Apolis Philanthropist tote

Apolis mens clothing and accessories….

“Apolis, which translates as “global citizen,” is a living and breathing social enterprise  that equips and empowers people through opportunity instead of charity.  Apolis co-creates products with manufacturers and directly allows the market to determine the future of each item we produce. It is a hands-on model to provide people access to opportunity. We call it “advocacy through industry.” “

and why I like it….

It works with NGO’s in Uganda, Bangladesh and Nepal and supports local industry creating  self-sufficient communities.

Products include outerwear, shirts, pants, accessories and bags… e.g.    Philanthropist tote

It seems that an increase in China’s middle class has forced a higher demand of leather goods pushing up the prices of the raw materials in the US, China and also Brazil.

Couple this with the adverse weather in Australia hitting wool production and the increase of the price of cotton and you get serious implications on every level of the garment industry from high street to high-end.

Interesting times when you consider who is going to take the price increase – the customer or the company. It has to go somewhere..

It’s not that I’m particular (of course I am), it’s not that money’s no object (of course it is) and it’s not that I don’t know what style of bag I want (of course I don’t – I am constantly flip-flopping between leather and canvas, shoulder of cross body) – I’ve just found it especially difficult to get a good quality bag that is fine for business and travel, that’s not too casual, not too smart and yet fits to my price point. I’d love to justify an uber bag but honestly, my budget is more blueberry than Mulberry, so it was towards the small indie brands I directed my attack.

Having found Royal Republiq in the Monocle Magazine, I raved obsessively (yes, I think raved is the word) about the brand, the simplicity of design and their value price point, but what I didn’t take into consideration was the quality which, and I hate to say this online, disappointed me to the extent that I exchanged the first purchase and have just asked for a refund on the second.

It broke my heart – seriously. I truly wanted to love the bags but when workmanship is not up to scratch on the straps or the cotton twill lining dies my hands and my pink leather purse, I have to make a stand as a consumer.

So it was with this experience fresh in my mind that I went, dyed purse in hand, to Property Of in Amsterdam hoping they could help with my plight. 40 minutes of bag browsing and one Stumptown espresso later ( free and on the house – now that’s service) I emerged with a coated cotton/linen tote. A sale item with adjustable straps and more to the point EXACTLY what I wanted.

With a Japanese edge to the styling and the genre of the bags sitting between male and female, this is not a place for a chi chi leather tote with a signature tassel or girls name. The bags are functional, simple, and carefully designed serving their purpose as a vessel for life items whilst turning the heads of those stylish folk who are clearly in the know.

So my weekend was hereby classed a success and my bag dilemma is over (for now). I am under no illusion that my questionable bag obsession will take me down another route in the near future, but for now, I have what I need, what I want and I didn’t pay silly money in the process.

All under the heading of The Weirdness that is Paris Fashion Week.

Suppose it takes the focus away from Dior? Non?

Now I won’t lie to you, I generally scour the fashion press for tit bits and highlights, allowing a wonderful ‘fash’ person to do the legwork for me, and in this case its Imogen Fox at the Guardian who made a rather marvelous summary of what we should be focusing our beady eye on over the next few months. Below are just some of the trends to watch for;

Spots – these are big… not literally you understand but metaphorically… Polka dots, large, small, black, white all are clear and present. Is this a traditional trend for Fall? Not sure to be honest but as we’ve had nautical stripes for the past 3 seasons, its nice to go spotty if only for a change of shape.

Big Earrings – think Pat Butcher ( for non Brits see EastEnders). Shoulder skimming, bling or non bling, these ear droplets should neither be subtle nor slight. Be loud and proud my sweet, sweet friend taking care to watch the weight. Ears like a tribesman is by no means chic.

Bag Holding – strange trend I hear you say but not so… Gone are the bent-arm-handle-in -the-crook-of-elbow pose, instead we have large A4 clutch situation, grip it and hold it close to the chest like a sixth former holder her chemistry file.

Long boots – Not convinced this is a new trend as such. I guess the whole ankle freezer styles are out and long knee skimming are in… For those who live in Holland, you will be very aware that long boots have been in for, oh, say, forever. I guess this trend only applies to the Non Dutch population.

Colour red – Watch out for reds, that’s what the big names are pitching. Of course, no one in their right fashion mind calls it ‘red’ Instead think, vermilion, Merlot, burgundy and lipstick.

Coincidentally, just to throw in a plug….I have a whole section in my new book about colour names. In general, the colour shade remains the same each season, it’s the name that changes and just so you know; naming colours is big business. It’s neither to be sniggered at, nor held up in a bar and ridiculed.

Colour naming is a job and a serious profession. Something to aspire to me thinks..