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Margaret Howell's latest MHL campaign is modelled by photographer Ellen Nolan. Who is not a teenage model. During a Q&A session at the designer's first ever public talk last summer, I asked Howell why she didn't use older models. 'I would love to, and have done so with past collections, it is a bone of contention. But sometimes...working with the press, we have to keep them happy.'
And yet, and yet, keeping customers happy is important too. This is a smart move.
Anyhow. The daffodils are out, the evening's are getting lighter, it's time to break out the MHL shirts. I have a couple - one blue men's shirt (as seen in my This is 50 shoot) which just happens to be my favourite item of clothing ever, I usually wear it with a pair of old jeans, or in summer with a J. Crew jersey maxi skirt. And a khaki short-sleeved safari shirt I bought at one of those crazy-busy Margaret Howell sample sales.
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Now. We need to talk about dungarees. As far as I'm concerned, Margaret Howell is the arbiter of British style and if she's featured them in her spring/summer collection, it matters. Admittedly, the MHL range is inspired by workwear, so they are in keeping with the aesthetic. I had a conversation with someone the other day who, like me, had worn dungarees as a teenager and had been considering buying a new pair. She asked if I'd be joining her. Definitely not. Mainly because I can't be bothered to faff around with the straps, and at my age anything that comes between me and going to the loo is not a good idea. No. These days I'm all about comfort and ease. Though the MHL pair do look neat.
love love love MHL but hate the staff in the shop!
ReplyDeleteLove this denim jacket!
ReplyDeleteThe hipsters have been wearing them for a year or so, I can't get hold of them quick enough. Not for me though, I'm all about the catsuits. x
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about the dungarees (overalls here in the south). Love the MHL style though.
ReplyDeleteNo, dungarees are not for me. Last worn around 1978-9, I reckon, and that's the way it's going to stay! xx
ReplyDeleteI with you for reasons of loo access :-) Moreover if I'm in public loos then I wouldn't want to risk trailing the straps on the floor... I do love MH though!
ReplyDeleteLovely simple looks but will say no to the dungarees and "onesies" much too logistically challenging when in a hurry.
ReplyDeleteWonder were the white plimsols come from I am looking for a new pair.
Love Margaret Howell clothing but whenever I come across it, it strikes me as being made for giants so I can't indulge much as I love it. I just have to find alternatives which lend a similar vibe.
ReplyDeleteAnd Ellen Nolan is the perfect model for MHL - she just has a certain something which sometimes younger models can't replicate - it's probably something to do with having lived life a little and the clothes are perfectly suited to her profession.
I love Margaret Howell...I have only a few things but they wash and fit like a dream. I really want a pair of dungarees but yet to find a pair chic enough (I don't want distressed denim rips) - maybe these are the answer...
ReplyDeleteI loved the dungarees / overalls look in the 80's, and wore them often, usually with one of the straps down. I even had a Guess overall jumper. But passing on it this time around--as a teenager I was into the super-oversized look, and less so now, plus one-piece jumpsuit items don't really fit or flatter me at this point.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on catsuits/boilersuits Vix - used to have a black velvet one in my youth and wouldn't say no to a silky version now.
ReplyDeleteI love her chinos, in the photo. But online they appear to start at size 27? A British thing? And do you know where she sells her stuff in the US?
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm sure you know this, but in the US we call these overalls, and dungarees is what my mother call jeans:).
ReplyDeleteWhat a refreshment for the 40+ eyes. Just beautiful. Let's be realistic about the overalls/dungarees things: they only suit certain body types. And you'd need to be 'working' in exactly the right environment to get away with them… You won't be catching me wearing them down the aisles of Woolworths. But love love love everything else here! I even have white plimsolls/sneakers/trainers (that should cover all the antipodean coinage)
ReplyDeleteWhat a refreshment for the 40+ eyes. Just beautiful. Let's be realistic about the overalls/dungarees things: they only suit certain body types. And you'd need to be 'working' in exactly the right environment to get away with them… You won't be catching me wearing them down the aisles of Woolworths. But love love love everything else here! I even have white plimsolls/sneakers/trainers (that should cover all the antipodean coinage)
ReplyDeleteLPC - I am also in the U.S. & able to purchase Margaret Howell from a few places on-line. Some of these shops are in the States, while others will ship abroad to us. (la garconne, gravitypope, envoyofbelfast, mill mercantile, & Margaret Howell will ship to the U.S. if you contact them directly by phone or email). I have not purchased MHL before, but it is available at Mohawk General Store.
ReplyDeleteTHAT'S NOT MY AGE - Wondering how you like your MH short sleeved safari shirt? I've been seriously eyeing one this season. Thank you ~
Oh - And Creatures of Comfort also sells Margaret Howell in the States
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