FRIENDS OF HUDSON…’TEMPLES’

An unexpected visit from music group Temples leads to one thing – a drink (or three!).  Refreshingly, they seem almost unaware of their success and unfazed by their recent achievements, having just been signed by the infamous Heavenly Records.  The young neo-psychedelic band are on the tips of tongues of many influential people in music (Including Noel Gallagher, another Hudson Fan!) and after being added to the line-up of the Rolling Stones gig in Hyde Park this summer, it seems that the future looks to hold many more successes for the four boys. Seemingly stress free, they enjoyed drinking beer and eyeing up possible  boots and Darby’s in the Hudson showroom.

Temples’ tracks are instantly recognizable; collaborating the perfect fusion of folk and an unexplored psychedelic sound. Their single ‘Shelter Song’ has been an instant hit on the Hudson Playlist and we are delighted to confirm that their new single  ‘Colours to Life’ is just as good!

We, like many, have already found ourselves addicted to their singles! As the group are confirming their place on various festival line-ups throughout the summer, we know it won’t be long before you too are fully entranced by  the trippy sound of Temples!

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WHERE OUR HUDSONS’ HAVE BEEN…THE ALBION

Summer has finally arrived (or at least as good as it’s going to get!) so now, instead of contemplating a debate between various cosy carbs, I’m struggling to decide between a Twister and Magnum!

My regular routine of finishing work and fighting my way to a cab is halted; no longer do I need to battle with umbrella in hand against raging rain.

Instead, commuters the city over have a chance to enjoy London at its best! Warm and sunny, there’s nothing better than meandering the streets of London on a glorious summer’s day.

In spite of the size of the city, I never venture far! Without a doubt I will always be found in the same spot, The Albion café, sitting contently in a pair of Husdon’s Sherbet sandals, with a chicken sandwich and orange juice. Situated in the lively streets of buzzing Shoreditch, I sit surrounded by sunshine-lovers sipping Pimms and Coronas! The Albion’s slick, simple menu and crates of fresh food are desired by the masses; with filing portions and reasonable prices it’s understandable why so many return!

So how long will these rays of sunshine last? Who knows! But while it does, I intend to take full advantage!

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COVERAGE

 

Over the last few months we’ve been seen in GQ, The Observer, You Magazine, City AM and Look Magazine to name a few! Check out the styles here:Slide1 Slide1 Slide1

 

WOODY AND WALT

Amid the chaos of designing lookbooks, finalizing line-sheets and sorting through samples, we couldn’t think of a more suitable time to arrange a campaign shoot! Ever the organized, we put the date in the diary for Friday at 9am sharp– leaving only 72 hours to sort models, photographers, location and of course breakfast –consisting mainly of coffee (and a lot of it!)

The shoot was a chance to showcase Woody and Walt, the new H by Hudson sneakers in the AW13 range. Woody is a spectacular loafer available in grey and leopard, while Walt is a ‘chukka’ available in navy and brown. These shoes are a remarkably more casual style than Hudson has previously produced. The style, colours and textile combinations appeal to the both the conservative and to those who dare to be more adventurous –ensuring that the range excludes nobody!

Despite the wind and rain the shoot was nothing less than a colossal success, having taken place in Lambs Conduit Street. The surroundings of coloured walls and bright shop front exteriors seemed the most fitting location for the concept of the shoot – simple yet stylish!

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Shop Woody and Walt HERE 

 

GET LUCKY!

‘Daft Punk’, better known as the two men in helmets, are without doubt the artists ‘du jour’. Their current single “Get Lucky” is electrifying and tipped to be the soundtrack to the summer, sparking the return of some of their previous classics  (such as ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’). 

Typically known for their captivating house music, this year the French duo received their first warranted UK Number 1, featuring Nile Rogers’ distinctive guitar solo and the recognizable vocals of Pharrell Williams. It was immediately clear that this song would be a hit, yet surprising considering the genre is Disco.  It was certainly an unexpected style from what many had anticipated!

                                                                Watch the Video Here – GET LUCKY 

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Web Exclusives!!

As you can imagine when it comes to deciding what shoes will be in the range it’s a rigorous process of elimination, endless meetings and countless ‘heated discussions’…But when the final collection is decided the array of loose lefts and right foot shoes are admired, longed for and then packed up into shoe boxes!

But some are just too good to be stored away… so when looking through,and moving the untold number of samples (and coffee cups) from the office floor and forcefully pushing them into the last remaining space in the cupboard (some would call us hoarders, yet we see it as an archive!) From the hundreds of shoes that are dismissed we couldn’t help ourselves but steal a few, which soon became the ‘Website Exclusives’.

So keeping mindful of the summer trends, it’s seemed only appropriate that some unconventional colours and materials on key H by Hudson styles were made available… and with increasing focus on the rise of men’s fashion, the ‘Patton’ is an ideal choice for the Hudson Man, the brogue detailing and two tone brown colour-way lends itself as a summer necessity. And for women, Zesty orange is this summer’s current essential colour; Hudson harnesses the striking shade with the classic ‘Mirar’ shape. The suede ankle boot injects a pop of colour to a wardrobe staple, with coral-like hues reminiscent of holidays in the sun.

So if in the market for an easy wearing, affordable and striking pair of shoes be sure to click on exclusives before checking out….

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To shop the Web Exclusives Mens  - Click Here    Womens – Click Here

VOGUE FESTIVAL 2013

 

Vogue Festival is unquestionably one of the hottest dates in the fashion calendar and, as expected, tickets were like gold dust. When our tickets landed on our desks, we were delighted to learn that there was no need to be running around in wellies and ‘pac-a-macs’ as this festival was rather different..

Compiled by the busy women at VOGUE, (whose collective little black books of enviously high-profile contacts must be bursting at the brim)   the event, once again, succeeded in confirming the most anticipated line up! Speakers who graced the stage of the Southbank Centre were fashion favourites and industry idols; from an eclectic list of designers, to trendsetters and cover girls. All shared their tricks and tips of the trade, as well as their untold story into the world of fashion. Several stressed how, in a competitive industry where hundreds strive for a position, they are the lucky ones who made it! Providing inspiration and aspiration, they captivated their audience of vibrant men and women who sat and listened in awe.

The limited tickets permitted guests to attend the intimate sessions for an hour, and learn from those who undeniably inspire our style and, in some cases, our work. While their industry accolade is held high, the motivation talks were informal – simply listening to their invaluable advice and anecdotes.

And when the hour was up the fun didn’t stop; many queued for a chance to hold the famed Chanel hula-hoop bag that was even bigger than some of the other attendees! Instead, we opted to sit in the Vogue café, with a cappuccino in one hand and a muffin in the other, watching attendees ‘crushing’ over David Gandy, while Anna Dello Russo’s hat managed to outdo any amount of posing and pouting one could do with an oversized bag!

Without a doubt next year we will be just as eager to be apart of the experience! Now we are just left predicting the next round of fashion savvy speakers….

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OUR HUDSON’S HAVE BEEN TO…SPITALFIELDS

Placed in the heart of the city, exhibiting everything from Trilby’s and teapots to glasses and work wear, Spitalfields is home to one of London’s most iconic markets. From bits and bobs to Breitling watches, many are left gasping at the price tags of the treasures they have sourced, whether this be a pearl or a pencil each item holds an untold story!

Undoubtedly one of London’s best days out  – a hunt around the market, always spontaneously leads into an evening of drinks and laughs at one of the many restaurants and bars that gate the stalls! Each week the market continues to attract a diverse attendance, from old East Enders to young trendy Londoners who are all on the hunt for a bargain or two!

The timeless pieces, odds and ends provide inspiration to all who are lucky enough to see them. Although the cost is reasonable, trips to Spitalfields is the rare occasion when people are willing to pay more for the patched up trousers and chipped porcelain; seeing the beauty behind the minor faults.

Although its busy, the experience of shopping in Spitalfields market is unlike any other and is one of the reasons as to why so many enjoy and continue to revisit the markets that take place throughout the week! So if you ever find your self around the area and are in doubt of what to do; I can only recommend that it’s about time that you too, take a walk (and a shopping bag) around the 100 or so stalls rammed full of forgotten antiques…

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COACHELLA…COACHELLA…COACHELLA

As I sit on the train with my fingers crossed that the day will brighten up,  I refresh the weather app on my iPhone and pray that the sunny symbol will load. Despite my hopes for a sunny day – as I flick between London and LA’s forecast, it appears that the rolling black clouds chase my train to London!

Whilst walking from the platform I’m surrounded by darkness. Men’s black suits and women’s grey pencil skirts, emphasising their moods, and mine alike…Down and dismal! I briefly stop to press play on what can only be described as a fitting musical playlist (The Drive soundtrack) it once again begins to rain…

I blame the weather for my unlikely yet necessary friendship with most of the City’s black cab drivers and the hole in my pocket that they burn.

As expected this week, my happiness has been majorly affected by the coverage and pictures of Coachella. Scrolling through Instagram; my feed is inundated with lively people dancing, laughing, and of course wearing their short shorts and cropped t-shirts. My only connection to them is the festival boots in our range and our American PR company - who I email constantly for updates in a bid to pretend that I too am sitting content under a palm tree! While I’m stuck with a coffee, I’m envious of all those who are sipping ice cold lemonade’s and colourful cocktails…

I can no longer find solace on the dailymail.co.uk - usually the sidebar is full of the latest celebrity shocker – a third attempt at a marriage, an affair or an inside story into their ever so difficult life… Yet even this website is full of festival features…outfit choices and the musical highlights I can only wish to have been part of too!

So despite my constant reminders that the sun will soon come, and for Coachella there’s always next year…This week (more than normal) I have been left desperate for Summer!!

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Buy Your Coachella boots Here – COACHELLA 

Hudson Shoes AW13 Press Day

Despite the rain, Oxford Street was full of colour – running frantically around the back streets of the West End were some of the most influential names in fashion…and me!

On arrival I was greeted by chaos, the Surgery PR office I was used to - filled with loose magazines, samples,and busy people nattering endlessly on the phone - had been transformed into a showroom for the AW13 Press day. And looking around at my colleagues all holding coffee cups and concealer my suspicions of it having been a long night were confirmed!

Working in PR, I spend the majority of my days driving those who work in press mad, so it only seemed right for me to finally put a face to the bank of names and email address’s I had collected, and for them to finally see mine. Although I tried to avoid it, it seemed that each introduction began with a session of intense admiring, and I was left envious and inspired by many men’s shoes and women’s nail polish.  But later the compliment was returned in the applauding of the Hudson AW13 collection, for both the style’s on the stand and on my feet!

Unlike before, this season was filled with unexpected pops of colour, from the metallic Plath boot, to the leopard pony skin slipper! Even those who seemed too important or busy to engage in conversation couldn’t help but take a snapshot. This season it was obvious that the Hudson Collection could not go unnoticed, placed amongst an array of white blocks, (although I may be biased) it seemed that the shoes couldn’t help but gain deserved attention and praise!

Not wanting to miss anything or anyone, I tried my very best to remain busy at all times, however guilty of occasionally leaving to grab a handful of the Mexican food which I was enticed to by the smell of Salsa! And although the days were long, at the end of both I went home tipsy on tiredness and margarita’s, seeming to be the only one left smiling on the journey home!

 

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