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Balmain Autumn Winter 19

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.

Balmain Teddy Jacket Black WhiteBalmain B-Troop Strap TrainersBalmain Medallion Teddy Jacket Black

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.

Balmain AW19 SweatshirtBalmain B-Ball TrainersBalmain Bum Bag

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.

Balmain Sweater BlackBalmain Taped SweatpantsBalmain Knitwear

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…

 

Nudie Jeans Sustainable Sweatshirt Grey

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.

Novesta Star Dribble

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.

Nudie Jeans Organic Cotton SweatshirtNudie Jeans OutfitNudie Jeans Lead Dean

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.

Oliver Spencer Shirt

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.

Paul Smith Polo ShirtPaul Smith T-Shirt

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.

Patagonia Outfit

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

 

Y3 Sneaker FYW S-97

Y-3 FYW S-97: Yohji Yamamoto Remixes An adidas Icon

Y-3 Transforms The Iconic FYW S-97 Sneaker

After more than 16 years of fruitful partnership, adidas and Yohji Yamamoto are working on forging an even stronger alliance; with the Three Stripes label offering Y-3 exclusive access to the FYW S-97 sneaker.

Y3 FYW S-97's

The revolutionary design first debuted in ’97 during a time when the footwear industry hadn’t really got off the ground yet. Trainer technology was still in its inception stage and sneaker styles were delivered through narrowminded visions. Cue the trailblazing tactics of adidas

In-house experts at the sportswear label instilled fresh energy into the industry when they launched their ‘Feet You Wear’ technology. The science behind FYW technology, to which the shoe takes its name, was ambitious in every way. Previous designs had led the way for square-shaped soles, while this runner chose to hone in on the natural contours of the foot. Though more rounded trainers like this were virtually unheard of at the time, the masses embraced them full-force. Thus, setting the wheels in motion for boundless interpretations to come.

Now, in today’s age, where luxury and athleisure often collide – as the Y-3 partnership has so often proved, the FYW S-97 trainer is to take a premium turn. More streamlined than the original, Y-3’s FYW S-97 boasts a strictly angled design at the toe. However, its sharper silhouette still imbues referential flair for the past. These retro details unfold in the wavy lines showcased on the midsole and caging system.

Y-3 FYW S-97 Trainers

Layers of Primeknit can be found across the uppers of both the black and white pairs, something FYW S-97 fans will be used to. Closer up, suede and leather overlays fall in all the usual spots, while a sock-like fit around the ankle provides superlative flexibility.

Perhaps the most distinctive element of this iteration is the Yohji Yamamoto sign off. Etched in white on the black colourway and vice versa, the emblazoned script is truly symbolic of status. A signal from the Japanese designer that these sneakers are wholly Y-3. Finally, dual density Boost™ cushioning propels the foot from the ground upwards. As a result, wearers can expect the smoothest ride ever and unbeatable comfort.Yohji Yamamoto Y-3 FYW S-97

Set to get the streets and the sneaker scene talking, this luxe Y-3 FYW S-97 remix is a game changer. Cop both colourways at Aphrodite in-store or online when the sneakers launch July 18th, 2019.

January Sneakers New Arrivals

January Top Picks – Sneaker Edition

By now, the novelty of the festive season is probably just wearing off; the weather is bleak, payday seems to be getting further and further away and work days inexplicably last longer than they seemed to pre-Christmas.

We’re with you, so to cheer you (and ourselves) up, we’ve decided to do a little round up of our favourite new sneakers that have already dropped for the SS19 season – because we love sneakers and these ones are part of the Summer season, which at this point feels like a distant memory.
adidas
First off, we go to the old classic, adidas. adidas have clearly been hard at work for this season as we have already had a plethora of sleek new silhouettes and colourways land for Spring/Summer 2019, with much more to come.

We’ll start with the brand-spanking new Yung-1’s. Last year’s chunky silhouette has been carried through to 2019, this time paired with a muted, pale grey colourway that is reminiscent of the Yeezy Salt collection that graced our eyeballs (and feet, if you’re lucky) late last year.

The Yung-1’s have been bold in their colourways in the past, however this time adidas have cleverly used contrasting textures and tonal colour blocking to ensure that the shoe remains bold yet understated. Paired with the adidas Torsion support outsole, the Yung-1 is the dad-shoe we all need in our lives.

adidas Originals Yung 1

Nike
It could be said that the sporting giant has, in the past, been somewhat overshadowed by adidas’ prowess within the sneaker market. However with their Virgil Abloh Off White collaborations selling out across the world, and a bunch of brave new silhouettes dropping in 2018, it’s obvious that Nike aren’t slowing down any time soon.

One silhouette that was much-talked about in the sneaker world, was the Air Max 270 Bowfin. Joining the infamous Air Max tribe (and surviving), is not an easy task. The first Bowfin was released early last year and after a few months to gain momentum on the sneaker scene, it has gone from strength to strength with a number of bright colourways now available.

Nike 270 Bowfin TrainersThe most recent drop is that of a Pumice and Cinder (or orange and purple for us mere mortals) colourway. Sitting upon Nike’s biggest air ‘bubble’ sole to date, the upper features a sock like design adorned in contrasting textiles and patterns making this trainer anything but subtle. Overall, the Bowfin adds bright but by no means garish colour to everyone’s favourite chunky silhouette, ultimately cementing its place in the Nike Air Max hall of fame.  

Y3

Ah, Y3. Our favourite East-Asian export never fails to disappoint with their avant-garde styles and futuristic designs that push fashion to its science-fiction limits. We’ve been spoiled for the SS19 season with a number of new styles dropping into our laps, however we have to showcase our favourite; the Harigane II.

Y-3 Harigane II Sneakers

The silhouette first made an appearance last year, however Yohji has refreshed the shoe for an impactful New Year drop. Keeping the sculpture-like geometric sole and sharp shark-tooth outsole from last year’s style, the Hargiane II has been given a sleek upgrade with a lightweight Primeknit upper.  Topstitching and hand-stitched zigzag detailing give the Harigane II a premium quality that is simply a given when purchasing a pair of Y3 trainers.

The Iconic Nike Air Force 1 Utility is Back With A Bang

Arguably one of the most iconic pieces of footwear Nike have produced, the Air Force 1 has become a firm favourite in the wardrobes of many since its inception in the 80’s. The combination of style and function means the Air Force 1 survives year after year, while the original white-on-white design is the perfect blank canvas for the numerous recreations the shoe has seen over the years.

The latest reinvention of the Air Force 1 would be that of the Utility pack. Deconstruction sits at the forefront of this trainer’s design aesthetic; a squeaky clean canvas is decorated only with contrasting yet understated Nike branding. An exposed label tag can be found layered under the soft leather Swoosh (perhaps as a subtle nod to their upcoming collaborative partner Off Whites’ take on the shoe), while a double branded heel-pull and tongue label are home to an inconspicuous splash of colour.  All of this sits upon a textured leather upper, with a full length foam midsole that has cushioned our feet for decades.

Nike Air Force 1 Black and White

The Nike Air Force 1 Utility is available on 1.11.2018 for £79. You can shop the two available colourways in-store and online

Saturdays NYC

Saturdays NYC lands at Aphrodite – Online and in-store now

Were happy to announce that we have welcomed Saturdays NYC to our growing designer menswear brands list. The brand was co-founded in 2009 by Colin Tunstall, Morgan Collett and Josh Rosen. The trio decided to create the brand when they discovered their range of mutual interests.

Saturdays NYC stemmed from a passion for surfing, art, music and coffee. The trio focused on an organic creative process, looking for inspiration everywhere.

The collection focuses on a range of garment dyed staples which are a must-have for your timeless wardrobe. Hoodies in neutral hues and printed sweatshirts are certain to give your contemporary wardrobe an update.

You can shop the full range of Saturdays NYC Clothing online and in store

Instagram Inspiration: Advice from Instagram’s most stylish men

Nowadays we look to Instagram for a variety of things, whether its to find out news, promote a business or just have a little look in general. One main thing that Instagram can provide us with is inspiration, from our daily workout to a popular recipe, but it has become a significant factor in the fashion industry to set trends and give outfit inspiration.

Instagram gives those style savvy users a chance to experiment with their true style, and to connect with other users who are passionate about fashion. New brands can also be discovered through Instagram by the power of hashtags and people tagging the brand they are wearing in a certain picture.

In particular, Instagram holds some of the most influential and best-dressed men in Britain, and they’ve spoken out to British GQ, the go-to website for the latest in all things menswear, grooming and lifestyle, to voice just how much Instagram has taught them about fashion and how the social media platform has informed them that style really has no limits.

It wasn’t until I joined Instagram that I realised style has no limits and that my looks could be an amalgamation of all of that and more. I don’t have a particular style now, although I am partial to playing around with denim – John Jarrett for British GQ

 


British GQ have spoken to six of Britain’s most stylish instagrammers who give their top style tips, favourite brands and their wardrobe inspiration. You can read the full article here on gq-magazine.co.uk.

Follow Aphrodite Clothing on Instagram for information on new arrivals and new season style inspiration.

Holiday Shop Now Open

With winter gone and summer almost here, it’s time to strip your wardrobe of jumpers and fleecy coats and update it with some great summer staples. Whether you’re going abroad or just staying in sunny England, we have all the clothing and accessories you could need.

Find all your holiday essentials online here.