Last night, Wilmslow boutique Black White Denim showcased their AW12 collection with an intimate in-store fashion show. Guests were treated to cute mini bottles of Freixenet and Evian, whilst canapés provided by Gusto circulated as we had good browse through the rails before the show began.
Black White Denim managing director, Jo Davies, compered the fashion show, talking about everything from the fabrics of the pieces, to styling tips and insider info about the brands and designers. Listening to Jo talk, it becomes very apparent that this is a lady who knows her stock and the fashion industry inside out! It’s not hard to see why, only two years after launching BWD, Jo has just won ‘Leader of the Year’ at the prestigious everywoman retail awards!
Jo also understands her customers and explained her objective when buying stock is to cater to women who care about looking good, but don’t necessarily have loads of time to spend thinking about their outfits. “You can pick anything off the rails and it will work together” she advised. She has even introduced a few splashes of colour this season in the form of jeans, scarves and accessories “because my customers asked for it”.
Black White Denim’s current collection acknowledges all the big AW12 trends, such as leather, military, embellishment, and gothic glamour, as well as featuring a good selection of wardrobe staples such as jeans, shirts, knitwear and winter coats. They also stock some fabulous accessories such as handbags by Sophie Hulme and Lilifi, sunglasses by Victoria Beckham, and beautiful jewellery from the likes of Husam El Odeh, Daisy Knights and Cinderela B.
Stand out brands for me were Theyskens’ Theory for their knitwear; Markus Lupfur for his fun ‘slogan’ embellished sweaters; and 2nD Day for gorgeous (and very reasonably priced) pieces ranging from a LBD priced at £145, to a versatile silk blouse (£145) and a stylish cashmere/wool blend cape (£299).
The Black White Denim website is great, with clear pictures of the stock available and detailed information about fabrics, care and sizing guidance. However, I’d recommend you pop into the shop, have a play around and pick up some tips, tricks & fashion gossip from Jo and her team!
Listening to Jo talk is a fashion education in itself! I thought I’d share with you some of the insider tips she gave us for staying ahead of the trends!
Future fashion tips courtesy of Jo:
- Tailored trousers are going to be a big deal. Whether you opt for skinny cigarette style or looser fitting slacks, try some out for a change from the jeans and leggings we’ve all come to rely on.
- Hats are also going to be a big deal. If they don’t suit you, don’t go there! But if you can pull off a trilby or fedora then do it!
- Sheer fabrics are here to stay and according to Jo, white underwear under black chiffon is perfectly acceptable. So don’t be shy, invest in some stylish brassieres and flaunt ‘em girls!
- Shoulder pads and power suits are coming back. According to Jo, “It may take a couple of years, but they’re coming!” Well, don’t say you haven’t had enough warning then! Start rummaging through your mum’s wardrobe now, and reference the new series of Dallas for style inspiration!
Black White Denim can be found at 57 Alderley Road, Wilmslow. Or online at www.blackwhitedenim.com
By Gemma Latham (@carnabytwenty1)
Photography courtesy of Sven Eselgroth
