A suit is by definition a set of outer clothes made in the same fabric, designed to be worn together and yet, in the human psyche, it is synonymous with power, masculinity, business and competence.
Clothes do not make the man, yet our perceptions of a person are seized up within mere seconds- it’s pretty hypocritical we preach that it’s the inside that matters yet make lasting judgements on people based on their outerwear.
Whether it was 1920s libertines shaking off the shackles of society, actresses using tailoring to convey power and character throughout the 20thcentury or Madonna expressing herself in the 80s, a woman wearing a suit challenged societies’ perceptions and expectations furthering feminism by asserting our strength and equality. Plus, a bit of good tailoring never hurt anyone, let’s face it! The steadfast trend is back in numerous incarnations.
Checked and herringboned suits have been on point for a couple of seasons now and the trend is holding fast. This quirky jacket and suit combo comes with unusual details such as ruffles and ruched sleeves ( Maggie Marilyn suit, Gucci tote, Givenchy sunglasses, Bulgari and Cartier bracelets)
Return to 70s power in burgundy cord ( Anna Quan suit, Bec& Bridge bodysuit, YSL bag from Net-a-Porter, Chaumet, necklace and ring worn throughout)
Double or even triple denim is all the rage right now so why not go all out like this suit and do it the 80s, acid wash way? ( Miu Miu denim suit and booties, Karen Walker sweater)
Pinstriped and double breasted navy is a classic choice. Pair it with some furry slip ons for a casual power move ( Camilla and Marc suit, Bally slippers)
Sometimes the simplicity of black is all you need. Choose cigarette pants for their elongating effect on legs – just ask Meghan Markle (Nice Martinsuit, Gucci shoes)
Why not get out of bed and skip the whole getting dressed routine? Pajama suits are stylish, classy and feel incredible to wear ( Bally suit, Givenchy sunglasses, Gucci slippers, Miu Miu bag)
This post originally appeared on vogue.com.au here!
Christmas time is always such a whirlwind in houses across Australia with present shopping, last minute deadlines, food preparation and school holidays colliding with long ques, traffic jams and sweltering temperatures. I have just moved into a new apartment and all of my worldly sartorial possesions sit in 48 boxes in my new office, completely filling the room. To say that I look at it and feel overwhelmed is an understatement of the century; so after closing the door and hoping it would go away , I have slowly edged back in and started sorting through this cardboard hill, coming swiftly to a realisation that all I needed now is a clowder of cats and then I could be labeled not only a hoarder but a crazy cat lady as well.
Melancholy is my vice and sentimental attachement to clothes as memories my ultimate downfall. Funnily enough, since I was travelling so much over the last 3 months after selling my house, I had no permanent home, and with all my possesions in storage, I made do with one suitcase of essentials. It was an eye opener into how many things I truly need in my life and it inspired me to really, truly cull through my material possesions. I forgot all about my things and felt free and easy with my simple life …until December came. It was then that I realized I needed clothes for all the ocassions that come with the holiday season and less was definitely not more anymore. On my new wishlist? Beautiful dresses and separates, luxe shoes and immaculate jewellery . Maybe Santa wants to trade me in for some mystery boxes?
White is always in in the summer, but romantic sleeves and cute flippy skirts are on my lust list this year ( Ellery top and skirt ) Above:Metallic mules are the right mix between summer ease and tongue-in-cheek Barbie doll.
(Gucci mules)
Who could be angry with a Santa that brings forever jewellery? (Tiffany&co bangle and necklace )
This little black dress in neoprene is my wish list go-to. Not only is it an interesting take on sport luxe but the oversized proportions will be a welcome detail when asking for second helpings.(Balenciaga dress from MyTheresa and Camilla and Marc shoes).
Who says getting nailed is a bad thing? These gorgeous accessories prove otherwise.
(Cartier bracelets and ring).
When meeting the in-laws,please observe the less skin is better rule. This nude toned lace dress with its unlined sleeves is the perfect mixture between maintaining chic and staying cool in summer.(Burberry dress and Valentino heels)
See more on vogue.com.au here!
Once upon a time, when I was a teenager, I was a goth (4 lyf ) and I would never, in a million years wear white - the thought of that would be as repelling as listening to love songs after midnight, wearing Stan Smith sneakers, gold jewellery or any kind of pretty thing..and God forbid enjoying being happy or taking off my black, steel capped Dr Martens.
Dear reader; I betrayed my 14 year old self - I now not only love cheesy songs after midnight ( I even sing along ), but I own a box fresh pair of Stan Smiths, so white that my eyes hurt just looking at them, and I pretty much exclusively wear gold jewellery. I strive for being perpetually sun kissed and there is nothing I enjoy more than the feeling of being happy. So, this week's look of the day may be the polar opposite to my youth, but it's hard denying the joys of current fashion: the return of the babydoll dress, white lace with beautiful rivet details, gleaming gold accents and pleated suede sandals. It may be getting chilly here in Australia , but throw on a vintage or faux fur and this look is ready any party...
Wearing: Zimmermann dress, Gianvito Rossi heels, Mania Mania necklace and knuckle ring, Heart of Bone skull ring, Cartier Love Bracelet , Pink Lou Lou shell bracelet and Tiffany T bracelet and Smile necklace
Celebrating 100 years of the iconic Cartier Panther collection.
In Paris recently whilst on holidays, I visited the elegant Rue de la Paix Cartier butique with my daughter Coco to put my beloved Santos watch in for a service. We ended up spending nearly an hour in the store admiring the incredible Panthére collection on glittering display – she was so in awe, she excitedly exclaimed she wanted to become a jewellery maker.
Back in Sydney, upon hearing about this assignment, I felt as giddy as she – the Panthére collection boasts some of my favourite jewellery of all time; pieces that transcend fashion trends and never age. There is something so beautiful, versatile and strong yet completely feminine in the metaphor of the panther, the majestic predator that has been prowling Cartier jewellery since 1914. Contrary to popular belief, this beautiful creature doesn’t have all black fur; on closer inspection, the fur is dark brown and carries gorgeous rosettes and solid spots of all sizes; hence the similarity to leopard fur and the spotted emblem used across the Cartier jewellery.
Interestingly, even though born under the house’s name, the collection was started by a woman, Jeanne Toussaint, who worked closely with Cartier and was herself nicknamed Le Panthére for her free-thinking temperament, strong will and exotic style. She first incorporated the spotted panther motif on a watch in 1914 , introducing flecking on jewellery. It soon became a concept that adorned many Cartier designs; from powder boxes and vanity cases to later embellishing brooches, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. In 1948, a three dimensional brooch was acquired by the Duchess of Windsor who became a loyal customer, commissioning another stunning brooch and an onyx studded diamond bracelet.
Since then, the Panthére collection has undergone many transformations, consistently producing amazing contemporary jewellery. For this story, I loaned some of my favourite pieces from the collection and styled them by incorporating key 2014/2015 trends.
The 1960s dominated the runways from Gucci to Louis Vuitton this season. I love the revival of femininity and luxury of this trend, not to mention that tan, honey and gold are a match made in sartorial heaven. (Wearing necklace, bracelet and ring by Cartier, bodysuit by Josh Goot, leather skirt by Gucci,vintage fur coat and Pucci sunglasses.)
A return to elegance and sweeping hemlines may be interpreted as a way to recapture fairytale glamour, however, done in red, it becomes a timeless way to stand out – just add diamond-encrusted panthers.(Wearing Cartier earrings and ring, gown by Camilla and Marc)
Make like Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn because men’s tailoring is back in a big way. There is nothing as flattering as a well-cut suit on a woman – nothing as sexy either. (Wearing Cartier choker and bracelet, Saint Laurent suit from Parlour X, Christian Louboutin pumps, Maison Michel hat)
View the full story + more pictures on the Vogue.com.au website here !
photographed by Kasia Werstak
