SS22 trend report: Bodycon, but make it body positive



Acielle street style SS22

To get a real sense of next season trends, I like to look at Acielle’s (Aka Style Du Monde) Fashion Month street style photography. Not so much the super-peacock types, but the ones wearing denim with interesting tops and choice accessories. That’s the best way to see a more ‘everyperson’ way of wearing fashion.

My big takeaway for SS22 is the almost universal appetite for barely-there, bodycon and cutaway clothing. It was first evident to me at Collina Strada and Eckhaus Latta at New York Fashion Week. What was interesting about those designers’ treatments was the body positivity expression. Eckhaus Latta especially took a 1990s influence and added a decidedly inclusive 2020s interpretation (below). (more…)



Yang Li is now creative director of Shang Xia



Yang Li Shang Xia

Great news for fans of Yang Li. He is now creative director of Shang Xia, the Chinese luxury brand founded in 2010 by Hermès and Qiong Er Jiang. Now majority owned by Italian holding company Exor, it will stage its first ever show at Paris Fashion Week on October 4th.

Until this point, Shang Xia has exemplified the quiet luxury vibe of Hermès, focusing on ‘good taste’ craftsmanship and style designed for longevity. But as hype culture accelerates in the luxury space, some wonder if we’ll now see the brand looking to attract a younger, cooler crowd. Definitely one to watch. (more…)



Shop the post: Sweaters are the new sweats



The Row AW21

If 2020 was all about sweats, I think autumn 2021 will be all about the return to sweaters. That comfort and cosiness is still our moda operandi but with an additional layer of polish. Here are a few of my recommendations…

ROLLNECKS. Slimfitting rollnecks are used as both a styling device and an extra layer. They look good in a contrasting colour to what’s worn on top, and I particularly love the contrast of a fitted rollneck under an oversized crew neck knit or shirt. Try COS for lightweight merino wool* and Brunello Cucinelli for winter white short sleeves*. (more…)



London Fashion Week: Margaret Howell SS22



Alas, no Margaret Howell SS22 show this LFW season so a showroom visit had to suffice. No great hardship there though, as the showroom is situated at the back of the beautiful Wigmore Street store. I averted my eyes from new season Shetland knits and cotton khakis to focus attention on the new collection. Recent seasons have seen Howell embracing slightly more adventurous proportions and styling cues, as well as more ‘editorial’-style photography. I love it. My top 5 takeaways…


ATHLETIC STYLING.
Athletic pieces that take influence from retro gym styling and fabrications. Particularly the dry loopback sweats that can only improve with age (more…)