Vanessa Friedman

Quote of the day: Vanessa Friedman on why fashion matters



Vanesa Friedman on personal style

“It’s a gesture of respect for yourself and those around you. The momentum has been building since the world emerged from pandemic isolation, cycling out of comfort clothing into confusion, tugged toward the allure of the recent FX series about Capote’s “Swans,” and the erstwhile rituals of dress. Remembering what it means to construct the public self.”
Vanessa Friedman on the conviction of personal style, New York Times (unlocked link) (more…)



The Burberry dilemma



Burberry AW23

Wow, London Fashion Week came back big time this season. Simone Rocha, S.S. Daley, JW Anderson and Moncler were the buzziest shows, but Burberry AW23* was the one with the highest expectations. Did it deliver? Hmmm, still not sure.

There were high hopes for a repeat of Daniel Lee’s work turning around Bottega Veneta. In particular, new CEO Jonathan Akeroyd is aiming to double Burberry’s leather business, so all eyes were on the bags. (more…)



Wear it now: shorts, not sweats



The summer shorts edit

“It’s time to pick ourselves up and start again. In shorts, not sweats.”

Wise words from Vanessa Friedman this week, which I’m 100% on board with. Although, full disclosure, I never joined the leggings and sweats WFH clan anyway. I just couldn’t go there!

But my shorts post from last year did really well so I’ve done an updated edit. The aesthetic hasn’t changed much; classic tailored cottons or linens worn with a sockless Derby*, gym shoe, or squared-off ballerina slingback*. Plus a superfine tee or vest on top (if warm enough), a roomy shirt* if you prefer semi-formal, or a fine gauge knit* if there’s a nip in the air (with a heavier one to knot over the shoulders). (more…)



Quote of the day: Vanessa Friedman



Burberry See Now Buy Now
“At a certain point it’s hard not to wonder if all that immediate gratification just adds up to a lot of extraneous stuff. The fact is, it is possible to consume opinion and events (and carrots) without feeling the same need to consume garments. Clothes are signposts of personal communication, and as such they should be long-term acquisitions. Otherwise you risk identity whiplash.” (more…)