Charlotte de Carle, Carnaby Street

Model, DJ and presenter Charlotte de Carle spotted in Carnaby Street prior to a day of shows. Charlotte is wearing a Puma top, ASOS trousers, an Aspinal of London backpack, and an Olympus PEN camera.

Molly, Little Marlborough Street

Molly finished secondary school this summer, with plans to study Psychology, English and Art at college in September. She wears Dr Martens boots and an Urban Outfitters jacket.

Coffee morning, Carnaby Street

Matt is a Fine Art foundation student at UAL. His hat is Christys', and his scarf and coat are from House of Fraser.

Shinola

My heart may well have skipped a beat when I happened upon the Shinola store on Newburgh Street. There, in the window of this quaint shop, was one of the most beautiful bicycles I had laid eyes on. And surrounding it, a collection of handsome watches and leather accessories in brown, orange and green. I knew I had found a brand I might just fall in love with.

Originating from Detroit, USA, Shinola maintains a distinctively American quality. The premium leathers come in simple yet strong colours, and the products appear meticulously crafted, albeit still with that raw element one often finds with leather goods. More obvious indicators are the leather baseballs and basketballs, leather sleeved varsity jackets, and not to mention the American flag neatly folded atop a shelf.

Although not a colour I normally take a fancying to, I was drawn to the orange leather in Shinola's collection for its bold and warming colour, especially in this wintry December. I took a particular shine to their iPad envelope - handcrafted, a classic design in supple leather, and quite simply a beautiful and practical accessory I am certain will look even better with age. (If only we all did!)

Ultimately however, my favourite colour is green, thus I also find myself leaning towards the Runwell watch with a green leather strap and black face. Recently listed by the Telegraph as one of the top 20 affordable watches to wear this season, it really is a fine timepiece. As are all the Shinola watches, I might add. Would it be too hopeful to expect one in my Christmas stocking? 

 

13 Newburgh Street, London, W1F 7RS (next to Carnaby Street) - or see the collection at: www.shinola.co.uk

Pickmix, Carnaby Street

Reece, Editor at Pickmix Magazine, wears an American Apparel jacket, Acne trousers,
Dr Martens boots, and Linda Farrow sunglasses.

Ray Noir, Carnaby Street

Casual and composed against a Carnaby Street shopfront, Norwegian DJ Ray Noir
caught my interest with his urban style and artistically placed tattoos.

Girls Who Read, Carnaby Street

Daniella, a screenwriter, is reading Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel. During our brief encounter, she enlightened me about the namesake "Bechdel Test", which observes whether a film features at least two women talking to each other about something other than a man. It was indeed difficult to think of a film or TV show where this was the case.

Carnaby Street, London

Jack works at 'Irregular Choice' on Carnaby Street. Unsurprisingly, he wears shoes from Irregular Choice, plus H&M jeans, G-Star t-shirt, Topman hoodie, and a Vans snapback.

Hudson's Bay stripes, Newburgh Street

Sharn wears Russell & Bromley shoes, Tabio tights, leather bag from Florence, and a
vintage Hudson's Bay Company coat with signature multi-stripe pattern.

Carnaby Street, London

Fran is a hairdresser. He wears Dr Martens boots, Diesel jeans, Ray Ban 
sunglasses, and a second-hand Levi's denim jacket.

Serge DeNimes: Head To Toe

I overheard at London Collections how Oliver Proudlock is an exceptional businessman, how he smartly embraces those opportunities which push his brand forward. Since I last met him in December 2012, it would appear these comments are true. His urban fashion label, Serge DeNimes, has grown from strength to strength, and now holds a pop-up shop in one of London's iconic shopping districts, Carnaby Street.

The idea behind the pop-up is in the name. "What I wanted to create was a store where a guy can dress themselves head to toe," says Ollie. Serge DeNimes has collaborated with four other British and independent brands, each of which cater for a different level of an individual's outfit - Finlay & Co sunglasses, Love Brand & Co swim shorts and polo shirts, Marlborough World bags and accessories, and Oliver Sweeney footwear. Together, these five fashion labels offer Carnaby shoppers the opportunity to walk out of the pop-up with a complete and brand new outfit.

In keeping with the shop's concept, the brands are integrated with each other throughout the shop space, allowing customers to explore the brands collectively. "I didn't want it to feel like a pop up shop," says Ollie. "I didn't want every brand segregated." He explains he was very selective about the brands he chose to work with on this project, nonetheless they are those which he himself is fond of.

Among the products on sale at 40 Carnaby Street are Ollie's personal collaboration with Oliver Sweeney, including stylish chukka boots and hi-top trainers in black leather, blue suede, and leopard print aesthetics. Oliver Sweeney shoes are renowned for their formal designs, but Ollie hoped to produce a style more suited for streetwear.

Unlike some fashion collaborations, where the collaborative individual plays little role in the design efforts, Ollie was involved with the entire creative process. His biggest stamp on the collaboration is the animal print, inspired by Oliver Sweeney's zebra print chukka boots from the previous season.

This weekend, Serge DeNimes also featured at 'Cocoloco On The Beach' and the 'British Beach Polo Championships' in Sandbanks. The brand has additionally collaborated with up-and-coming musicians to promote new talent. Having gained rich media attention for his collaborations and sartorial ventures, Oliver Proudlock is transcending his Made In Chelsea fame to become a leading figure in the fashion industry. I look forward to seeing where he takes his brand next.

Matteo in Ben Sherman, Carnaby Street

Matteo is a tailoring specialist at the Ben Sherman flagship store in Carnaby Street. Unsurprisingly, his outfit is entirely Ben Sherman, aside from Garrett Leight glasses.

Carnaby Street, London

Patrick is a singer, dancer and actor. I love the eccentricity in his personal style.
He wears Dr Martens shoes, Gaultier shades, and all else is vintage/second-hand.

Edita, London

Edita is a journalist and blogger at 'Pret-A-Reporter'. Her vintage shawl is
fox fur, once belonging to her grandma. Her lipstick is Chanel, Ballet Russe.

Foubert's Place, London

Dunya blogs at 'Dearest Deer', and is in her final year of International Relations
at the University of Sussex. She wears Topshop shoes, vintage bag and shirt,
American Apparel skirt, Miss Selfridge cardigan, and Urban Outfitters hat.