by Guy Hipwell

Two whole years passed by in a flash! I have never worked so hard in my life, 7 day weeks and 20 hour days are the norm - and so in celebration of the huge dark circles under my eyes I present fashion156.com's Two Year Anniversary Issue - Black.

After the high shine, patent trend last winter, black has moved forward into the textural territory, offering fashion's favourite colour diversity and interest. Fringing, quilting, smooth leather, zip detailing, netting and interesting knits, work perfectly alone or combined - see our Fashion and Most Wanted pages for some ideas on how looks can come together.

For men it is all about contrasts and proportions with wide leg, pleats and voluminous trousers working well with  streamlined tops, or huge capes and oversized knits worn with skinny legged ensembles. Most of the guys running around the cool parts of London are alternating both these strong looks, but there is a definite move forward from the uber-lean look so prevalent over the past few seasons.

fashion156's writers delve into Black on our featured sections and we fired out the question "what does black mean to you" to dozens of London's hottest design talents for our fashion156 Speaks To page.

This week fashion156 shoots its first video fashion editorial for a new TV zone we will be unveiling very shortly and we are maniacally producing our next issue which will be a special London Fashion Week Preview, showcasing the new Spring/Summer 09 collections from some of London's more exciting emerging designers.

I hope you enjoy our TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE and fashion156 looks forward to divulging more of our plans as we enter our third year. Any feedback you may have, please share here.

Guy.


Guy Hipwell
Editor/Fashion Director