The Cheek- image courtesy of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.
Fashion’s finest were out in force recently to show their support for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer as they attended FTBC on the QT, link diagnosis an exclusive gig at London’s Proud Galleries in Camden. The night saw performances from pop princess Sophie Ellis-Bextor and brand new band, dosage The Cheek. As if that wasn’t enough we were treated to some exceptional tunes when model/designer Ben Grimes and the boys from Razorlight: David ‘Skully’ Sullivan-Kaplan and Carl Dalemo, took over DJ duty.
Danny Goffey and Pearl Lowe- image courtesy of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.
The lovely style icon Pearl Lowe hosted the entire evening, which was organised to celebrate the success of the charity in 2009. Celebrities from both the fashion and music scene were in attendance and here’s just a few of the names I spotted having a great time for a fantastic cause: PPQ’s Percy Parker, pop trio the Dolly Rockers, The Feeling’s Richard Jones and Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey.
The Dolly Rockers- image courtesy of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer was established in 1990 by Ralph Lauren, in response to the death caused by breast cancer of his friend, and fashion editor of the Washington Post, Nina Hyde. FTBC was launched in the UK in 1996 by Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and is now in its 13th Year. Since its launch in the UK the FTBC campaign has raised over £10million for Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s vital research, campaign and education work. This funding has provided the UK with its first dedicated Breast Cancer research centre, which is now home to over 120 world class scientists. Building on this success Breakthrough is in the process of opening three new research units across the UK.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor- image courtesy of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.
Proud Galleries made the perfect venue for this intimate party, and was festooned with Christmas decorations, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Newcomers The Cheek kick-started the festivities with an upbeat set that had everyone on their feet. Dressed in skinny jeans and blazers, the boys were the epitome of understated cool. Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed all her smash hits, including latest chart offering ‘Heartbreak (make me a dancer),’ which ensured there was Murder on the Dance floor!
Images throughout courtesy of Rachael Oku.
Rokit is without doubt one of the better vintage shops out there. Specialising in quirky, help off-beat pieces you won’t find elsewhere, Rokit has grown from a Camden stall to a London must-shop. Its success lies in the fact that it is a hybrid between high street and charity shop. Indeed, this vintage chain store manages to provide both quality and quantity, unlike its competitors. With editorials in Vogue and Dazed & Confused, things look set to literally rocket into another stratosphere.
Browsing this store it is difficult to find something you don’t want. With rails of variations on denim jackets, leather jackets, denim cut offs, floral dresses and sequined tops, they specialise in providing key vintage looks in plenty of options. No more the problem of “I like this, but it’s the wrong size” or “a different colour would suit me better”, because Rokit have everything imaginable.
For autumn/winter this season Rokit have stepped up their game and added a new line of vintage inspired accessories to their mantle. Featuring brogues, bailey hats, braces, badges and earrings made by their in-house team, they have a piece suitable for everyone. For more of a sassy edge, take the trilby or the braces and embrace your androgynous ambiguity. Cutie pie clip on earrings evoke a classic Dynasty 1980s vibe, and are already part of the art student’s wardrobe. As for the badges, there is always room for a bit of customisation.
Using netting, pearls, feathers and bows, everything has been designed with the style conscious consumer in mind. All these small touches make each item appear individual and unique, so that you can find a piece suitable for your own tastes. For the classically minded, there are pearls and chains evoking Chanel. Those who prefer a rougher edge can appreciate the feathered hats and doily corsages.
Rokit is benefitting from the rise of throw-away fashion and the cheap fashion fix culture of the present. When everyone is wearing a studded high-street leather jackets, there is something truly liberating to choose one-off items that no one can imitate. Who doesn’t love hearing the question “where did you get your jacket?” and being able to respond with “it’s vintage (and so you can never have it!)”
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