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Why we love fashion’s new grown up muse mood
Given that she once broke the internet by casting then 80-year-old Joan Didion for a Celine campaign, it’s no great surprise that Phoebe Philo, in her new eponymous brand era, has maintained an affection for esteemed women to front her fashion. Enter Sandra Hüller, who did similar viral work as the face of Philo’s second drop, as well as melting our hearts with her (two!) killer Schiaparelli Oscar-night looks. There is very little not to love about the pared-back but major vibe of the German actress. We were similarly smitten by Dame Kristen Scott Thomas and Qin Huilan, the 70-year-old doctor/influencer/Mrs Prada super fan, on the Miu Miu catwalk. Has fashion ditched its Gen Z obsession? Sorry kids, but we’re all for it.
Arm candy of the week
The army-issue hue has been all over the autumn/winter runways. Get ahead of the trend with Michael Kors darling new Colby shoulder bag.
Colby bag, £345, michaelkors.com
What are London menswear designer Bianca Saunders’ five style commandments?
1. Prioritise fit above all else. Tailoring is key to elevating any look and ensuring it complements your body shape impeccably.
2. Nailing a smart dress code while adding flair is all about mixing classic pieces with unexpected elements. Think pairing a tailored suit with a bold, patterned shirt or experimenting with textures like velvet or leather.
3. Balancing formal and tech wear requires finding harmony between structured silhouettes and innovative fabrics. Incorporating sleek, performance driven materials into traditional tailoring can create a contemporary yet polished look.
4. Men are definitely becoming more adventurous in their fashion choices, but there’s always room for further exploration. Embracing bold patterns, unconventional silhouettes and experimenting with layering can push boundaries and redefine men’s style.
5. My rules for colour combinations revolve around creating harmonious looks that are also impactful. Whether it’s pairing complementary shades or opting for tonal dressing, the key is to maintain balance and cohesion throughout the outfit.
The cult French denim collaboration
What’s an ex Chloé creative director to do? Well if you’re Natacha Ramsay-Levi, whip up a few choice collaborations. Right after turning the granny favourite Ecco into a hot ticket, she has partnered with French hipster-icon A.P.C. on a collection of downtime classics worth a closer look. Think blue denim, white shirts and cut-off shorts all woven through with stylised details including lace and gaffer tape (mais oui). Ramsay-Levi describes it as ‘a game of distorted proportions: cropped, elongated, oversized,’ taking in everything from T-shirt essentials to wide white jeans and striking orange-knit dresses.
From £145, apcstore.co.uk
Add to basket
Gel-Quantum Kinetic trainers, £255, asics.com
Sacai bomber jacket, £1,245, at shop.doverstreetmarket.com
Turner’s Scarlet Sunset watch, £86, swatch.com
Denim skirt, £270, elvdenim.com
Ellie Mercer ring, £409, endclothing.com
