A picnic on Temple Island for B Store

On Friday 19th September amid the neoclassical backdrop of Home House, b Store presented itsSS09 collection. Inspired by a picnic on the secluded Temple Island in Henley on Thames, the collection had a quintessentially English quality. Nostalgic straw boaters courtesy of Christine Bec for b Store, chambray denim smock tops, triple-pleat trousers neatly rolled up to the ankle and cotton shirts all look to be the new indispensible classics for men. For women, the b Store aesthetic continued with its essence in simple, elegant tailoring. High waist trousers, Peter Pan collar shirts, loose check shifts and double layered cotton shorts in a polka-dot-meets-check design were super-airy for spring. Found in a gentle colour-way of navy, grey, blue and white, the range was fresh and light, with highlights of red check to keep the look modern. The collection will be available in b Store next season.

Next up, the SOAR Spring/Summer 2009 collection at Home House

After a champagne interlude, the SOAR collection took its turn on the catwalk at Home House to present the SS09 offering. Tim Soar’s minimalist aesthetic received an injection of print with an interpretation of the classic Hawaiian shirt. Tailoring was relaxed but immaculate with rounded cuts on jackets and volume on the trouser legs, think sashaying sailor-inspired flares and ankle-tapered cuts. The all-in-one is emerging as a new trend and offers a fresh direction for men; from his camouflage boiler suits to the sharply tailored double breasted versions, this is one look that Tim Soar has certainly got the monopoly on. The collection will be available in b Store next season.