New York state of mind

In the current fashion landscape of Instagram influencers and an ever-increasing number of capsule collections, a golden needle in a haystack can be hard to find. In the case of Alexa Chung, however, a designer has emerged with a clear vision and an innate sense of style. Drawing on over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Chung’s eponymous label, ALEXACHUNG, makes sophisticated clothing that is packed with personality to see you through everything from business meetings to dinner with friends to date night – a boon for ‘work-hard, play-hard’ women who go unapologetically from day to swinging night. Having launched in May 2017, the brand channels the same sophisticated and refined playfulness that has become synonymous with Chung’s style. It throws distinctive twists on classics and offers playful subversions on simple silhouettes, proportions and details.

Entitled ‘Ludlow’, the Resort ’19 collection is a love letter to New York – the British-born designer may have moved back to London after seven years of living Stateside, but her love for the Big Apple still runs deep. What is the concept behind the clothes? A New York of yesteryear and the power dressing of the ’80s. Puff-sleeve dresses, oversized tailored blazers in earthy tones and simple slips are all highlights of the collection. Who is Chung’s muse? This season’s protagonist is a downtown dancer by day and city It Girl by night; empowered, feminine, sexy, cool and figuring it all out in the big city.

With her collections’ wearable and relevant appeal, it is evident that Chung’s success can’t be just put be down to her celebrity status. The designer has created what amounts to an authentic aesthetic that mixes her personal style with cultural references from her own surroundings. The result is ultra-desirable everyday clothing that is cool, contemporary and effortless. A contradiction between androgyny with the unashamedly feminine is the DNA of all ALEXACHUNG collections.

When it comes to styling, you don’t need to look far for inspiration – the designer is the perfect muse. Pair a boxy blazer with a feminine top and dainty flats, or opt for subtly chic separates and some retro-inspired boots. Most importantly, remember to have fun – just like Alexa.