In case you missed it – 2022 edition
While newsletters may be the new blogs, I still have a solid reader base and for that I thank the regulars who revisit and even subscribe. You know who you are! (Reminder: you can subscribe here to receive my weekly blog digest.) But in case you missed any, here are a few of my favourite posts from 2022…
The trend round-ups are always popular. 2022 was the year of Miu Miu chinos, designer water bottle holders, Mary Jane shoes and Khaite everything. Revisit the reports here and here. (This month I also chimed in on the Miu Miu micro-mini craze for BBC Culture.)
A recurring theme for the blog was the ongoing 90s revival, in particular the cult designer names who now have historical relevance. I wrote about the curated vintage sites specialising in 90s Margiela, Lang and co, the collectors selling their archives and the auctioneers tapping into the drop-commerce customer via curation and storytelling (hello to Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter).
Most popular shopping posts were – no surprises here – the loafer edit and the sweater edit. It was also the year of the tote – the personalised L.L. Bean craze and the ‘floopy’ Birkin. My personal ‘shop my own edit’ successes included the Uniqlo x Theory nylon ‘parka’ and the Chanel Water-Fresh Complexion Touch concealer-foundation hybrid.
Well-loved classics are always a good idea chez DRG and this year the appreciation was higher than ever. ‘Old Money Aesthetic’ continued to thrive, especially in interiors from Birley and the new blanket economy. (Heads up: there’s now a matching Birley Bakery.) Meanwhile, I discovered Outsiders Store, a gorpcore retail destination for sensible-but-cool outdoorwear, and the case for repairing your sneakers (only in Italy of course). I also got sentimental for Old (Money) Burberry – I wonder what Daniel Lee has in store for us in 2023…?
On the beauty front, I went all in for multi-tasking make-up and drank the Jones Road Kool Aid. This was also the year that Dries van Noten launched his first full fragrance and make-up line, while Ami Colé emerged as the brand to watch for melanin-rich skinimalists. The healthification of beauty (in particular the rise of electronic gadgets that prettify and solve health issues) piqued everyone’s interest and is only going to get bigger.
But there’s also a lot to be said for taking a back seat from self-optimisation. This NYT ‘interactive’ photo-essay is an excellent reminder to take advantage of the simple things in life. I’ll leave you with this quote from Central Park landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted: “The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it, tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it; and thus, through the influence of the mind over the body, gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system.”
Happy New Year :)
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE: Miu Miu SS22
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
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