Going To The Top
Hi there and welcome to the new issue of my Picks which I dedicate to superbrands. The other day I was chased by a woman, half-way across the Jubilee bridge, because she wanted to know where my puddle clogs (featured below) came from.
One ingenious idea from Daniel Lee’s team, and basic, rubber sandals that used to be the footwear choice of gardeners, literally, diverted the fashion traffic.
Now imagine my astonishment when, in the middle of the colour frenzy, I woke up to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s 2022 Cruise collection and saw mostly monochromatic looks. “Wow”, I said to myself as if I had never seen black and white or neutrals before, “this really works!” and I immediately started itching for a holiday - a holiday from colour. Superbrands are called so for a reason - they reinvent themselves, they surprise us and they make us run after strangers for that new old thing.
As we look to shop consciously, investment pieces become a relevant choice. Give them a restyling tweak each season, and they will never look like something pulled out of a time capsule.
Practical Pick - Resort Collections
I am a big fan of pre-collections. They set the mood for the season ahead and make me long for the future. I also love them from a practical point of view. The first reason, Resort is cheaper than the main collection. The second key point, cruise pieces have a longer life. Available early, they are more of a mix of seasons than the main collections, so they stay relevant throughout the year.
Dior Resort 22 - “freedom of movement” was the idea behind this collection. I am greatly inspired by technical fabrics and sporty cuts, all brought together by a Greek theme. Check out those looks: movement and comfort, classic with a twist, sporty goddess
Brand Pick - Alaïa
All eyes on the new creative director for Alaïa, Pieter Mulier. His highly anticipated debut Spring 22 collection didn’t disappoint. In keeping with Alaïa’s aesthetics, the looks are sophisticated. Style-wise, main points to note down:
Sporty, not sporty - Mulier gave a nod to street style with hoods and leggings, but reimagined sportswear to be posh. In fact, so chic that Mulier described it as “the opposite of sportswear.” To clarify, Vogue wrote: “It’s creating fashion with an ultra-glamour that also has “ease” that he finds interesting.” I like that.
Body conscious dressing - “sexual without being vulgar,” said Mulier about Alaïa’s brand code. In truth, it’s all about showing character without being exposed, isn’t it? bodycon, flash of skin, barely there
Bag pick - Luxurious Micro
I’ve always had a penchant for mini/micro bags. As someone who doesn’t do jewellery belts or scarves, I totally rely on bags to elevate my outfits, and mini/micro bags serve this purpose best. No particular preference as to the size, the only requirement, though, that it takes my phone. To my delight Dior and Bottega have just rescaled their iconic pieces. Check them out: Cassette Mini, Micro Lady Dior
Insta Pick - @c.commited
Who: private account of the curator @bottegaveneta.by.daniellee
Focusing on superbrands, her minimalism has an eye on detail. Always perfect, she is a real source of inspiration.
By way of conclusion, I would like to say that since I saw Dior 22 Cruise, about a month ago, I have recalibrated my summer wardrobe to be more in line with Spring 22 emerging trends (see my latest posts @stickler_for_style ). Alaïa’s Spring 22 show has reassured me in my choice.
Let’s don our best looks and live ahead of time.