The Dress That Found Me
Yes, you got it right, I didn’t choose this dress - the dress found me. Might I explain, it was Gunda of Gunda Hafner brand who handpicked it for me. The dress, I am talking about, has defined my choice of today’s favourites, and now I am going to lose myself in it literally and figuratively. Hello, by the way, and welcome back!
Brand pick - Gunda Hafner (sustainable brand)
This is no ordinary brand - rather it’s a mindset where sustainability takes centerstage and everything else harmoniously enfolds around it. That’s why it feels good. What’s more, the natural fabrics that Gunda uses will always be cool: from easy hemp to upcycled tablecloth, they tell an ethical story. And who doesn’t like that?
The label’s SS21 collection covers us on our journey from great outdoors to rooftop bars with something to wear for work in-between. You can actually find a piece that will go with your existing wardrobe or an item that will stand out from anything else you own. For me it was this white dress and the sustainable concept behind it that flattered my mind. Yet, here is what I’ve learnt that I need to consider when wearing it:
Style Pick - Long white dress
When I think of a long white dress, I see a potential problem of a mistaken identity. I don’t want to look like: someone who wears a nightgown ( totally uncool if you, like me, fall into one of the top priority age groups for vaccination); a runaway bride or a Disney princess (that’s before they realise how old I am).
Luckily, the solution comes easily - accessorise! But do it in an unconventional way by using a clash of styles, a pop of colour, unexpected materials and shapes. Just a little detail like a men’s straw hat makes a difference as shown @thesilkcrochet in the pic below.
After all, a white dress is a tabula rasa waiting to be filled with ideas, leave the rest to your imagination. Here is my choice of alternative white dress designs to experiment with Totem, The Row, Loretta Caponi
Bag Pick (accessorising a white dress)- Arm candy
Be it in a pastel or juicy colour, the bag to accompany a white summer dress isn’t about a sleek, classic silhouette - quite the opposite: it has to be unorthodox to match a spontaneous, free spirit. Soft leather or fabric, woven or knitted - these are the styles I would consider. The choice is yours, I am giving you my picks:
Molly Goddard, Kawasak - get into the full ‘Killing Eve’ mood with spilling blood or electrocuting
Bottega Veneta, Double Knot Mini - I own this style in leather (pictured above), if I didn’t, I would have definitely gone for the one in jacquard. Nicely priced for a Bottega bag, it will serve the white dress purpose and, no doubt, many others.
Regina Pyo, Nane Raffia - in orange, it’s such a mood lifter. Irresistible.
Footwear Pick (accessorising a white dress) - Go unexpected
Unexpected always works: from a head-turning reaction to an ‘O.M.G.’ gasp, one thing is guaranteed - it attracts attention. And here I go again with Molly Goddard and Bottega. The first chosen for its unique platform Ugg design, the second for its biodegradable rubber. Both styles come in a selection of colours. Equally good are these Bottega slides, a great alternative to Molly Goddard’s, offering a more friendly sole to run the errands.
You know now, if I love something, I tell you. See you soon.
P.S. A fashion trend guide is now available on my Instagram page under the ‘newspaper’ tab (next to the ‘reel’ tab). Each trend has a reference to the relevant newsletter where you can read more about them. Helpful, if you missed an issue or want to go back to something you particularly liked.