Clemens en August F/W 08.09

[Chris Jakob]

Vogue

CLEMENS EN AUGUST, started by designer Alexander Brenninkmeijer (the family of whom started C&A) is already a firm favoured with the likes of Claudia Schiffer and James McAvoy.

Notable for the worldwide "selling tours" that the label goes on twice a year instead of having stores, both the men's and womenswear collections are, as a result, exclusive and niche, despite being accessible to anyone who happens upon the tours in the 13 cities they visit.

The idea behind this exclusivity is that the brand, known for its classic tailoring with a Rock 'n' Roll twist, remains limited edition (each piece produced is numbered). Presentation of the clothes is similarly refined, Brenninkmeijer favouring museum and gallery spaces as concept stores to show the collections (including the MAK in Vienna and the KW Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin).

Register on the Clemens en August website to automatically receive invitations to the tours. The latest collections will be on sale in London from April 11-13 at the Twentieth Century Theater. (March 20 2008, AM)