Most Wanted
A curated roundup of the best new fashion arrivals, hand-picked by our editors
Last September, New York-based Ulla Johnson was one of the few designers who opted to show her SS21 collection in the time-honored format of a fashion show. While a live audience was out of the question, Johnson wanted to celebrate the city during a time when many were speculating about its demise. Finding opportunity and light in a moment of darkness, Johnson secured Roosevelt Island’s Four Freedoms Park, a venue that would have been untenable any other season, and staged an uplifting show packed full of exuberant dresses that spoke to brighter times ahead. As Johnson later said, “the show was as much about debuting the new collection as it was an opportunity for us [the team] to affirm our belief in each other, the future of fashion and our love of the city. It meant a great deal to me.”
Fast-forward almost one year and, slowly but surely, it feels like the world could finally be looking towards better days. Not only that, it would also appear that Johnson’s bet on a decidedly optimistic aesthetic has paid off, too. As people around the world begin to emerge from lockdown, many are excited to rediscover the joy of dressing up once again. That’s certainly true of junior fashion market editor Abbi Minchin, so when Johnson’s tie-dye midi dress dropped on NET-A-PORTER this week, she was quick to snap it up.
“Now that things in London are getting back to a semblance of normality, I’ve been searching for new summer investments that speak to the season and mood. This gorgeous Ulla Johnson dress – crafted from light and breathable cotton – is perfect for the sunny weather we’ve been enjoying recently. Plus, the subtle sand and ecru tones make the tie-dye understated, which is great for someone like me, who wants to experiment with print but tends to gravitate towards more muted colors. I’ll be styling this chic dress with yellow-gold earrings, a raffia tote bag and gladiator sandals for optimal comfort – and polish – on my summer staycation.”
If you’re also on the hunt for timeless pieces to elevate your vacation capsule, start with the essentials. Eres’s broderie-anglaise swimsuit – the getaway piece par excellence – will look just as good poolside as it will layered under off-white, wide-leg pants. Elsewhere, cult label Khaite has remastered the classic basket bag in the form of an oversized raffia tote, while a pair of luxe leather and suede slides, courtesy of shoemaker extraordinaire Manolo Blahnik, promise to provide the perfect finishing touch for every summer look.