Retail therapy: Slow it down

Key fashion 'thinkers' came together in London for the Miu Miu Musings discussion on 'The Pace of Fashion'. Photo / Supplied

We like it when fashion gets thoughtful, and clearly Miu Miu does too, bringing together some of fashion's top "thinkers" and influencers for their Miu Miu Musings salon events to discuss the state of fashion in an intimate salon-like environment. The third, most recent event was held in the London store, hosted by Shala Monroque and featuring Business of Fashion blogger Imran Amed as speaker, with influential fashion writers Suzy Menkes and Lisa Armstrong, Federico Marchetti (CEO of Yoox), It girl Bip Ling and Penny Martin, editor of The Gentlewoman among the guests - all discussing "the pace of fashion", from the endless demand for new products, to the pressure to deliver increased profits each season, to the pace of communication versus the pace of production.

The Business of Fashion website reported from the intimate event, where guests debated the pros and cons of the complex issue - with much of the focus on the rise of digital media and its effect on the industry. Tom Ford's example, of holding a very private show last year for carefully selected VIPs and withholding show images until the clothes were available in store, was quoted as one example of a way for the industry to deal with the overexposure that new digital media can create, while Averyl Oates of Harvey Nichols mused that this online build up can increase customer desire. "The build-up of that desirability is actually very important, as well. We have customers who come into the store and put their names down who actually want to wait those three or four months." But, as The Telegraph's Lisa Armstrong explained, at the end of the day it all depends on the customer.

Canvas opinion

Workshop boutiques are stocking a selection of fantastic canvas bags from the Quality Mending Co., discovered by Workshop's Chris Cherry during a recent visit to New York.

The cotton canvas bags have a distinct vintage feel, coming from a vintage store on the Lower East Side, developed to fit in with the rest of the store's array of goods. Bags start at $159 for a large tote, or $229-$279 for a duffle, and they are available in New Zealand exclusively through Workshop stores in Ponsonby, Vulcan Lane, Newmarket and Wellington.

Pearl on the move

Pearl Boutique has moved to a new space in Ponsonby, opening its doors today. The new store, which will also act as studio space, will sell pieces from Pearl, Standard Issue, A La Robe and Harlowe, and various accessories and footwear. It is in addition to the two other Pearl stores in New Zealand, the recently opened boutique on Teed St, Newmarket, and in Wellington. They are also offering Viva readers a 10 per cent discount on purchases, if they bring in a copy of today's issue. 13 Rose Rd, Ponsonby, ph (09) 378 9099.

Make it rain

You'll be wishing for stormy weather with this hooded toggle anorak in your wardrobe. It's by British designer Margaret Howell, famous for her classic approach to style - and new in at Fabric stores, $845. The Auckland boutiques, in the city and Newmarket, also have chambray shirts and tailored double breasted navy blazers from the designer.

Weird but wonderful

There can be some odd commercial collaborations in the world of fashion - like a recent one between British designer Christopher Kane and Vodafone, who have sponsored a fleet of 100 London cabs and asked Kane to make them over with a "taxi-wrap" inspired by his recent Galaxy print.

Admittedly the print is one of our favourites from recent seasons, and the taxis do look rather fetching.

Seen in Sydney

Antonio Blazevic, the master tailor at Tom Ford, visited Sydney and Melbourne last week, visiting Harrolds luxury department store for men. During his stay, Blazevic saw eight VIP clients a day, personally fitting them with made-to-measure suits and jackets from the new Tom Ford winter collection.

Diary it

You've probably seen the ads hyping it up; now you can put it in your diary and start planning your viewing party - the first episode of the third season of New Zealand's Next Top Model will screen on June 10, 7.30pm, on TV3.