A Stroll in the Arcade

The next new thing is something that UK fashion press has an obsession with. London is a particularly good nuturing ground with Topshop New Generation, Fashion East, putting the CSM show on-schedule, GFW and all that jazz.  So it was nice to stumble upon the Cordwainers (the shoe and accessories specific part of London College of Fashion) graduate exhibition set up at number 22 Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly.  I was there primarily to get some shelter from the pissing rain and also to collect a box of Laduree macaroons (is it just me who’s disappointed Laduree didn’t open a full-on tea salon in Burlington Arcade instead of the little concession store?).  But at number 22, after passing shops of conservative suits and Tods-style driving shoes, lies what could be a new generation of Jimmy Choos, Patrick Coxes, Emma Hopes (all alumni of Cordwainers College).

Not particularly well-lit or advertised, it’s still a random, interesting sight for perusal, considering the location. Elderly tourists raised some eyebrows at some of the less conventional designs.

Whoever designed these chunky knit and leather bags and purses must have read my mind, because I’ve been picturing these in my head and wanting to find a bag exactly like the large tote here:

Incorporating metal bits and pieces confirms that tough fetishism is here to stay:

Shoes that have a more naturalistic/organic aesthetic:

The purple cut-out lace-ups are suitably regal and cute at the same time:

I’m loving the boxy geometric shaped bag. Actually, I’m just into boxy rigid bags in general:

3 comments

  1. Wow, great find. I love Burlington Arcade – mainly because of all the little jewellers, funny cashmere shops and genteel old ladies taking a stroll.
    Will have to check out the Cordwainers set-up though, a suprising location but a cool one!
    And let me know next time you’re back in HK – if I haven’t found a croc bag by then I may have to call on your shopping services!
    Mrs F x

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