Resort is a funny season in that, for all intents and purposes, it’s largely untethered to a specific time or place. In the beginning, Resort (or Cruise) collections were created especially for those escaping the Northern Hemisphere winter to embark on prolonged summer holidays.
But the world we live in now is far more global, and far less dictated by a binary hemispherical split. This means that for designers, Resort offers up an opportunity to create transeasonal, inherently wearable collections and put on shows that are afforded the space to shine outside the busyness of the major fashion weeks. Often, VIP clients are flown in to be treated to a more personal experience of the brand, which has lent the season a more commercial edge — undertaken by many brands as a shrewd way to make money.
So while it doesn’t necessarily evoke feelings of whimsical summer days or make us want to cosy up in front of a fire, Resort still consistently offers some of the best looks of the year and is a good touchstone for prevailing trends. That said, let us walk you through some of the trends we’re on board with for Resort 2020.
Bare some leg…
Left to right: Chanel, Prada, Maggie Marilyn, Louis Vuitton
But if not… put on a pair of stockings…
Left to right: Gucci, Givenchy, Fendi
Or some 3/4 trousers…
Left to right: Chanel, Dior, Chanel, Chloé
Utility motifs are still a thing…
Left to right: Chanel, Dior, Off-White, Burberry
While pink is fighting its way back to the top tonal spot…
Left to right: Prada, Givenchy, Gucci, Prada
Leather is the fabric of the season…
Left to right: Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Nanushka, Fendi
A new breed of preppy is leading the style pack…
Left to right: Victoria Beckham, Chanel, Dior, Khaite
But it’s the democratisation of red-carpet glamour that has us swooning.
Left to right: Red Valentino, Khaite, Gabriela Hearst, Chanel
Inherently functional and as charmingly decorative as a series of Russian dolls, nesting tables — as in, clustered coffee tables that comprise multiple surface shapes and heights — are offering an easy way to give your living room some added dimension. And while the type is certainly not new to the interior scene, a far sleeker, more contemporary take on the style has brought about a spectacular resurgence.
Instead of snuggly slotting right underneath one another, the new breed of nesting tables is designed to showcase a subtle overlap, where the outstretched, sculptural bases at varying heights can truly be displayed. Able to be made to suit any space, these tables will offer a unique point of difference in your home. As such, we’ve outlined three of our current favourites.
Landing in Queenstown, it’s hard not to be struck by the spectacle of frosted mountains, iridescent lakes and rolling landscapes that frame the flight in. Rendered in the wild, earthy tones that typify Central Otago’s beauty, it offers nature at its most arresting, making its popularity as a tourist hotspot hardly surprising. Brimming with boutique experiences that immerse visitors in Central Otago’s breathtaking wilderness, Queenstown is a region with culinary offerings that showcase the best of local produce and tourism offerings that treat overseas and local visitors alike to unparalleled experiences.
So if Queenstown is your destination of choice this winter, look no further than our definitive list of the ten things you simply must do while you’re down there. From elevated food to private skiing and everything in between, these incredible experiences will ensure you leave having made the most of all this evolving region has to offer.
Kina Parpadelle with Shaved Paua from Aosta
1.Visit Ben Bayley and Sir Michael Hill’s newly-opened restaurant, Aosta, in Arrowtown Arrowtown’s newest restaurant is a collaborative endeavour by acclaimed chef Ben Bayly and Sir Micahel Hill (of the eponymous jewellery brand). Considering that the former is a decorated chef who made a name for himself at lauded Auckland institution, The Grove, and the latter is not only a renowned philanthropist but is also a longtime resident of the Queenstown region and a cornerstone of the community, it was expected that anything resulting from their decision to join forces would be noteworthy — and rightly so.
Named after the small town in the Italian Alps where Bayly first discovered his passion for Italian cuisine — a town that boasts a very similar climate to Central Otago — Aosta is a restaurant that combines the culinary philosophies of Italy with the fresh, local fare of Central Otago and Southland. The aim was to create a place where people could have an unparalleled dining experience, without it ever feeling inaccessible or definitively occasional. Pulling widely-respected architect Anna-Marie Chin (who also designed Sir Michael Hill’s private lodge and golf course) onto the project to conceive a space that was intimate and elevated, Bayly and Hill have created a restaurant that reflects the beauty of the area in its refined elegance while still being inherently warm and inclusive, in line with the underlying ethos of its cuisine. 18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown (03) 442 0131
2. Book a day trip with Southern Lakes Heliski The Alpine Group’s Southern Lakes Heliski, run by brothers Jonathan and Toby Wallis, offers a range of daily and private charter heliski experiences. With access to over 800 runs across 17 different mountain ranges, it offers more terrain and more vertical than any other operator in the area and can cater to skiers from intermediate to expert level. Ensuring a day spent with them is planned down to the last detail, Southern Lakes Heliski will pick its guests up, organise them into small groups based on skill level, and send each off with its own experienced guide, who will lead enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders on some of the most pristine runs they will have likely ever experienced. Lunch will be served surrounded by the arresting alpine scenery before a few afternoon runs finish the day off and guests are taken back to their accommodation. And while the picturesque flights and thrilling day-trips draw visitors to engage the company’s services, really, it’s the Alpine Group’s personal approach that keeps people coming back for more. “We just treat everyone, no matter who they are, with respect, a handshake and a smile,” says Jonathan Wallis. “The ‘luxury’ we offer is really all about the authenticity of the experience and the genuine, warm service — which is what Kiwis are all about.” And in an industry where authenticity is the difference between an okay experience and a memorable one, Southern Lakes Heliski rises above the rest.
Jonathan and Toby Wallis
3. Experience an elevated lunch at the Mountain Kitchen Yet another offering from The Alpine Group is its unprecedented alpine retreat, Minaret Station. Set on a 50,000-acre high-country farm and only accessible by helicopter, Minaret Station is the secluded site of the Alpine Lodge, where guests are treated to off-the-grid luxury within the accommodation’s four, two-person chalets. But alongside the lodge, Minaret Stations’s restaurant, The Mountain Kitchen, can be booked by those simply wanting to experience this incredible hideaway for an afternoon. Offering a scenic dining experience where locally-sourced ingredients are prepared by resident chefs and accompanied by award-winning wines, a lunchtime spent at The Mountain Kitchen includes a spectacular scenic helicopter flight from Wanaka or Queenstown and can be booked for groups of four people or more. Click here to book and for more information.
4. Cosy up at The Lodge Bar Situated in an idyllic location, The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn boasts enviable views across Lake Wakatipu from its prime spot in the heart of Queenstown. However, it’s the involvement of Executive Chef, Matt Lambert (from new New York-based Michelin-starred eatery, The Musket Room) that has really established The Lodge Bar as an elevated culinary experience. Although at first, a clothing label and a restaurant might seem worlds apart, here the combination really works. Rodd & Gunn’s collections highlight the palette of New Zealand in their textures and tones, while the intimate restaurant does the same through fresh, seasonal flavours, paired perfectly with local wines. The Lodge Bar’s menu features premium New Zealand produce and handles seasonal ingredients with expert precision and the chef’s menu is clearly an attempt to showcase the very best from the region, whether that’s locally-sourced crayfish tail, or the array of fresh seafood delights that make up the delicious Rodd & Diver platter. Lambert describes the time he spends in Queenstown as a “lucky opportunity to get to work with the finest ingredients, closest to where they were found, at their absolute best,” and once you’ve experienced The Lodge Bar’s offering, you’ll know what he means. 2 Rees St, Queenstown (09) 442 9426
Right: Executive Chef at The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn, Matt Lambert
5. Ski Soho Basin The allure of a fresh layer of snow on a virtually unimpeded run is, for most ski enthusiasts, too fine an opportunity to ever pass up. Which is something John Darby banked on when he opened Soho Basin (part of his Glencoe Station property) as a remote, invitation-only haven for snow sports and cat skiing. The prolific Queenstown businessman has been making use of the basin’s undulating runs and untouched terrain for over 30 years and has built up a cult following for Soho by developing it into an all-encompassing experience. Offering pristine, backcountry powder and runs (backcountry skiers can access the area for free, although Darby recommends registering on Soho’s website for safety reasons) Soho is unencumbered by the usual tourist groups. Darby has also introduced a gastronomic element, by calling on the kitchen at his acclaimed cellar-door bistro, Amisfield. The exclusive ski field offers a multi-course lunch, cooked over an open fire in a beautiful, European-style chalet on the mountain. For more information and to book a day at Soho Basin, click here.
6. See what all the fuss is about at Amisfield Bistro Speaking of which, why not book in for a delicious long lunch or dinner at the acclaimed Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, nestled in historic Arrowtown on the shores of Lake Hayes. The outpost of one of the largest, single-estate vineyards in Central Otago, Amisfield is as renowned for its idyllic backdrop as it is for its pure-tasting pinot noir and hyper-seasonal dishes and offers guests truly memorable dining experience.s And it’s largely due to the vision of its Executive Chef, Vaughn Mabee. When he isn’t in the kitchen, Mabee spends his days outdoors, and credits the landscape of Queenstown with inspiring his intricate dishes at Amisfield, “whether it’s in the bush, hunting with my dogs or being on a mountain and discovering wild (frozen) rowan berries.” Leading the restaurant in a seasonally-driven direction has required a far more innovative approach from the chef and as such, the bistro doesn’t have a traditional menu. Instead, Mabee and his team design dishes daily to suit the changing environment and seasonal ingredients, ensuring that no two meals at Amisfield are ever quite the same. Although a challenging undertaking at times, the chef explains that “the struggle makes it exciting and the team thrives off the constant changes.” Providing an opportunity for visitors to step outside their comfort zones and put their trust in the chef, Mabee’s leadership at Amisfield Bistro is showcasing the natural bounty of the region in fine gastronomic form. 10 Lake Hayes Road, Queenstown (03) 442 0556
7. Take a tour of Cardrona Distillery Quiet and unassuming, the Cardrona Distillery has a particular type of charm that isn’t easy to put your finger on. Completely family owned, Desiree and husband Ash Whittaker have worked together on the distillery since its inception and, together with their team of experts, have conceived a number of acclaimed drops, including the triumphant creation of a recently-anointed single-malt whisky. Head along to the beautiful distillery and be guided on a tour of the facilities, where you’ll learn about the processes behind each of the hand-distilled, artisan spirits — including milling, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation — an experience that will conclude with a tasting. For more information and to book a tour, click here.
8. Book dinner at Jervois Steak House Auckland’s restaurant scene simply wouldn’t be the same without the work of Richard Sigley and Nourish Group. One of the jewels in the hospitality group’s crown, Jervois Steak House (JSH), is regarded as one of the best steak houses in the city and offers premium cuts of meat accompanied by soulful sides like truffle mac and cheese and baked candied kumara. And since its inception in 2006, the steak house has become a bona fide Auckland institution. So when Sigley was looking for a reason to spend more time in Queenstown, he decided to marry the success of his Auckland steak house with his love for the South Island township and opened a Jervois Steak House there 2012. Since then, the dining scene in Queenstown has continued to evolve, which Sigley says inspires him to push the culinary boundaries and provide patrons of JSH with memorable experiences of the finest cuts of New Zealand meat — straight from the source. 8 Duke St, Queenstown (03) 442 6263
9. Play a few rounds at Jack’s Point A major project that is seeing a new suburb (ultimately aiming to house around 5,000 residents) materialise on the periphery of Queenstown, Jack’s Point is 10 minutes from the airport, 25 minutes from Arrowtown and boasts what its Developer John Darby describes as “the essence of Queenstown,” which is just “lots of protected open space.” Alongside its nature tails and central hub Jacks Point also boasts its own golf course which sits against the jaw-dropping backdrop of the Remarkables and offers an 18-hole, par-72 championship course that is recognised as one of the most spectacular in the world. Visitors don’t have to be members to book in for a few rounds, and it promises an experience that will delight avid golfers and amateurs alike. For more information and to book, click here.
Cloudy Bay’s The Shed
10. Go off-grid at Cloudy Bay’s new shed Take a scenic 45-minute drive from the heart of Queenstown into Cromwell and get lost in the whimsical, recently-opened cellar door experience, The Shed by Cloudy Bay. While globally celebrated for its exquisite Marlborough sauvignon blanc, Cloudy Bay emphasises the depth of its sublime pinot noir, and this beautiful new Central Otago space is the perfect place to do so. Open to the public seven days a week, The Shed offers tasting sessions of Cloudy Bay’s full range of wines alongside bespoke experiences including private tours of the vineyard. Going beyond the typical cellar door experience, it is the perfect antidote to the perpetual busyness of Queenstown and offers an indulgent, relaxing, sensory escape
Smithy’s Smoke House
11. Indulge in some smoky barbecue at Millbrook’s Smithy’s Smoke House and Arrowtown’s newly-expanded Slow Cuts On a crisp winter’s day, what could be better than sitting near an open fire and indulging in a plate of perfectly-cooked, succulent smoked meats. Smithy’s Smoke House (at Millbrook Resort) and Slow Cuts (in Arrowtown) both provide this experience in their own ways. The former offers unparalleled al fresco dining under the stars, where tapas and various meat dishes, craft beers, fine wine and whisky are served in front of roaring fire pits; the latter, is a delicious, newly re-opened eatery (it recently expanded) where slow-cooked meats, rotisserie chicken, burgers, ribs and other seasonal dishes are delivered by operators renowned for their friendly service. Both are places at which you are guaranteed to enjoy a delicious meal, and both are the perfect spots at which to post up over your break.
We’re well into the middle part of the year, which means that if you haven’t already escaped the brisk weather in favour of warmer pastures, you likely will be doing so soon. July, especially when the school holidays kick in, usually sees a mass exodus of Aucklanders skip off to destinations where they can thaw out on a beach and put the worries of winter behind them, albeit temporarily.
That said, if you are lucky enough to count yourself among the hoard heading overseas, you’ll need to ensure you have the right gear to take with you. And while summer-worthy linens, daytime dresses and accessories like shiny new shades are all essential, where you really need to start, is your shoes.
Elevated sandals, wedges that will give you height without inhibiting your ability to walk, easy slides and sleek slip-ons are a few of the various breeds of footwear you should be taking with you on your sojourn. So we’ve rounded up our favourite picks for your perusal. If in doubt, head to one of our go-to spots for all things footwear, Scarpa, to find the perfect fit.
Last year we profiled Nick Loosley, founder of pay-as-you-feel pop-up restaurant, Everybody Eats. Back then, Loosley had just launched his dining concept and was feeding those in need in a way that was unprecedented for its sustainable, considered approach. Temporarily taking over Gemmayze St’s space in St. Kevin’s Arcade every Monday night, Everybody Eats turns donated, surplus food into wholesome three-course meals and diners are only called upon to pay whatever they can — even if that’s nothing.
Of course, in order to turn the ingredients into the incredible, tasty dishes that come from the kitchen every Monday (at an incredible speed and volume, by the way), Everybody Eats has had help from some of New Zealand’s most renowned chefs, all of whom generously donate their time. And considering that you’d be hard-pressed to find an area in Auckland with a higher concentration of acclaimed chefs than Viaduct Harbour, it makes sense that the next culinary master to lend his skills to the cause will be Soul Bar and Bistro’s Executive Chef, Gavin Doyle, set to take to the Everybody Eats kitchen on the 22nd of July.
Although the issue of empty bellies isn’t limited to a particular time or season, Matariki (this year taking place between the 25th and 28th of June) holds a special resonance with Everybody Eats’ core values — ones of harvesting and sharing food and of gathering with people from all walks of life to connect meaningfully over a meal — and it’s a time of year that Viaduct Harbour celebrates with gusto. As such, Viaduct Harbour, in this spirit of Matariki, has set out to raise $10,000 for Everybody Eats.
Given that every $10 enables Everybody Eats to provide a three-course meal to three homeless or vulnerable patrons, Viaduct Harbour has pledged to match all donations made with an equal amount, up to a total sum of $5000. The donations period will run from now until midnight on the 22nd of July (when Doyle and his Soul Bar and Bistro team will be cooking at the St. Kevin’s Arcade pop-up).
To make your donation to Everybody Eats, click here.
Land Rover has been intricately intertwined with Virgin Galactic since the two companies launched a partnership in 2014. It’s a collaboration that, since its inception, has continued to grow from the duo’s shared values around creating innovative design and encouraging adventurous spirit.
Looking to entrench this relationship further, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has recently launched a special edition Range Rover that will be made available only to Future Astronauts signed up to fly into space with Virgin Galactic. It represents the new frontier, if you will, one where the vast, unknowable nature of space, is edging ever nearer. Its myriad complexities slowly but surely bring us closer to the day when anyone will be able to travel beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
The exterior of the sleek, recognisable Range Rover has been rendered in a unique Zero Gravity Blue paint, employed to reflect the depth of the night sky and what lies beyond. The regular puddle lamp has been replaced with an outline of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, and the tailgate and the sides of the car, fitted with special Astronaut Edition badging.
Inside, a raft of bespoke, custom detailing renders this vehicle unlike any other in the Range Rover fleet. Virgin Galactic’s own Future Astronaut Community constellation pattern is engraved on the solid aluminium door handles, the headrests and above the glove box. While a ‘DNA of Flight’ graphic adorns the lid of the carbon fibre front console — a motif that is repeated on the leather armrests. Range Rover can also stitch the initials of the Future Astronaut who owns the car onto the headrests, for an extra personal touch.
Perhaps the most arresting feature of this car, however is in its bespoke cup holders. Two discs have been formed from a piece of spaceship, specifically the front landing skid of the spaceship that flew on Virgin Spaceship Unity’s first flight in December last year. One of the two discs is emblazoned with ‘See you up there,’ the words of Richard Branson, while the other carries details of the flight. Importantly, once one of Virgin Galactic’s Future Astronauts has actually gone to space, the second disk will be swapped out with part of the skid from the flight they were on, and will be engraved with those flight details instead.
And if all of this wasn’t enough, Range Rover is offering the Astronaut Edition with either Land Rover’s plug-in, hybrid electric vehicle powertrain (as a commitment to sustainability) or with a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine.
There is something about Auckland-based artist Shona Lyon’s sculptures that renders one incapable of looking away. Created according to a sacred geometry and using classical techniques, Lyon’s beguiling forms are a study in the beauty of traditional sculpture and are widely-acclaimed for their expert execution.
Her new collection, ‘Nostalgia,’ comprising a number of exquisitely-realised, textural bronze works, sees Lyon seeking to evoke vivid childhood memories and the sense of joy children feel when they play with their parents. It is a heartfelt, dynamic series of works that stirs the onlooker to delve into various aspects of their own memory.
The collection will be unveiled at an exhibition on the 2nd of July at Auckland City BMW’s Newmarket showroom. Twenty-two works will be on display, alongside a line-up of fine art prints, and 12.5 per cent of every piece sold will be donated to KidsCan — a charity that helps to provide disadvantaged Kiwi kids with basic physical and nutritional necessities such as food, clothing and healthcare so that they can become more engaged in their education and fulfil their potential.
For more information on Shona Lyon, click here. To RSVP to the exhibition which will take place on Tuesday 2nd July from 6:30pm until 8:30pm, email here. Note: RSVPs must be in by Friday 12st June.
The dire impact imparted by the wider fashion industry on our environment is an issue we’ve addressed before. And it’s one that the industry itself is starting to come to terms with in a very real way.
In this country, it’s hard to talk about sustainable fashion without mentioning New Zealand brand, Maggie Marilyn. A label creating clothes that adhere to rigorous environmental standards in every part of their production, textile sourcing and packaging processes, Maggie Marilyn has established itself as an early leader in the new age of fashion — its stellar example encouraging mainstream brands and retailers (as well as consumers) to adopt more sustainable practises.
Recently, in a move that proves how the mainstream industry is becoming increasingly aware of its footprint, Net-A-Porter launched a new platform that shines a light on brands for whom sustainability is an inherent, driving force. Aptly named Net Sustain the online retail giant’s new initiative is making it easier than ever for consumers to identify and connect with environmentally-friendly, sustainable brands, and has launched with 26 labels and 500 products, all of which meet one or more of five key sustainability attributes — locally made, grounded in the community, considered materials, considered processes and/or a focus on waste reduction. “Our aim is to give a voice to the brands that are truly making positive changes,” says Net-A-Porter’s Global Buying Director, Elizabeth von der Goltz, “by providing them with a platform to highlight their best practice.”
Celebrating the fact that such a major fashion retailer is putting store by sustainability, a few renowned brands have created exclusive capsule collections for Net Sustain, including Maggie Marilyn, Stella McCartney and Mother of Pearl, who collaborated with BBC Earth.
The Maggie Marilyn capsule showcases the designer’s signature penchant for bright colours, feminine silhouettes and motifs that allow her clothes to walk the fine line between making a statement and being inherently wearable (many pieces manage to be both). The collection is made from materials like biodegradable, eco-friendly rose petal silk, ethically-produced, Bluesign-certified silk and organic and recycled cotton.
It’s a big move for Net-A-Porter, although not an entirely unprecedented one. Really, it’s about time these juggernaut names in fashion recognise the myriad ways their fickle, seasonal agenda works to drive rampant, unchecked consumerism. With labels like Maggie Marilyn advocating a new approach at a brand level and companies like Net-A-Porter setting an example for retailers, hopefully, a path can be paved for others of a similar calibre to do the same.
Auction houses offer unparalleled opportunities for those who step across their thresholds to find something unexpected, something beautiful and something that can be cherished for a lifetime. In Auckland, one auction house rises above the rest for its varied catalogues, regularly attracting some of the finest pieces in the country to sell at its widely-attended events. Webb’s eye for the finer things has seen it curate a number of auctions that cover single-estate collections, fine art, high-end jewellery, covetable accessories, antique furniture and ornate, decorative arts. And its upcoming June auctions include some of the most exquisite pieces we’ve seen to date.
Looking first at the Fine Art auction, scheduled to take place on Wednesday 26th June at 6:30pm, the line-up includes a number of compelling, thought-provoking and beautiful pieces. Some of the ones we have our eyes on include Max Gimblett’s The Piano, Tracey Emin’s Wanting You, a number of Bill Hammond lithographs, eye-catching watercolours from Gretchen Albrecht and Ralph Hotere (the former joyfully colourful, the latter a more sombre study), an intriguing notched perspex piece by Roy Good, Robyn Kahukiwa’s Tangata Whenua (still here) and Don Binney’s Matuku Tokatoka. Whether you’re in the market for your first piece of art or are looking for something to add to a growing collection, this extensive auction offers pieces for virtually any price range, and when it comes to luxury investments, art is always the best place to start.
That said, the pieces featured in Webb’s fine jewels, watches and luxury accessories auction are making a pretty compelling case for fashion. Set to take place on Sunday 23rd June at 2:00pm, this auction boasts a catalogue that is vast and varied and features a range of high-end adornments and accessories. If watches are your thing, how about a rare Gentleman’s Patek Philippe pink gold Pagoda wristwatch, or an 18ct Rolex Cellini or a gold Cartier Tank Francaise. If you’d rather collect bags, let us direct you to towards the vintage Louis Vuitton briefcase, the Chanel North-South Boy Flap handbag or the classic black Hermes Birkin. As far as fine jewellery goes, a pair of yellow diamond earrings that feature four pear-shaped yellow diamonds, two marquise-cut yellow diamonds and 122 pavé-set brilliant cut diamonds sit alongside the likes of a Cartier love bangle, a vintage Chanel charm bracelet and an array of pieces carrying sapphires, rubies, emeralds and of course, diamonds in various contemporary and antique settings.
With much to peruse and pine-for leading up to these three auctions, we recommend heading along to the Webb’s auction house in Mount Eden to have a look at the various catalogues up close. More information about viewing times for the Fine Arts, Jewellery, Watches, Handbags and Accessories and Decorative Arts auctions are available online. To see the full catalogues, click here.
As we speak, catwalks overseas are being stormed by a line-up of lithe male models, swathed in the latest looks from designers like Prada, Zegna, Saint Laurent and Givenchy. The menswear shows regularly serve up some of the most intriguing fashion moments of the season, and considering the trend that’s seeing more and more women adopting looks that err on androgeny (oversize blazers, baggy jeans, boyfriend fits), and even wearing menswear themselves (Gigi Hadid just wore a Louis Vuitton menswear look to the CFDA awards), menswear is a viable trawling ground for fashion-savvy women. That said, we thought we’d bring you a few of our favourite looks from the Spring 2020 runways (so far) in a bid to inspire you for the upcoming season.
70s LA disco cowboy – Saint Laurent Because of course Anthony Vaccarello would combine these seemingly unlikely tropes into one cohesive (and surprisingly compelling) collection. Throw in a touch of Moroccan drapery and flecks of gold and Saint Laurent’s latest offering is calling for an effortlessly cool approach to Spring.
Mountaineering but make it business – Z Zegna Technical fabrics meet dapper blazers in the businessman-goes-wild looks that make up this collection. Practical trousers paired with perfect tailoring and finished with the kind of sandals that used to be the exclusive territory of dads on fishing trips (don’t worry, they’re very cool now), Z Zegna’s Spring collection is putting a sophisticated sartorial spin on outdoor pursuits.
White-collar workwear – Joseph In Joseph’s sleek, signature style, suiting in simple, soft tones is made baggy without losing any of its sophisticated edge. A palette of rust orange, dove grey, beige and vanilla renders the collection perfect for springtime office-wear which calls into question the traditionally-accepted codes of dressing for the 9-to-5 and heralds a move away from stiff collars and stuffy neckties.
High-tech trek – Prada Where the high road meets the mean streets is where you’ll find Prada’s Spring 2020 collection, residing in the sweet spot between luxury and streetwear — which more often than not results in a kind of haute hiker look. Here, utility details meet soft, fashion-forward shapes and technical textiles to render the wearer prepared for anything.
A new approach to pattern – Salvatore Ferragamo A deep palette dictated the tone on the Salvatore Ferragamo runway, where plum, khaki, rosy and tan leather pants met shapes that seemed to place laid-back wearability at the forefront. Discarding the idea of florals for spring, the prevailing pattern was instead a nod to the classics and held a vintage presence that spoke to our growing penchant for the loose, patterned shirts of the 70s.
Tactile take – Givenchy Iridescent touches, futuristic silhouettes and textiles we wanted to reach out and touch, Givenchy’s menswear collection was a glorious display of intriguing fabrics and a fun exploration of colour and pattern. Of course it still carried the signature Givenchy ‘cool’ in its precise tailoring, and brought forth a number of looks that were made timeless by the unique way they combined idiosyncratic, streetwear-esque details with classic, crowd-favourite shapes.
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