Seasoned from the success of her SS08 diffusion line at Topman, Carolyn Massey makes a return to Lens with a distinctive aesthetic that continues to venerate, but in a bolder fashion, the romanticism and gothic charm that filters through 18th and 19th century English fashion.

Massey injects an old English familiarity of neutral hues—black, white, grey—with the occasional bright colour to harken us back to a sartorial code that is part moody, part romantic, but part avant-garde.

Winged-collar and bib front shirts pop up throughout the collection as does an all-too unconventional Sherlock Holmes-esque cape. Despite Massey’s reverence for age-old fashion, a twinge of modernity is thrown into the mix by virtue of her silhouettes. One gets a timeless feel to the collection—the cape’s simplified lines and capacious qualities makes it an enviable winter coat—that ultimately renders a contemporary portrait to these antique items.

Come September, be on the lookout for Carolyn Massey’s AW08 collection in the Lens area at Topman Oxford Circus, Laforet Harajuku (in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, Japan) and online as well at the Topman debut in New York.

Why: A strong collection with playful polka dot patterns being juxtaposed against a rather grungy, matted looking model. Cardigans and blazers maintain that deconstructed element that is distinctly Commes Des Garçons.

When: Hits H&M stores worldwide this November

***UPDATE***: Images removed at the request of H&M

As the photos from Sean John’s AW08 underwear campaign came to light, it’s quite evident that P. Diddy didn’t take any cues from the success of Armani’s underwear ad campaign. Sean John tapped hip hop artist, Nelly, to be the spokesmodel which is not half bad because the bloke is as chiseled as David Beckham. The drawback though is the artistic direction of the ad campaign (shot by Randee St. Nicholas).

Sorry Diddy, but for an underwear ad, I frankly don’t go away feeling inclined to purchase what Nelly has on. I’m literally baffled as to whom (if anybody) Sean John is trying to market “what looks to be” the boxer briefs straddling Nelly’s frame.

All is not lost though; there are positives. A composed and somewhat pensive Nelly calmly wades in a pebble rock pool while the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles hangs over his shoulder—very picturesque. However, amidst the modernist pool décor and abode, Nelly and his sagged jeans truly look like a blot on the landscape!

Gone are the Ali G days of drooping ones pants to show off the Tommy Hilfiger insignia plastered on your knickers. And this revived Jim Jones-inspired fad of hanging one’s pants to show ones boxers and buttocks is definitely not a pleaser and something I would not expect from Sean John. But I stand mistaken.

The take home message: purposeful wilting of one’s pants to reveal your underwear is not the least bit appealing and I thought Sean John would know better. For a first time glimpse into Sean John’s Fall 2008 collection, it was a major let down and left me without an adequate teaser to get me enthused or excited for what’s to come. So on that note, until I lay my eyes on the rest of the photos (yes, there’s more to come; hopefully their better than this), I’ll continue to root for Armani and David Beckham.

The name Ecclestone has long been synonymous with the motor racing world with its glamour, style and opulence. Today it’s becoming a well-talked about name in the fashion industry as Petra Ecclestone, [Formula 1 Head Bernie Ecclestone’s youngest daughter), takes her place in the spotlight. This season nineteen-year old Petra Ecclestone presents to the fashion world her menswear label FORM (from Formula 1, of course).

Inspired by the racing track, the collection bridges the gap between casual menswear and formal suiting and consists of a variety of garments from structured overcoats and relaxed cardigans to leather gloves and accessories.

FORM adds a modern edge to the classic racing style, by using refined but durable materials such as cashmere, leather and soft corduroy all in muted, elegant colours – even the brand name is understated, with the FORM logo discreetly shown on the zip.

The tailored pieces from the line are a collaboration with renowned Savile Row designer, Edward Sexton, who has also designed for the Beatles and for her father, Bernie. FORM is stocked exclusively at Harrods.

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