie, will be available in department and specialty stores and online.

The Warriors was originally released on February 9,1979. The film tells the story of a New York gang of that same name, framed for killing a rival gang leader who tried to unite all gangs in the area. The film chronicles their journey back to their home turf in Coney Island, traveling through hostile gang territory.

Twenty8Twelve, the brand designed by Hollywood actress Sienna Miller and sister Savannah will make their London Fashion Week debut next month and show their Autumn Winter 09 collection. The brand, which is backed by Pepe Jeans owner Carlos Ortega, has secured a prime-time slot. The line is provisionally scheduled to close the third day (February 22) after shows from Christopher Kane, Richard Nicoll and Danielle Scutt.

In a joint statement, Sienna, 27, and Savannah, 30, said: “Twenty8Twelve is now in its fifth season and we just felt it was ready to be taken to the next level.”

Sienna and Savannah were approached by retail entrepreneur Ortega in 2006, with the idea to develop a designer diffusion level brand. The pair opened their first west London store in August 2007 and recently opened another in the designer section of the new Westfield shopping centre.

Thom Browne, the archtypal zany New Yorker, is set to make a pitch to the Europeans. To paraphrase Sting, he truly is an alien, a legal alien, in Florence… Let’s hope is not confused for the man who designer Michael Jackson’s cropped pants wardrobe!

“Thom Browne, New York’s most theatrical and polarizing men’s wear designer, makes his European debut next week, showing his fall collection at the Pitti Immagine Uomo fair in Florence.

As Pitti’s featured guest designer — an honor bestowed on Walter Van Beirendonck, Adam Kimmel and Kris Van Assche in recent seasons — Browne has an opportunity to reach people in the market who perhaps haven’t seen his New York shows and don’t know what he stands for. So for this season he reconsidered the avant-garde antics and perverse, themed spectacles his New York audiences have come to expect.”

Worth a visit!

Prada is pleased to announce The Double Club, a Carsten Höller project by Fondazione Prada with the support of Guaranty Trust Bank, plc, Nigeria.

Located in London, in an old Victorian warehouse just beside the Angel tube station, The Double Club offers a unique approach to entertainment and hospitality, as well as creating a dialogue between Congolese and Western contemporary music, lifestyle, arts and design.

The Double Club is not only a vibrant new public space in London consisting of three spaces a bar, a restaurant and the dance club, but also an alliance of two cultures in real life that will facilitate the crosspollination without any attempt of fusion.

There’s recently been some debate as to whether the term “True Religion” for a fashion brand is at best disrepectful and possibly even sacreligious? Perhaps the real question is, could denim possibly be a true religion; there are undoubtedly millions of worships across the planet who kneel at the altar of the multi-head demi-god of denim, although the kneeling maybe has more to do with the desire to add a touch more distress to the knee area. Anyhow, this is the True Religion story:

Jeffrey Lubell founded True Religion in 2002 with the intention of redefining premium denim. His vision was to make quality, American-made, authentic, timeless, great fitting, 1970’s inspired jeans wear, with a trendsetting appeal for today’s consumer.

Today, True Religion Brand Jeans is known not only for its denim, but also for its knit and woven sportswear, such as t-shirts, western shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants that all have that vintage feel.

True Religion’s commitment to perfect fit, timeless style and that hippie bohemian chic flare have solidified True Religion’s brand position as a leader in premium denim and casual sportswear globally.

While continuing to expand True Religion’s line of jeans and sportswear, the company most recently branched out into numerous licensed products such as Footwear, Headwear, Handbags, Swimwear and Fragrance.

Can a Missoni change its spots? Perhaps…

GREEN RABBIT: Limited Edition New York is diversifying beyond its environmental slogan T-shirts, totes and jogging outfits. For its fourth fashion icons collection, Angela Lindvall, Teresa Missoni and Irina Lazareanu have designed T-shirts for free, and are joined by an unlikely ambassador for the green movement — an electronic rabbit. LENY has partnered with best-selling Wi-Fi rabbit Nabaztag, which gives out information such as the weather or stock market movements. The special-breed LENY rabbit, of which 500 exist, will tell you one green thing to do daily, like forgo the air-conditioning. “It’s going to be a wake-up call,” said founder Mariel Gamboa, who started the Tranoï boutique trade show in Paris before creating LENY. LENY also has dipped into denim with a pair of organic, handwoven jeans made with U.K. premium denim label Sharkah Chakra. Hard-hitting messages on the 140 euro, or $180 at current exchange, Ts, which go on sale next month, include Australian stylist Brana Wolf’s “You’ve been warmed.” Proceeds go to Al Gore’s Climate Project, for which LENY hopes to raise 200,000 euros, or $258,000, this year.

Martin Ksohoh’s homage to the Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife by Hokusai also includes a super Limited Edition Gold Octopus jean. The Gold Octopus forms part of the 2009 Golden Year micro-collection of super Limited Edition jeans, strictly for the collector and fashion connoisseur.

The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife Tako to ama, Octopus and Shelldiver) is an erotic woodcut of the ukiyo-e genre made around 1820 by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. Perhaps the first instance of tentacle eroticism, it depicts a woman entwined sexually with a pair of octopuses, the smaller of which wraps one of its tentacles around the woman’s nipple and kisses her, while the larger one performs cunnilingus. Hokusai created The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife during the Edo period in when Shinto was making a resurgence; this influenced the piece’s animism and playful attitude towards sexuality. It is a celebrated example of shunga and has been reworked by a number of artists. Similar themes of human females having sexual intercourse with sea life have been displayed since the 17th century in Japanese netsuke, small carved sculptures only a few inches in height and often extremely elaborate.