Checks Please

Derek Lam's new Spring/Summer 2014 collection is a dedicated investigation into checks. Colour clashing, maximised gingham are cut into boxy, simplistic silhouettes with subtle oriental flavour. There is something functional and futuristic about the collection that appeals to my fascination with sci-fi. 

As checks permeate into the high street this season though, the slant is more grunge than futuristic. Below, an Marks and Spencer effort at just £29.50 worn by Tracey Emin as part of their Leading Ladies campaign. I love the idea of this with a simple black leather jacket and skinny jeans and a charm necklace. It's a great everyday piece.  

And no outfit is complete without the right shoes - would I leave that out?  How about these Talo court shoes by Chie Mihara, £215.60

Or, more puddle-practical, these gorgeous Dean ankle boots by Atalanta Weeler. These are a wardrobe essential, non? 

Everything begins here

Things you need to know about Everything Begins...

- they sell lots of nice things

-  they sell nice bags

- they have reduced their nice bags...

I can't do everything for you so go and have a look for yourself. These are on my wishlist, which are your favourites? 

Mimi Leather Shoulder bag - Faye £207.38 from Everything Begins

Mimi Peggy Leather satchel £165.90, also from Everything Begins

Pop culture was an art, now art's a pop culture in me

There are always going to be people in life who inspire us. The fashion world is perpetuated by the cult of celebrity. ASOS has made a million pound business out of folk eager to imitate the wardrobes of those they idolise; Topshop and H&M specialise in sellout celebrity collaborations.  

But there are also a rare and fascinating breed of characters who are equally inspiring that we do not wish to imitate.  They have style which we can admire for its deep creativity and slavishness to excess without us wanting to copy it. They are real artists playing with style with a serious frivolity.  Their outfits are assemblages, creations, extrapolations. Though they often divide opinion with their costumes, I refer to Lady Gaga in particular here, you would not sooner expect to see them in the same outfit twice than in a pair of tracksuit bottoms in public. So credit where credit is due; for your delectation, a few of my favourite fashion artists. 

Italian fashion writer Anna Piaggi

Icelandic woodland sprite Bjork 

Australian performance artist Leigh Bowery

Singer and Lisa Minnelli impersonator, Lady Gaga