Elle's Edge

Loving fashion and loving Vogue don't necessarily go hand in hand. It's silly to think that fashion-lovers have to automatically be programmed to love Vogue or even think that it is THE fashion bible when the fashion magazine landscape is so vast, varied and far more rich and complex. However, I must say that I've been prisoner to buying British Vogue every month since.... 2002(?)... not because I think it's the best, not even because I think it's even in the top ten... just because. This irks me seeing as I'm not really practising what I preach and it irks my boyfriend because I guff and huff when I read it and he says 'Why buy it then?'

In recent months, it has dawned on me that British Vogue has gotten particularly dull and actually, its rival Elle has been packing quite a punch. I am only speaking British versions here so it may not be applicable to your country though I hear US Elle is also getting quite awesome in recent months too. It's an unspoken thing that the V is supposed to be better than the E but figures don't lie as I believe E sells more copies than V. Oh well, I'm with the masses because in one supposedly-flimsy August issue of Elle, things caught the eye more, juiced up the inspiration and got me looking forward to next season. It's a simple selfish matter of things being more to my taste and just being a bit 'edgier'...

Gareth Pugh's A/W08 shoes courtesy of Nicholas Kirkwood - The term 'price on request' sounds a little scary but I'm still gonna give Mr Kirkwood a call... // Christopher Kane wool and metal gloves/armwarmers - I didn't notice these in the show as the pailettes diverted my attention...

Basia Zarzycka lace mask - Black lace on the face as opposed to the black lace dresses which we will be inundated with...me like...

Then some offbeat legwear such as these silk and elastic trousers by Osman Yousefzada. Didn't even realise he did legging-like garments...

...and these Clare Tough loopy zip-embellished wool leggings. Never got to see Clare Tough's AW08 collection so I'm going to be harrassing the PR now on Monday.

It's not a 'Oh, Elle's the best' gush but just a nod from me that yes, Elle has been changing and the direction seems to be good. I also loved this 'Shaping the Future' editorial shot by Nagi Sakai and styled by Sasa Thomann. A useful shape/texture guide to next season, all of which I'm loving.