Who started it? Blouson Noir was founded last year by stylist Melanie Ward and designer Graham Tabor. Ward graduated from the University of London and went on to study fashion at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. In the 1980s and 90s, she became an influential stylist working with photographers such as David Sims and Corinne Day and model Kate Moss. In 1995, she moved to New York, where she worked as fashion editor for Harper's Bazaar. In 1992, she began a 13-year collaboration as creative director and muse for Helmut Lang. There, she met Tabor, the brand's head of knitwear. Together, they moved to Karl Lagerfeld in 2005, with Ward as creative director and Tabor as knitwear designer.
Why we love it: as a fashion insider, Ward is clued in to the modern, edgy pieces women crave. Look for versatile styles that focus on fit, details and proportion, making them perfect for urbanites. This season is inspired by tea towels, their texture and patterns, which are reworked into tailored jackets and separates. Edgy black hardware, zipped perfecto jackets and cropped leather bustier tops add sex appeal.
What we'd pick: the jacket (HK$14,700) and matching wrap skirt, with nylon raffia edges (both right; HK$8,400), is a modern take on the skirt suit. The grey vest top, with zips and leather details (above right; HK$8,900), is edgy and cool.
Where can you get it? Blouson Noir is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388.