London Under the Radar: A Touch of Subtlety

Gentle Reader -

Expect a lot more of London as we head toward the 2012 Summer Olympiad. While the brash/clash/dash of London fashion is world-famous (and rather peculiar to the city), there is a certain quality that also excels in London:

The Art of the Subtle

Perhaps you call it discretion - or some other name for the obviously not-obvious detail that marks fine workmanship, quality and thoughtfulness. This isn't to be confused with Italian workmanship, which is more accurately a sublime bravado.

The Art of the Subtle isn't readily found in London department stores. Rather, it is in the quiet shops that you will find it on display in spades.

And you might not ever notice it.

- AP

In the Air: London Fashion Week A/W 2011

Gentle Reader -

London is determined to gain ground in the global fashion arena - at least for Fall 2011. Technical ability and real artistry that came through quite a few of the collections shown in recent days - a freshness of silhouette.

Could it be that London designers actually had clients in mind, and not merely store buyers?

- AP