The Fashion Memo

Most Wanted

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

Fashion
Clockwise from top left: earrings, Almasika; sunglasses, Bottega Veneta; dress, Chloé; floral tank top, JW Anderson; boots, Ann Demeulemeester; sandals, The Row; bag, JW Anderson; skirt, Peter Do

When it comes to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the fashion industry – particularly over the last tumultuous year – no brand does it better than JW Anderson. Founder Jonathan Anderson is renowned for tireless innovation – both at his eponymous label and in his role as creative director of Spanish heritage house Loewe. Anderson has always been known as a designer with an almost uncanny ability to capture the zeitgeist in his collections; he never follows trends, but he has sparked a significant number. From the charming ‘show in a box’ that Anderson debuted for his 2020 pre-collection, to his comically proportioned buckled mules (undoubtedly the chicest and most apt shoe to come out of lockdown), even in the midst of a pandemic, Anderson has proved his finger is as on-the-pulse as ever. For SS21, inspired by Oscar Wilde – whom Anderson has always admired, not just for his literary talent but also for his audacity to be different – the designer struck gold yet again with a craft-infused collection that combined romance and cutting-edge design to sublime effect.

Take Anderson’s dramatic floral tunic. Complete with a sweeping, graphic silhouette, this statement knit is an effortless way to elevate your everyday look. Layer it on over wide-leg pants for a chic but comfortable take on WFH style, then, when drinks with friends are back on the agenda, add some edge in the form of Peter Do’s sumptuous croc-effect skirt. The clashing textures make for a memorable outfit. Of course, if you’re looking for an uplifting piece that can give your entire closet a boost, Anderson’s chain-embellished shoulder bag is a no-brainer. Simply add this striking piece to put a fashion-savvy spin on even the most understated of looks.

Of course, with the mercury rising in London this week, the PORTER fashion team’s thoughts are drifting towards summer, or, more specifically, our summer wardrobes. For shopping assistant Viktorija Tomasevic, no piece is more emblematic of the season than a slip dress. Which is why, when Chloé’s understated baby-blue design dropped on NET-A-PORTER this week, she was quick to snap it up.

“A classic slip dress is the ultimate summer wardrobe staple. Pretty and polished, it’s also more practical than you might think. When I first spotted this Chloé dress on the SS21 runway, I instantly fell in love. The understated blue hue and loose fit give it the flexibility to be styled in multiple ways – with just a few switch-ups, this gorgeous dress boasts real year-round appeal. I will be pairing mine with a basket bag, gold jewelry and strappy sandals for balmy summer days spent in the park. Then, when the temperature drops, I’ll layer it under a chunky knit and finish with knee-high boots.”

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

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