The Fashion Memo

Most Wanted

A curated roundup of the best new fashion arrivals, hand-picked by our editors

Fashion
Clockwise from top left: cardigan, Totême; flat sandals, The Row; pants, Tibi; belt, The Row; pink sandals, Bottega Veneta; bag, Savette; hoop earrings, Laura Lombardi; bodysuit, Khaite

The luxury-fashion landscape is a remarkably crowded one. With heritage houses boasting centuries’ worth of rich history (not to mention a constant stream of pioneering new designers emerging from the world’s most illustrious design programs), it’s increasingly difficult for fledgling labels to make the impact they need to kick-start a viable business. So the excitement surrounding New York-based accessories label Savette, established just last year, is a testament to just how elegant and exquisitely crafted the brand’s refined leather handbags really are.

Founded by designer Amy Zurek, who honed her craft working for industry leaders Khaite, Coach and The Row, quiet luxury is Savette’s calling card – and quality is the undisputed cornerstone of the brand. Each of its timeless pieces, defined by clean lines and an understated palette, is meticulously made, using time-honored techniques, by a family of third-generation leather artisans based just outside Florence. The final product is of course beautiful, but also practical. Each bag is finished with a three-way convertible strap, which means it can be worn cross-body, on the shoulder or as a top-handle style. It’s in this deft fusion of classic and contemporary elements where the true magic and allure of Savette lies. While this might be the first time you’ve encountered the brand, it certainly won’t be the last.

Of course, style is subjective – and if you were to ask a handful of industry experts what the most accomplished collections of SS21 are, the answers would differ. For fashion assistant Sabina Khan, the standout (by far) belonged to Khaite. Which is why, when the label’s essential black bodysuit landed on NET-A-PORTER this week, she was quick to snap it up.

“If I had to choose just one brand that’s really killing it at the moment, it would have to be Khaite. With each and every collection, the brand debuts some of the most covetable pieces of the season – ones that you didn’t even realize were missing from your closet. So for SS21, I made sure to invest in the label’s super-wearable ‘Vita’ bodysuit. Cast in stretch jersey, it’s form-fitting yet comfortable – and the cut-out design along the décolletage gives it a subtly edgy vibe that I like. Understated, cool and just the right amount of sexy, it’s the perfect top for a romantic dinner or a girls’ night out. I’ll be styling mine with leather pants, barely-there heels and gold hoop earrings to add some shine.”

Discover more from this week’s What’s New.