On the streets we saw “colour, colour colour” for girls in bright blocks and the weather certainly dictated a lot of the choices. Coloured skinny denim paired back with wedges and soft flowing sheer and lace tops in neutrals. Big hair 70′s Farah Fawcett is a trademark of the Parisians; super wide-leg culottes and high waisted maxi skirts, both florals and pleated, looked fantastic paired back with fitted low back ballet tops.

For the lads it was all class: cropped and rolled pants, showing a bit of ankle loafers and moccasins; mismatched belts; fitted woven shirts for a smart look; and loose tees for a relaxed look. Like the girls, loads of colour including clashing colours. Accessories included bow ties and braces worn up on the shoulder, as well as more chilled out, falling loosely from the waist. Parted “short back and sides” was the look, slicked for smart, and disheveled for casual.

In terms of the shopping experience, here are my absolute favourites:

• Le Champs Elysees for high street to luxury brands. Highlight is the young designers mall, Galleries 66, showcasing young local designers as well as the best from Japan and London. Load up your credit card because it is very hard to say ‘no’ when you get amongst so many unique designs; and let’s face it, you’ll love it when you can answer “oh that was from Paris”!
• St Germain is chic and super cool, winding small streets punctuated by local and international boutiques. This precinct feels clean and beautiful and is my favourite destination in Paris. You get the feeling you are part of the ‘style set’. in everyday living. Perhaps similar to Sydney’s Paddington?
• Galleries Lafayette: stunning architecture, the centrepiece an incredible stain glass domed ceiling juxtaposed by the latest in department store concession stores. This is where I came across Theory from NYC (bought Helmet Lang from Prada in 2005), impressive for party frocks and neat clean corporate gear. Plus Sandro, an accessible and affordable “on trend” high street French label.
• Le Marais: a little grungy and full of bars and cafes, as well as more affordable high street fashion. This is where I found the coolest shoe store in the world and picked up London hand made Grenson street brogues. APC and Surface to Air blew me away with brilliant shop fitouts and collections that were very appropriate for our Australian weather.

(Staff Uniform Project), SUMMER 2010

(9 November 2009) 2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. To celebrate this historic occasion, and give Australians a taste of current Berlin style, iconic German beer brand Beck’s partnered with Jeff and Sydney designer, Brent Wilson, to create a limited edition fashion collection.

Beck’s approached Jeff to manage the development of the collection, which included finding a suitable designer to create the range.

“Bringing Becks and Brent Wilson together on the Berlin Wall project was a natural partnership,” said Jeff. “I was looking for a designer who could capture the forward-thinking, young, hip and expressive nature of Berlin.

“Brent’s design aesthetic was a perfect fit and the resulting collection reflects the street style trends, influenced by art, music and street culture that we are seeing out of Berlin today.”

The range includes a bespoke black satchel, t-shirt and embroidered knit flat cap. For more information:
www.brentwilson.com.au
www.becksbier.com.au

(Apparel Campaign), SPRING 2009