Most Wanted
A curated roundup of the best new fashion arrivals, hand-picked by our editors
This time last year, you may have balked at the idea of adding oversized, buckled slippers to your footwear collection. However, fast-forward 12 months and this, among many other things, has all changed. First spotted on the runway back in January 2020 – festooning the feet of every model who walked in pioneering designer JW Anderson’s FW20 menswear show – these singular shoes have since acquired cult status. In the past, Anderson’s designs, both for his eponymous label and as creative director of heritage house Loewe, have kick-started trends few others could have seen coming. However, none have proved quite as prescient as his buckled slippers. At a time during which the line between on- and off-duty dressing has become increasingly blurred, elevated takes on style staples have proved to be the most valuable pieces in our closets. The allure of Anderson’s buckled slippers lies in their wearability and comfort – they can be paired with everything from cashmere sweatpants to jeans and flowing dresses – and they are guaranteed to add kudos to every look in your arsenal.
The same logic has also seen sales of forever pieces such as classic handbags and timeless jewelry soar. Not only will a top-handle bag by New York label Khaite or a diamond-studded ring by jeweler Jacquie Aiche (a favorite of celebrities such as Beyoncé, Rihanna and Hailey Bieber) promise to enliven even the most understated outfit, but the enduring nature of these items means you’ll cherish them forever. In short, these investment pieces boast instant gratification and long-term ROI.
If you’re on the hunt for ready-to-wear that hits the same sweet spot, modern interpretations of perennial favorites, such as Vince’s sumptuous, collared take on the simple cashmere sweater, are the way to go. It’s this deft blend of form and function that drew fashion features editor Megan Logue to Joseph’s luxe interpretation of the classic trench coat – and why she was quick to snap it up when it arrived on NET-A-PORTER this week.
“In recent seasons, I’ve made a concerted effort to shop more sustainably and have found that the easiest way to do so is by limiting my purchases to pieces that really get my pulse racing – of course – but, also, more crucially, pieces I’m certain I’ll wear for seasons to come. Take Joseph’s cozy woolen trench coat. Cast in an understated cream hue, this stunning piece is the epitome of elegance. However, it’s also infinitely wearable. Consider this exquisitely crafted coat the perfect complement to oversized tailoring and chic separates – and an effortless way to add instant polish to everything from blue jeans to sweater dresses, and even loungewear. Put in the appropriate aftercare and this hero piece will take pride of place in your closet ad infinitum.”
Discover more from this week’s What’s New.