Zara

Trend report: what to wear for AW25



Wales Bonner aw25

Here’s my theory. The 2020s hasn’t actually started properly because the first five years were stalled due to Covid and its after effects. Fashion-wise, could we be at the turning point now, with all the big runway debuts ringing in major changes (we hope)? Let’s see. For now, I’m still in my classics era, so I’m spotlighting the people and brands doing that really well, including the labels to target for the best pieces at non-crazy prices. Plus, a 90s shoe revival, some beauty updates and what’s on my culture wish list… (more…)



Shop the post: Shape shifting



Zara waxed style jacket

I’m conflicted.

On the one hand I’ve long aspired to the XXL silhouettes of Studio Nicholson, Jil Sander and Phoebe Philo. On the other, I’m a short person. I frequently forget I’m not in fact a 5-foot 10 supermodel and continue to buy men’s sweaters, gargantuan trench coats and jumbo shirts as if I’m David Byrne in Stop Making Sense. Send help! (more…)



From LVMH to Inditex, cultural cachet is the key to fashion credibility



Peter Lindbergh Dior exhibition 2024

Fashion companies sponsoring major cultural events? Discuss…

It’s the summer of LVMH as the luxury conglomerate commandeers the Paris Olympics, not least the opening ceremony. Was it just me though who thought the OTT product placement was a bit much? Not to mention clenching at the sight of the dancers lugging monogrammed Louis Vuitton trunks down those slippery rain-lashed steps on the banks of the Seine. (Oh well, no doubt LVMH can afford the liability insurance.) (more…)



Zara is a designer brand now



Zara SRPLS ss24

Everyone’s talking about Rachel Tashjian’s Washington Post deep dive into the cult-like allure of Zara.

From its 1975 Spanish origins to its current position as global gateway to high end aesthetics, it’s certainly the brand of the moment for those who aspire to The Row, Bottega, Loewe et al on a non-luxury budget.

Tashjian spoke to a number of A-list fashion creatives who have worked with or are working with Zara. Think Fabien Baron, Narciso Rodriguez, photographer Craig McDean, hairstylist Guido and even Linda Evangelista, who modelled for Zara’s collaboration with Steven Meisel last autumn. (more…)