Most Wanted
Most Wanted
A curated roundup of the best new fashion arrivals, hand-picked by our editors
Much has been made of the fact that style has become decidedly more relaxed over the past year, with comfort becoming a key priority alongside aesthetics. And while this shift was undoubtedly a result of lockdown, it’s clear from the latest collections that this new emphasis on ease is here to stay. Take Erdem, for example: this British label is known for its ultra-feminine designs; however, for SS21 we’ve seen this penchant for romance infused with a utilitarian edge. For the label’s SS21 show in Epping Forest, models meandered through the trees in practical yet precious gowns, cotton blouses and – a first for the brand – denim pieces, bringing form and function together beautifully. Consider the label’s ivory smock a failsafe addition to any closet. Elsewhere, Italian powerhouse Fendi debuted denim wide-leg pants that combined the practicality of jeans with the brand’s signature polish. Style yours with oversized knits and chunky sandals for off-duty days; when dinners with friends and date nights are back on the agenda, simply switch in a silk camisole and barely-there strappy heels for an insouciant evening look.
Of course, despite the current uncertainty, many couples are forging ahead with wedding plans, leaving guests wondering exactly what to wear for a potentially more intimate event. For acting senior fashion features editor Megan Logue, Valentino’s floral shirt dress ticks every box.
“I have happily RSVP’d to a handful of my closest friends’ weddings this summer, and while it’s still uncertain what exactly these events will look like, I personally can’t wait to celebrate such a special moment in their lives – and, of course, the prospect of getting all dressed up is also extremely appealing. After a year spent mostly wearing athleisure and loungewear, I couldn’t be more excited to slip into something fabulous – specifically, Valentino’s dramatic floor-sweeping shirt dress. Complete with a riotous floral print, this uplifting piece strikes the perfect balance between understated and statement – meaning even if these ‘big’ days end up being bijou affairs, it’ll still feel appropriate. I’ll be sticking to simple styling with barely-there sandals, delicate diamond jewelry and my hair in a loose chignon – this show-stopping dress needs no embellishment.”
Another way to tackle event dressing is by using chic accessories to update classic pieces. Eugenia Kim’s elegant hemp visor is a sure-fire way to add elan to summer dresses and oversized tailoring – not to mention the fact that it’s the perfect accompaniment to alfresco parties.
Discover more from this week’s What’s New.
The designer interview: Erdem Moralioglu