8 Designers Reimagining Partywear This Holiday Season
’Tis the season to have fun and wear something that makes you look and feel fabulous. So, from The Vampire’s Wife to Aje, we’ve curated the labels delivering designs so glamorous they’ll make you want to say yes to every party invite that comes your way…
This year has seen the triumphant return of holiday celebrations, so it’s fair to assume that party season is going to gather pace pretty quickly. But whether you have one bash or 10 to attend, we find it’s best to get ahead of outfit planning rather than rely on rushed orders or last-minute decisions. NET-A-PORTER has all the sequins, crystals and feathers you could hope for, and you’ll also find some subtler takes on after-dark dressing, too. Indeed, our buyers have assembled a strong roster of designers who specialize in event ensembles, including heritage houses known for timeless black-tie glamour and a new crowd redefining what dressing up means.
Of course, when it comes to high-end occasionwear, Oscar de la Renta will always be a leader. Whether dressing for a wedding or a gala dinner, this legendary label creates the most exquisite, one-of-a-kind creations – and we’re particularly partial to its draped asymmetric gown with spectacular silver beading this season, which has a vintage quality that echoes the glamour of Studio 54. Meanwhile, Australian designer Alex Perry is another established red-carpet favorite, but instead of offering embellishment or prints, the house’s signatures are body-skimming silhouettes, clean lines and block colors.
There is also a new roster of designers bringing fresh edge to eveningwear, with two brands in particular re-energizing the party dress by creating cult silhouettes. First, look to Australian-based Aje, which delivers its distinctive style in the form of voluminous skirts and sleeves, plus playful cut-outs typically featuring along the rib cage. Next up is The Vampire’s Wife, which offers many iterations of its iconic ‘Festival’ dress and an impressive fan club of models, actors and royalty.
“What these leading partywear designers share, of course, is a playful approach to proportions and a flair for creating modern silhouettes with unexpected details
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Another name on the rise is Rotate Birger Christensen, which has become a go-to for adventurous dressers. Its founders, Danish influencers Thora Valdimars and Jeanette Friis Madsen, are known for their bold street-style personas and create clothes that will get a reaction on and offline. Think high-shine fabrics, sexy silhouettes and sparkling co-ords.
Sometimes, however, you just want to keep things simple, and nothing is as timeless as an all-black outfit. Look to Et Ochs for its ‘Gabriel’ jumpsuit, which features a dramatic scooped neckline and inner-mesh bone bustier to define your waist and perfectly sculpt the body. Meanwhile, Rasario may specialize in ’80s ruched fabrics and punchy colors, but it has also made the ideal little black dress this FW22, boasting a nipped-in waist and scalloped hem and neckline.
What these leading partywear designers share, of course, is a playful approach to proportions and a flair for creating modern silhouettes with unexpected details. Indeed, these design codes lay at the very heart of Jonathan Simkhai’s creative process, with the New York-based brand producing powerful bodycon styles complete with striking necklines and daring cut-outs. Take the label’s pink midi, for example – at first glance, it is a classic pencil dress, yet the construction of the bra top is expertly crafted and refreshingly unique.
They may have their own approach when it comes to dressing up, but each of these designers is creating a dance-floor-ready capsule that inspires confidence, ensuring you’ll return to their party pieces year after year.