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April 14, 2022

Edwin Jeans Fit Guide – No More Numbers

Edwin are back with new styles of denim, the fits of which have been simplified and made easier to understand by the denim experts from Japan. Edwin like other denim brands have been known for their use of numbers to represent the different styles/fits of their jeans, most Edwin Jeans were categorized by an ED number which refers to the corresponding year that may have seen the style of jeans be popular. For example, the ED-45 is a loose-fitting pair of jeans and refers to the year 1945, where denim jeans were starting to be worn casually and where naturally looser fitting as they were more often than not worn as and associated with fit for purpose workwear. In comparison, the slim-fitting ED-80 corresponded to the 1980s, where tighter jeans were in fashion.

Now however Edwin have simplified the formula with their new styles of denim.

Edwin Regular Tapered Kaihara Fit

Some of the latest offerings from Edwin include the Edwin Regular Tapered Kaihara in this Blue Rinse. This pair hit a sweet spot as with them being a regular taper it fits the bill as an any man jean, being a mid-way between a more fitted tighter cut and the bigger more loose styles on offer, making for a solid and standard pair of Edwin Jeans.

Edwin Slim Tapered Kaihara Fit

Edwin’s new styles also offer Slim options such as these Edwin Slim Tapered Kaihara in a Blue Rinse. Having more of a consistent taper on the leg, this slim style makes for a more fitted pair of jeans without being too skinny and makes for an altogether more modern fit from Edwin.

October 21, 2019

Fred Perry x Miles Kane AW19

Two British Icons Reunite

It’s no secret that music and fashion have long co-existed for one another’s benefit, with creatives from both industries regularly entering the opposing territory, doing so by lending their prolific identity and expertise to a fresh line of work. Perhaps the most rememberable representation of this in recent times, at least in the UK, falls on the fabled shoulders of heritage label Fred Perry and Last Shadow Puppets co-frontman Miles Kane.

Having been in partnership for some time now, the two have truly mastered a particular type of style synergy that resonates with a distinctly British audience. Fred Perry x Miles Kane garments pay tribute to the brand’s formative years in the ‘70s, while infusing Kane’s confident sense of style and alternative design language.

For the upcoming season, Kane and Fred Perry deliver a capsule that’s laced in dark, atmospheric tones – specifically designed to mimic ‘dim lighting’ and provoke that ‘martini in hand kinda vibe’ to all who bare the apparel. This time around, classic Fred Perry designs like the polo shirt opt to subvert the norm, with Kane changing the silhouette’s signature button placket and replacing it with a gold-toned ¼ zipper on some iterations within the lineup.

Elsewhere, leopard comes into play for the first time. Seem a surprising choice? Maybe. But, in the grand scheme of the season, it’s not as startling. Brands across the globe chose to take a walk on the wild side this season, with catwalks in London, NYC, Paris and Milan all embracing the element of animal instinct for AW ‘19. Find the pattern atop a luxe Fred Perry x Miles Kane track-jacket, embodied by dark, tonal fabrication and surrounded with gilded embellishments.

Finally, for those hoping for a more nonchalant sensibility, look no further than the collaboration’s turtleneck tees. Crafted from a breathable textured piqué, the design, which arrives in black and white renditions, is a must-have for any man’s weekend wardrobe. Fred Perry’s credentials reside at the chest with the iconic Laurel Wreath embroidery, while stretchy trims comfortably wrap the neckline, cuffs and hem, offering ease of motion and subtle structure.

Sure to transcend the status of Fred Perry x Miles Kane collections even further, this fresh offering promises to promote no-nonsense shades and contemporary cuts, while confirming Fred Perry and Miles Kane as a collaborative class act yet again. Shop the collection when it launches in-store and online at Aphrodite on 24/10/19.

August 28, 2019

Stussy AW19: First Look

Stussy’s AW19 Collection Showcases The Brand’s Dedication To Pushing Boundaries

Presenting an exciting mix of tactical and contemporary pieces, the arbiter of streetwear Stussy returns with a refreshing instalment that boasts the brand’s signature Californian roots. With a heritage that started way back in the ‘80s, Stussy is now considered a global standard within skate, hip-hop and street culture. The AW19 collection plays with the brand’s rebellious aesthetic and features instantly-recognisable logos, signature silhouettes and classic prints.

Transitioning from summer to winter requires a fit that can withhold the unpredictable weather and the Panel Track Jacket does just that. Assembled with jagged contrasting colour-block panels that channel ‘90s inspiration, the track jacket showcases the brand’s dedication to taking classic silhouettes and re-thinking them with signature Stussy aesthetic. Masterly lightweight, the nylon construction is the ideal layering piece. We paired the track jacket with some of our favourite garments from the latest batch; including Stripe Crew T-Shirt and Utility Cargo Pant.

Committing to the ‘90s theme, the Stripe Crew T-Shirt boasts a nostalgic, sporty aesthetic. Adorned with the label’s world-famous logo amongst striking, colour-block stripes – the heavy build crew neck is offered in a loose, period-appropriate fit. This season Stussy has created truly energetic and wearable pieces that will add that well-needed pop of colour to any winter wardrobe.

If you’re looking for a functional, cold-weather necessity – Stussy have you covered. The next highlight from the collection is the Utility Jacket. Boasting four front pouch pockets with three additional zip pockets, the utilitarian design is ideal for storing all your every-day essentials. Rubberised branding adds a modern update to the piece whilst retaining traditional utility features. Water-resistant, versatile and perfect for layering – the nylon jacket guarantees to stick with you for many seasons to come.

Again, we paired the jacket with the Utility Cargo Pant in Black. Dripping in utilitarian design – the nylon trousers are fitted with two back flap pockets and roomy cargo pockets to the legs. Developed to hold your everyday must-haves. Adjustable waist and cuffs allow the functional trousers to fit perfect to you.

Adding to their already impressive arsenal of lightweight jackets, Stussy presents the Torque Jacket. Dressed in an orange colourway, the 100% cotton jacket gives off some serious autumnal vibes. Point collar, button-down placket and four double pouch pockets – the piece combines the classic overshirt silhouette with Stussy’s favoured utilitarian design.

Of course, no Stussy instalment would be complete without a handful of classic sweats that provide premium comfort and work perfectly for the season. The rich autumnal colour palette really shows within the collection of bold layering pieces – offering hoodies and sweatshirts in a variety of different colourways. Our personal favourite is the Basic Crew Sweatshirt in Orange and Basic Stussy Hoodie in Lemon.

The Stussy AW19 collection will be launching on 30/08/19 both in-store and online at Aphrodite.

August 20, 2019

BALMAIN AW19: A Monochrome Masterpiece

Filtered through Olivier Rousteing’s monochrome state of mind, Balmain’s Autumn Winter ’19 collection is set to be a sumptuous head-turner.

In retrospect, although no one could have anticipated it at the time, 2011 would be the year to transform fashion forever. In Paris particularly, operations were following a startling shift; a then 25-year-old Olivier Rousteing had courageously taken the reins at the historic house of Balmain – a move that would go on to redefine fashion’s agenda for the foreseeable future.

In Rousteing’s celebrated eight years at Balmain’s helm, the house has firmly broken into the 21st century. The label’s lauded predecessors such as, Mr. Pierre Balmain himself, and Oscar de la Renta, had already cemented the house’s path to elegance, yet none had quite stirred up the contemporary appeal as that of Rousteing. In the seasons just before Olivier’s succession, Christophe Decarnin tried his talented hand at triggering modernity within the house, falling just short to that of Rousteing’s superlative standards.

Now, for Autumn Winter ‘19, the house calls on a plethora of diverse inspiration – sourced from far and wide. As-ever designs in the collection fuse contrasting themes of grunge and glamour; an aesthetic the label has become synonymous with under the guise of Olivier. Additionally, subtle Eastern influences gently unload into the capsule, no doubt much to the delight of the brand’s vast and loyal following on that side of the globe. And rounding off the lineup is Balmain’s first official foray into footwear; a collection sparking huge significance for Olivier Rousteing and a monumental touchpoint for the brand as a whole.

Kicking things off with a slew of luxe, monochrome pieces, the Autumn Winter ’19 capsule effortlessly blends the realms of luxury and streetwear. For example, the pairing of the brand’s velvet teddy jacket and branded hoodie here creates the perfect balance of sumptuous style and casual layering. Added accents, in the form of a baseball cap and the brand’s B-Troop Strap sneakers, signify the outfit’s obvious urban status, while the logo-laden aesthetic further unravels through simple base layers, including a short-sleeve signature tee and all-black trousers.

By insisting on the injection of sportswear cues throughout Balmain looks to not only hit a home run this season but also shoot some hoops on the hardwood and the proof is in this next outfit. With a sweatshirt that wouldn’t look out of place on the baseball field and the aptly dubbed ‘B-Ball’ sneakers on foot, the look is wholly sport-luxe.

The sweatshirt, in particular, unites Western and Eastern influences; not only does it shine the spotlight on one of America’s beloved batting games, thanks to its striped base and colour-blocking formula, but it also introduces Japanese design language into the mix – tooling Rousteing has displayed an affinity for in the past. Together with the distinctive cultural elements, an all-black Balmain belt bag gives the look a functional, finishing touch for urban dimensions.

The lack of ostentatious hues throughout the collection is sure to be welcomed by all those wishing to curate a versatile wardrobe, with plenty of pieces up for grabs that can be effortlessly mixed and match. The adaptability of the following look is demonstrated through its monochrome palette. Made up of a woollen blend sweater and taped joggers, the ensemble deliberately leaves bold colours behind for a sleek, street-led look which is without question cut for comfort.

Altogether, the Balmain AW19 collection makes a superb case for versatility. The high-key to low-key contrast of the garments ensures you’ll stand out in the streets while giving you the opportunity to experiment with mixing and matching a number of pieces from the lineup. Hats off to design favourite, Olivier Rousteing, yet again…

July 24, 2019

Fashion’s Journey To Sustainability

Five Brands Pursuing A Sustainable Planet

Would you be more inclined to buy a garment if you were sound in the knowledge it was crafted sustainably? In 2019, as the demand for fast fashion continues to spike, this question is something the industry must actively ponder.

Until recently, fashion’s impact on the environment had been seldom spoken of. The more well-documented pollution players are frequently exposed to blame in the press, but who should really be taking all the rap? With over 10% of the world’s carbon footprint falling on fashion, changes – evidently – need to be made. Here at Aphrodite, we caught up with some of the key brands in our line up to find out how they plan to kick-start the journey to sustainability.

NOVESTA:

If you’ve ever visited us in store or browsed our plethora of footwear pages online, you’ll certainly be familiar with Slovakian label Novesta. Renowned across Europe for its quality craftsmanship, the brand’s trainer offerings are immensely clean cut and timeless. Of course, aesthetics are positioned at the forefront of the label’s operations, but the topic of sustainability scales pretty high on the brand’s agenda too.

Novesta’s ethical efforts spill out and into the manufacturing process, where they choose to handcraft their products solely using natural materials. The employment of natural rubber, cotton and linen make Novesta’s products thoroughly sustainable. As a result, the brand’s ecological actions have caught the attention of animal welfare charity PETA. Now dubbed officially VEGAN by PETA, Novesta is proud to promote the switch to ethical fashion throughout the globe. Shop Novesta’s sustainable styles here.

NUDIE JEANS:

Cross a thousand miles or so across the European continent and you’ll discover Swedish imprint Nudie Jeans. Pledging to uncover ‘the naked truth about denim’ since its inception, the label has actively pursued the journey to sustainability for some time now. Brand founders Maria Erixon Levin, Joakim Levin and Palle Stenberg have always been impassioned by the promise to pursue a sustainable planet, doing so while supplying some of the best denim styles we’ve ever laid our eyes on.

In a substantial effort to create a safe working environment for its staff, Nudie Jeans opts for the use of 100% organic cotton across its collections. Unlike conventional farming, organic cotton is grown without the exposure to harmful chemicals, creating in turn, a safe environment for employment, while also encouraging purity of the eco system. And the brand’s efforts don’t stop there.

Many of you may be familiar with Nudie Jeans’ repair services, we ourselves have hosted one of the label’s repair shops, much to the delight of local denim aficionados. The purpose of these repair shops is to provide the garment with longevity. In Nudie Jeans terms ‘we don’t believe throwaway and jeans are words that belong together.’ The introduction of repairs means that your investment can be sustained, without the need to purchase time and time again. In total, Nudie Jeans repaired 55,173 pairs of jeans in 2018 – a 6,000 increase on 2017. Pretty impressive we must admit! Browse Nudie Jeans’ approach to sustainability here.

OLIVER SPENCER:

In Britain menswear brands are also aiming to spread the word on sustainability. Eponymous label Oliver Spencer endeavours to improve the environment with an array of sustainable movements. Bleue Wickham-Burnham, Head of Sustainability at Oliver Spencer, explored the topic with Aphrodite.

“Any waste effluent from the dyeing and treatment of fabrics is cleaned in-line with European standards. This basically means it’s crystal clear when it leaves the factory. One of our mills in the north of England is fed by a river, where the water is put back afterwards – you could literally drink the water as it’s being put back into the river!”

Similarly to Nudie Jeans, the London-based brand also operate a repair service, allowing costs and unnecessary waste to remain at their lowest. On top of this, Oliver Spencer continues to strive for the use of eco-friendly fabrics: “For winter 41% of the cotton we use by volume will be organic. We hope to continue this until we get to 100%, unless we start using regenerative organic cotton before then.” Take a look at Oliver Spencer’s eco-friendly designs here.

PAUL SMITH:

Across town at Paul Smith, activities and operations are being tweaked all the time to ensure transparency and the utmost social responsibility. The label’s PS Paul Smith collection, a favourite with Aphrodite customers, is growing more and more sustainable each season.

Brand Financial & Sustainability Analyst at Paul Smith, Jessica Halsey, weighed in on the label’s strategy: “We are proud to announce that almost 85% of our PS collection jersey is made from organic cotton. Using organic cotton means that we can be sure the cotton farming is non-intensive and no harmful pesticides have been used in the process.”

On top of this, you’ll be interested to know that Paul Smith is doing even more to pursue ethical operations. And what we mean by that is, if you’re hitting the beach this season you may well find yourself in the possession of Paul Smith’s sustainability efforts.

“Recently we have introduced recycled polyester into our garments, most notably our Paul Smith collection swim shorts. They are part composed of post-consumer plastic bottles. We love the idea that something can be recycled and repurposed into something completely new whilst reducing the impact consumer waste has on the planet.” Catch Paul Smith’s organic cotton collection here.

PATAGONIA:

Across the pond, outdoor pioneers at Patagonia live and breathe the essence of sustainability. ‘Worn Wear’ is an initiative the brand introduced to alter the relationship people have with their clothing. Avoiding a ‘throwaway’ stance at all costs, Patagonia ‘keeps your gear in action for longer’ at their repair base in Nevada – the largest repair facility in North America. Each year, the brand repairs over 40,000 items back to new, we certainly can’t complain with that!

Textile use and treatments are also of high interest to Patagonia and it’s something the brand continuously re-evaluates each season. From using recycled materials to craft its garments, to choosing PVC and phthalate-free inks and searching for non-harmful alternatives, the brand has become synonymous with sustainable production. Purchase Patagonia’s ethical styles here.

Though sustainability within the fashion arena is still in its inception stage, evidently, it’s of great concern to many brands who are continuously making crucial improvements to their operations to care for the environment, the staff they employ and the communities they work within. Enjoy shopping the featured styles with a clear conscience…

December 16, 2018

Last Chance Before Christmas: Store opening times 2018

As the festive period continues to fly by at break-neck speed – it’s less than ten sleeps to Christmas FYI – and the unprepared amongst us continue to find themselves avoiding the, ‘are you all sorted then?’ chatter instead opting to quietly reassure themselves that there’s plenty of time left, gently pushing the creeping sense of panic to the back of their mind as they feel the pressure mounting and another year of hastily bought, last minute gifts breathing down their neck.

Sound familiar? Not to worry! There is still time to save Christmas and get some presents in time for the arrival of you know who on the 25th. Whether you’re looking for last minute gifts, know what you are after or need some advice when it comes to buying for a loved one we’re not only open right up until the night before festivities kick off but, our in store Christmas sale starts Monday 17th so you can take advantage of reduced prices across a wide selection of the brands we have on offer including Norse Projects, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, CP Company and many more. Take a look below for our full list of opening times and come in and see us, we’d be more than happy to help you find the perfect gif

May 23, 2017

Your Essential Guide To Occasion Footwear and Accessories

So you have the suit, now you just need to find the perfect pair of shoes and accessories to complement your formal outfit ready for that special occasion. In this weeks newsletter we are helping you to make your decision by showcasing the occasion footwear we have to offer. From Clarks, Grenson and Vivienne Westwood, we’ll have you suited and booted in no time.

Clarks Originals

For occasion footwear with a twist, choose these Burcott Monk Shoes by Clarks Originals in a Cognac colour-way. This versatile shoe offers the classic Clarks crepe sole, which keeps the foot comfortable and cushioned. Ideal for a wedding or christening when you want all day comfort. Another bonus is that these stylish shoes have a suede lining for added comfort. Added details include the buckled strap and cross stitch design to the vamp.

Grenson

The Grenson Archie is a timeless silhouette which boasts effortless style. We are used to seeing it in a tan colour-way, however the outstanding British have given the statement shoe a different look by throwing suede into the mix. With a luxe mix of leather and suede, the Archie is presented in a new navy colour-way, with the triple welt sole for added durability.

Vivienne Westwood

The finishing touches to your outfit are always important. Why not complete your formal look with a Vivienne Westwood Wallet? Crafted in Italy from luxe grained leather, the wallet features discreet branding with the silver embossed orb, giving a simple yet effective finish to an everyday staple accessory.

April 17, 2014

Must Have Fred Perry Jackets

With strong affiliations to a whole host of British youth culture movements, Fred Perry have grown to become one of Britain’s most treasured institutions of formidable style.

Named after one of the nations greatest ever tennis players, Fred Perry drew its first breath of inspiration from a blend of sport and street style, creating a unique style that hadn’t previously been seen before. TheFred Perry brand took flight, promoting their new found style under the single banner of the Fred Perry laurel wreath, making all of their designs instantly recognisable, and infamously cool.

As the brand grew, so did the range. The new array of pieces, which ranged from twin tip polo shirts, through to footwear and Fred Perry jackets, had the young, fashionable British consumers clamoring for the Fred Perry brand.

Fred Perry Ripstop Cagoule

In particular, one movement- the mod’s, adopted Fred Perry as their uniform of choice. Making the most of the labels sharp lines, sleek styling and smart look, the mod’s made Fred Perry shirts and polo’s a staple of their style, whilst using a Fred Perry Jacket to protect them from the elements whilst they were out on their scooters. It was the Fred Perry parka in particular that announced the arrival of the Fred Perry jacket- a loose fitting style that was perfect for any mod weekend out, the Fred Perry Parka became an iconic style and a firm Fred Perry jacket style that is still loved today. Taking inspiration from the original parka, the Fred Perry Mountain Parka offers a similar style principle, putting protection and functionality first whilst still retaining the insatiable Fred Perry look that has become so desirable.

Fred Perry Mountain Parka

View all Fred Perry Jackets here

April 9, 2014

Adidas Gazelle OG Trainers

Created by one of the most infamous labels of all time, the Adidas Gazelle OG trainer is one of the most iconic trainer silhouettes to ever be created. Playing a hugely important role in modern culture and style, Adidas have taken their styles that were originally developed for high performance, and reinvigorated them to move them off the tracks and fields and onto the high streets. With the help of endorsements by the likes of Run DMC, Adidas took the fashion world by storm with a sport infused street style.

The Adidas Gazelle OG trainers conform to this hedonistic mix of sport and street culture, delivering iconic styling that was originally designed to be an all purpose trainer for football. The Adidas Gazelle OG houses the instantly recognisable three stripes that have become synonymous with the Adidas brand, offering reference to some of football’s greats, who wore Adidas boots in some of their finest performances- from Franz Beckenbauer to David Beckham, Adidas Gazelle OG trainers are the equivalent to Adidas’ homage to the legends of the game.

View all Adidas Trainers

With a slender profile that features charismatic features such as gold branding and leather details, the Adidas Gazelle OG is finished using coloured suede. From year-round classics such as black and grey, the Gazelle OG also comes in a great selection of seasonal tones, making them the perfect trainer for all seasons.

A desirable heritage lies behind every pair of Adidas Gazelle OG trainers- since their birth in 1968 they have become an institution of casual dress down style, offering simplistic, direct style for the weekends.

Adidas Originals Gazelle Indoor in Black

View our full collection of Adidas Originals Trainers here

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