Oakridge Style

He may hail from across the pond, but since it’s no small feat to garner the Member of Order of the British Empire honor from Queen Elizabeth II, we feel we should raise a glass (or post) to Burberry designer Christopher Bailey. The designer, he of the perfectly mussed hair, is known for taking one of the oldest fashion labels to new heights.

The inventors of the trench coat, Burberry is now known as a youthful yet sexy luxury brand that retains its distinctly British roots. Bailey took the reins when he was just 29, assuming the post of creative director. He’d spent over five of the previous years working under (our King of Fashion) Tom Ford. Bailey made the name big by pairing street fashion with high fashion; he adds surprising embellishments–such as feathers or chiffon–to classic pieces. He even reportedly banned the classic plaid from runway shows, though kept it for the fans, on umbrellas, golf gloves and luggage. Share prices since his arrival have apparently skyrocketed.

Bailey happily skipped showing in Milan for Spring/Summer 2010 to help London celebrate its 25^th birthday. We adored his reinvention of the classic trench; he turned it into a dress.

So it’s no surprise to us that the queen has honored his skills.

Get the Look
Find check pieces and tartan plaid–inspired by the Burberry classic–at stores in Oakridge Centre.

NEWS FLASH  
You’re Invited! To Oakridge Centre’s Fall Fashion Affair. Read more, from Style Agent Ana Serrano.

From pop stars to movie stars to models, celebs are getting into the fashion design game. We’ve got the run-down on who’s rumoured to be doing what for who, and what the reaction’s been so far.

Kanye for Gap
There’s been talk that Kanye’s interning at Gap, looking to learn the ropes.
Reaction: Exec VP of design Patrick Robinson denied the rumours, though they were reported in The Chicago Tribune.

Emma Watson, for…TBA
New fashion darling Emma Watson may take her “face of Burberry” status even further, with a new line-reportedly consisting of ethical teen clothes for fair-trade company People Tree.
Reaction: Fashionistos from all over are torn: too much, too soon, or just one more thing to love about her?

Jessica Stam for Rag & Bone
Model-muse Jessica Stam-all blonde hair and fairy-faced-is rumoured to be collaborating with Rag & Bone on pieces for the Spring 2010 collection.
Reaction: Designer David Neville says “We’ve been designing some clothes together.”

Helena Christensen for Odd Molly
Model Helena Christensen has said she’s working on a linens line for Swedish clothing brand Odd Molly. She also models for the line.
Reaction: Everyone loves everything Helena does. The new line will be no exception, especially since the line will send proceeds to the Chernobyl Children’s Project International.

Katie Holms for Holms & Yang
Movie star and mega Tom Cruise fan Katie Holms has been winning rave reviews of her newfound chic style ever since she married the guy. Now, she’s mass producing her outfits, alongside her stylist Jeanne Yang, for a major US department store.
Reaction: Critics say celeb-designed digs have gone too far, but are giving Katie props for at least crediting her stylist.

Get the Look
Find your own Kanye-approved kicks at the Gap.

LET’S HEAR IT
Who do you really want to see design a line?

It was all about accessories at the Spring 2010 men’s fashion week in Milan. Designers slung on shopper bags, duffel bags, and even coat-carrying harnesses to go over the shoulder-plus added belts and glasses.

Our Top 5 Picks
(okay, we actually have six favourites, but we just couldn’t choose between Armani and Dolce & Gabbana)

1. Bottegga Veneta
Shopper bags, duffel bags with convertible straps, and a limited edition Cabat bag

2. Burberry
Totes, rucksacks, and weekend bags

3. Gucci
Opaque crocodile, ostrich and python skin oversized totes and bags

4. Versace
Woven leather belts, workbags, and even clutches

5. Armani
Small cases, and white-rimmed sunglasses

6. Dolce & Gabbana
Caps, square-shaped sunglasses, and square-shaped bags

Get the Look
Find your favourite runway-inspired carry-all at Coach or Valise, and eyewear at Sunglass Hut or Luxury Eyewear.

LET’S HEAR IT
What’s your pick from the list?

Rumour has it that Christian Lacroix may not do a couture show this season (gasp!). Apparently, the fantastical designer has been working for free, his label has gone into bankruptcy, and he’s owed something like 1.2 million Euros. But then again, Lacroix recently spoke to media to say he’s putting on a couture show, no matter what. Did he take the check rumoured to have been proffered by a couture client? 

Q. How are other fashion houses handling the economic slow-down?

A. Christian Dior denied that finances made them change to a more modest venue for their couture show. It won’t be held in the Rodin Museum in Paris this year. Instead, it will take place this July in Christian Dior headquarters at 30 Avenue Montaigne for the first time in ten years. 

A. Burberry isn’t cutting back on anything, even though company profits were apparently down. They’ve hired Harry Potter star and fashion’s new darling Emma Watson as the face of Fall 2009. And erected a huge new sign at new U.S. headquarters at 444 Madison Avenue. 

A. Hermes can’t keep up with the demand for their crocodile handbags, despite the lofty price tag. The company is now breeding them in Australia. 

A. On the other hand, we hear that $3,000 all-out fabulous handbag designer Carlos Falchi is creating a faux snakeskin line for Target. 

A. Versace launched Versus, a lower-priced accessory line designed by Christopher Kane, hired a consulting firm to help them get through tough times, and ditched its CEO. 

p.s. Gisele, yes, she of the super bod and new quarterback hubby, has apparently taken a $10,000 hit to her salary this year. But don’t worry, she’s still making about $25 million.

LET’S HEAR IT
What fashion house has what it takes to make it through? Do you think Lacroix will manage a couture show?