CLOTHES LINES:A new book, Fashion Designers at Hometakes a tour around the private homes of 21 "makers of style", including our own John Rocha, revealing how their approach to interiors mirrors their work as clothing designers, writes Deirdre McQuillan
Though all have quite different styles, there are certain common themes, such as mixing period details - and most like red and grey and the architecture of Tadao Ando. The most exuberant is the oldest of the group, Betsey Johnson, whose over-the-top taste certainly has no attraction for minimalists such as Martin Grant, who argues that his interior designs are not created for somebody else. Christian Louboutin's love of Egypt is expressed in every room, while Lou Lou de la Falaise creates a very sexy, feminine space with lots of detail and drama. Rick Owens, known for glamour and grunge, expresses those same attitudes in his home decor, and Jacopo Etro's colourful sophistication contrasts with the Gustavian rigour of Marcel Marongiu and the pure lines of John Rocha. A fascinating read. Published by Thames & Hudson, it costs €34.90.
Wrap up toasty
Despite the fact that the mail-order catalogue company Toast boasts customers in many European countries - including Ireland, where we are big fans of their style - it still, annoyingly, quotes prices only in sterling. The current catalogue has much to tempt the discerning eye, including versions of useful favourites such as a lightweight green parka and a funnel-neck mac, (both Teflon-coated), some great self-stripe waistcoats and chic shirt dresses. Cotton trousers, canvas pumps and other interesting footwear make up a collection that has a certain offbeat elegance. See www.toast.co.uk.
Price is right
The news that Anthony Price is to design a range for Topman should send droves of style-conscious males straight into the stores when it hits the racks later this year. The designer is known for his ingenious cut and corsetry techniques. Now his "extreme" tailoring is having a fashion moment with the release of the movie Flashbacks of a Foolstarring Daniel Craig, which reproduces many of his key pieces. Credited for making the suit rock'n'roll, Price recently told an interviewer: "I am the man who has spent 40 years measuring and studying women's bodies. Not just thin women. Everyday, real women. I build frocks." A master craftsman, he argues that shapely women look better in fitted clothes.