Dan Baldwin the Cover Star

As you will know Dan Baldwin is one of my favourite artists I have collaborated with him on exclusive Sara Berman pieces since AW10. Well, imagine my delight at seeing Dan as the cover star of Art of England this month (July 2011). Inside, Dan talks about his inspirations and new print editions with the CCA Galleries.

Take a look at the AW11 Sara Berman and Dan Baldwin silk scarves collection here. Wear your art around your neck.

 

Curiosity of the Week: Musical Cigarette Box

Here's a little bit of 1950's nostalgia for you with a wonderfully weird musical cigarette box. Yes, that is a rather happy looking dog appearing to a rather unnerving twinkly soundtrack holding a cigarette. Things were weird in the fifties...

Hot for Harris

Hello everyone, it's Bernie here! So yesterday we were lucky enough to be mentioned in an article by uber fashion editor Hilary Alexander discussing the popularity of Harris Tweed and the new fashion brands that have jumped on board with the heritage fabric. Well, we are not boasting, but here at SB we have been using the gorgeous handwoven material for over 10 years! And on top of that we have also been officially endorsed by The Harris Tweed Authority, an honour for a brand that prides itself on flying the flag for British design.

So as this is obviously a key trend to AW11, I thought I would give you a little sneak peek of the Sara Berman Harris Tweed coats before they go online at www.saraberman.com next week.

This season we have mixed 60s androgyny with feminine country chic. Firstly we have the Marley coat, a crombie shape perfect for this winter's Mod twist and girls as boys trend. However, with the bow detail adoring the pockets, Sara has made sure there is a touch of sweetness about the coat (obviously not too much though!)

The Yvette Smoking jacket carries on with the teddy girl trend, sharp cuts with luxe punk detailing, the velvet collar is pure luxury, already a big hit with the press, I have only seen our sample briefly in the last few months!

Moving onto a more traditional and feminine shape, the Vivienne Trench is a favourite at SB and has been a huge success in previous seasons. The large gold buttons on the double breast and the thick belt scream sixties elegance, just imagine teamed with classic Jackie O sunglasses and a smart silk dress.

Last but of course not least, we have the Dolly Coat. Simple with discreet detailing, an oversized open collar, slanted pockets and a detachable multicoloured brooch.

So there you go, our Harris Tweed beauties for this season! Now off to contemplate a long cold winter whilst walking through sunny London, fashion is so confusing!

Ayako Rokkaku, Colours in My Hand

Ayako Rokkaku is one of my favorite artists. She paints using her fingers and her work is full of emotion, energy and color. It touches me deeply and I wanted to share her new exhibition with you - Colours in My Hand. 

AW11 First Look

So we have finally put the Sara Berman AW11 collection online. I wanted to quickly blog about it because this collection is one that we are particularly proud of as it is uncompromisingly Sara Berman. 

Amiee and I were in Paris last September and it was at this time that we felt the vibe for AW11 and decided to go for it. So we equipped ourselves with a good bottle of red, a packet of cigarettes, some Earl Grey tea and holed up in our little Marais apartment for 2 days and got creative. 

At that time the grip of the recession had very much dominated the fashion world for a couple of years and we had had enough of the austerity. For AW11 we wanted to go a little bit wild, be a little bit selfish and design a collection that was not about anything other than pleasing ourselves and going to the roots of Sara Berman. We have used our favorite winter palette of jeweled colors and rich hues. We have been feminine and retrospective with our dresses and prints, playful with our big collars and of course there is plenty of our beloved Harris tweed. 

As you know, Sara Berman has always favoured a retro vibe and this is very obvious in this collection which takes much inspiration from the 1940’s. However the last few years have seen us develop a love affair with leather which comes through strongly in this collection. These 2 factors have combined to give a modish vibe. 

We have taken much of our British heritage –from the Queen to cult movements such as Mods and Rockers to offer you a collection which is as feminine as it is strong with a healthy dose of Sara Berman’s trademark English eccentricity.

I hope you like it. You can see more of the Sara Berman AW11 Look Book here and shop the collection at www.saraberman.com.

Rothschild Blvd

Roughly translated this means 'I always wanted a duplex on Rothschild!'.

To explain... this tent has been erected in the middle of the well-to-do Rothschild Boulevard in central Tel Aviv in protest at the rising house prices.