Natalie Michie https://fashionmagazine.com Canada's #1 Fashion and Beauty Magazine Tue, 18 Jul 2023 20:30:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.3 Could TikTok Be Responsible For a Positive Shift in How We View Aging? https://fashionmagazine.com/beauty-grooming/tiktok-aging-filter-trend/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 20:28:16 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=473660 Picture your face a few decades from now. Maybe you have crow’s feet and pronounced under-eye bags. Your hair might have gone grey. You likely have some dark spots and hyperpigmentation. We’re taught to be scared of that inevitable transformation. But what if we embraced it instead? RELATED: Are Women Not Allowed to Age? On […]

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Picture your face a few decades from now. Maybe you have crow’s feet and pronounced under-eye bags. Your hair might have gone grey. You likely have some dark spots and hyperpigmentation. We’re taught to be scared of that inevitable transformation. But what if we embraced it instead?

RELATED: Are Women Not Allowed to Age?

On TikTok, the “Aging” filter — which has over 10 billion views on the app — uses artificial intelligence to predict what you might look like in the future, showing users with sagged cheeks, thinned lips, fine lines and even yellowed teeth. And over the past week, the effect has become an agent of digital chaos.

At first, the filter set off something of a collective existential crisis. It has inspired panic-induced applications of sunscreen, intensified emphases on skincare regimens, and advice on procedures to “age as gracefully as possible.” It’s even prompted therapists to weigh in with advice on mitigating aging anxiety. This shock factor was most likely intended. Age-related filters reportedly do consistently well on TikTok, and it’s easy to see why.

@teawithmd

Breaking it all down! #aging is not bad OBVIOUSLY but taking steps to preserve your skin health is NECESSARY. Genes account for a lot too. #agingwell #agingup #aginggracefully #agingwell #agingskin #dermbypark

♬ vampire – Olivia Rodrigo

Earlier this year, the “Teenage Look” filter went viral on the app. Unlike “Aging,” the effect smooths fine lines, softens complexions and shows people a simulated version of their high school selves. But even that trend sparked similar dread, with users pointing out how the filter’s nostalgia made them more aware of their own mortality. Both filters — while seemingly opposites of one another — exemplify our fear-fuelled obsession with marking our age, whether we’re looking back or looking ahead. The impacts reach beyond the internet, as plastic surgeons have reported a rise in patients asking to look like filtered selfies.

No matter what artificially enhanced version of yourself is reflected back at you, TikTok filters are always a bit jarring. So when we engage with them, it’s usually helpful to remember that they’re not real. But the “Aging” filter — which has been dermatologist-approved for its accuracy — presents a new kind of challenge, because it’s not so far-fetched.

Unsurprisingly, the TikTok aging filter has exposed a horror-filled knee-jerk reaction, with users like Kylie Jenner expressing their distaste for a look at their face with considerably less collagen. (She later wrote “she’s cute” in the comments.)

At the same time, a sense of appreciation has emerged. Hailey Bieber and Mia Khalifa noted similarities to their grandmothers. A smiling Amy Poehler got in on the trend with the short but impactful caption reading, “May I be so lucky.” Users are lovingly remarking on how they look like the older women in their lives. There have been makeup tutorials with the filter on. Some have even positioned it as a version of themselves to aspire to, with one user writing, “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Over the past few days, my feed has shifted to people embracing their elderly digital selves. Peppered between posts of fashion micro-trends or videos about the Barbie press tour are visual odes to aging, with the buzzy filter as a prompt. In some ways, the very image of growing old has become its own kind of trend.

@yazzy_so_c00l

gotta remind myself that aging is a blessing… ima still be wearing that spf everyday tho #fyp #aging #agingfilter #gettingold #agingisaprivilege #lgbt #oldqueers #oldgays #agedfilter

♬ The Bug Collector – Haley Heynderickx

More and more, it seems we’re in a time of aging dichotomy, where growing older is embraced at a performative level, but not always a genuine one. Julia Fox can declare that “aging is fully in,” while Kim Kardashian unapologetically says she’d “eat poop” to look young. We praise Martha Stewart for her youthful glow in a swimsuit photoshoot while ridiculing Madonna for her obvious cosmetic procedures. Women over the age of 45 are being increasingly recognized in Hollywood, while the stars of And Just Like That… continue to face endless flack over their appearances.

In 2023, the discourse on anti-aging hasn’t disappeared; it’s just reinvented itself in sneakier ways. Take the idea of ageing gracefully. “What makes ‘aging gracefully’ a particularly nefarious euphemism for anti-aging is that it implies anti-aging should appear to be effortless,” argues beauty writer Jessica DeFino in her newsletter The Unpublishable. “‘Aging gracefully’ is not effortless, though — it demands an incredible amount of effort and then demands even more effort to disappear the evidence of said effort.” The mainstream idea is still that there’s a right way to age. But the virality of the Aging filter, with its emphasis on so-called imperfections, inadvertently challenges that.

If nothing else, it’s offering algorithmic visibility to growing older. (I, for one, have never seen so many celebrities age at once.) Ageist beauty standards are probably not going anywhere anytime soon. But maybe the TikTok aging filter, with its baked-in inevitably of how we’ll look years down the line, can be a start. And even if our acknowledgement of aging is happening through a filter, it feels pretty radical.

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Issa Rae Is the Perfect Barbiecore President https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/issa-rae-barbie/ Fri, 14 Jul 2023 20:06:52 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=473600 Women in politics get a lot of flack for their fashion choices. Hillary Clinton’s pantsuits have inspired think pieces. Michelle Obama’s sleeveless silhouettes were heavily scrutinized. Even Kamala Harris’s skinny jeans have been the topic of controversy. All in all, it’s tricky being a stylish woman in the White House. But Issa Rae, who plays […]

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Women in politics get a lot of flack for their fashion choices. Hillary Clinton’s pantsuits have inspired think pieces. Michelle Obama’s sleeveless silhouettes were heavily scrutinized. Even Kamala Harris’s skinny jeans have been the topic of controversy. All in all, it’s tricky being a stylish woman in the White House. But Issa Rae, who plays President Barbie in the upcoming Barbie movie, has used the film’s viral press tour to craft a new kind of commander-in-chief uniform.

RELATED: Margot Robbie’s Transformation Into Barbie Is Officially Complete

President Barbie has been around since 1992, with Mattel releasing new iterations of the doll over the years. And like everything in the franchise’s plastic universe, it’s a pretty glitzy gig. It’s also decidedly low-stakes, with responsibilities like adding cherries on top of sundaes. (Delicious and important!) For the live-action film, Rae helped envision President Barbie’s costume: a ballgown and a pageant-ready sash that reads “President” in bubble letters. “It was tapping into who six to eight-year-old me thought a female president would look like, and living in that world really informed how I played the president,” she told Teen Vogue.

Issa Rae as President Barbie in the Barbie movie
Photography Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

So it should come as no surprise that to promote the film, Rae and her stylist Wouri Vice have been treating the press tour as a glam-filled campaign trail. She’s been giving presidential waves, donning coordinated sets, and of course, wearing a lot of pink — even though she hates the colour. That’s a sacrifice in the name of public service.

Photography by Getty Images

At the film’s world premiere in Los Angeles on July 9, Issa Rae was in true President Barbie form. While gesturing a classic crowd-facing wave on the pink carpet, she wore a custom floor-grazing Marc Bouwer gown with a plunging chest cutout, structured shoulders and a statement bow detail. The bicep-bearing design reportedly took inspiration from Michelle Obama, and the regal velvet fabric further commanded a powerful presence.

Photography by Getty Images

A few days later, at the Barbie premiere in London, Issa Rae stepped out in two striking looks. For the screening itself, she wore a hot pink mini dress with a structured bodice and a dramatically ruched leg slit. Later, at the photocall, she emerged in a ’60s-inspired PatBo dress with a multicoloured swirling design and long green feather trim. It’s a retro look that would undoubtedly make Jackie O proud.

Photography by Getty Images

Her other London outings emitted reimagined preppy style. On July 12, she wore a high-waisted pink leather miniskirt with a white tank top and matching sunglasses. Later that day, she changed into a midriff-bearing two-piece set with bedazzled buttons by Self-Portrait. She commemorated the leg of the press trip with an Instagram post captioned, “This Barbie is on strike,” a reference to actors joining the ongoing writers’ strike in Hollywood. Amazing styling and a show of solidarity with her constituents? A well-rounded presidential slay. And just one of many.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Issa Rae (@issarae)

Last month, while in Australia, she leaned into power suits, with a structured multicoloured blazer dress, a neon slouchy suit, and a bright monochrome ensemble that featured an oversized frilly bow in place of a tie.

For the Barbie celebration party in Sydney, she opted for a Givenchy maxi dress, with a sheer design and a slip underneath. This seamless wardrobe shift encapsulates the essence of the Mattel-made president. After all, when you’re the leader of Barbie Land, your duties are saccharine instead of severe — and the same goes for your outfits.

Photography by Getty Images

That’s not to say some of her looks haven’t been more conservative. Kicking off the press tour at a Beverly Hills photocall in June, her monochromatic cream-coloured ensemble — comprising wide-leg pants and a matching top à la quiet luxury — stood out as a relaxed interpretation of the traditional buttoned-up pantsuit. From mini-dresses to sophisticated separates, Issa Rae’s sartorial take on Madam President captures what would happen if leading a country was all about throwing impromptu dance parties and decorating frozen desserts. In other words: No dress code, just vibes.

Sure, it may not all fly in the actual Oval Office. But that’s neither here nor there. This Barbie is a President! And she has our vote.

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What To Wear to the Barbie Movie https://fashionmagazine.com/style/shopping/barbie-outfits-movie-2023/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 21:06:31 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=473386 The most important thing to do this summer, apart from seeing the Barbie movie? Finding the right Barbie outfits to see the Barbie movie in, of course. RELATED: It’s Barbie’s World, We’re Just Living in It As we gear up for the release of Greta Gerwig’s live-action adaptation starring Margot Robbie on July 21, fashion […]

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The most important thing to do this summer, apart from seeing the Barbie movie? Finding the right Barbie outfits to see the Barbie movie in, of course.

RELATED: It’s Barbie’s World, We’re Just Living in It

As we gear up for the release of Greta Gerwig’s live-action adaptation starring Margot Robbie on July 21, fashion is bursting at the seams with references to the Mattel franchise. Luckily, before our favourite doll (née Barbara Millicent Roberts) hits the big screen, there are a multitude of ways to shop just like her. Whether you’re harnessing your Kenergy, looking to reference dolls of the past, or just really love hot pink (which, relatable), there’s an on-theme Barbie outfit out there for you. Below, FASHION has curated our top picks for putting the perfect Barbiecore ensemble together.

The all-in-one Barbie dress

hilary macmillan barbie dress

Hot pink. Blush. Pastel. This maxi dress combines all the trending shades of Barbiecore with a zigzag striped pattern. The cozy knit material is the perfect choice for a movie theatre viewing, while the leg slit and front cutouts add some subtle sexiness.

Buy it here: Hilary MacMillan Barbie Knit Midi Dress, was $260, now $160

The deceivingly comfy Barbie sneakers

reebok barbie hot pink sneakers

Dolls with permanently-arched feet, look away. Who says Barbie can’t prioritize orthopedic wellness? These Reeboks are the perfect footwear choice for running from the Barbie premiere to the Oppenheimer screening (IYKYK). With a chunky midsole that cushions every step, these hot pink sneakers are both cute and comfy.

Buy it here: Reebok Classic Leather Sp Shoes, was $105.00, now $69.99

The effortless Barbie shades

butaby barbie sunglasses

We can’t all have a Barbie dream car (sigh), but we can purchase the best sunnies for top-down convertible cruising. These ’90s-inspired rectangular pair have the cutest baby pink tinted lenses with nearly 100 per cent UV protection. Plus, they’re lightweight and compact, making them a great on-the-go accessory.

Buy it here: Butaby Retro Driving Glasses, $11.29

The done-up Barbie dress

ralph lauren barbie dress

A halter dress in the summer emits a special kind of energy that is both relaxed and put-together. The fluid, A-line silhouette of this satin cocktail gown is luxe, laid-back, and a decidedly refined take on the otherwise loud Barbie fashion offerings out there. Did we mention it’s on sale?

Buy it here: Lauren Ralph Lauren, Satin Charmeuse Halter Cocktail Dress, was $318, now $158.96

The cozy Barbie pants

levis barbie pants

High-waisted. Snug fit. The wedgie straight jeans are built to hug curves in all the right ways. And in this blushing Barbie hue, they’re the perfect pant choice for a comfy trip to the movies.

Buy it here: Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans, $107.72

The country-loving Barbie earrings

8 other reasons barbie earrings

Western Barbie has entered the chat. They may not be pink, but these bedazzled cowboy boot earrings are the ultimate accessory for the titular doll’s country endeavours, which have been teased through a series of viral sneak peeks. Yeehaw.

Buy it here: 8 Other Reasons Dolly Earrings, $43.04

The Barbie bandana

monique bandana barbie

A near-exact replica of the paisley bandana worn by Robbie in the film, this hot pink garment is both a trendy outfit add-on and an in-the-know reference. Tie it in your hair. Fasten it around your neck. Use it to wipe your tears when Ken sings his heartwrenching existential ballad.

Buy it here: Motique Accessories Extra Large Paisley Bandana, $9.99

The gingham Barbie top

gingham free people top barbie

ICYMI, Barbie’s got some serious gingham going on in the upcoming film. This tube top puts a modern spin on the vintage-inspired print. With a rounded cropped bottom and corset-inspired seaming, it’s both timeless and in vogue.

Buy it here: Leilani Gingham Tube Top, $77.14

The blazer-wearing Barbie

steve madden blazer barbie

This Barbie means business! With padded shoulders and buttoned cuffs, Steve Madden’s lightweight faux leather jacket is the perfect hot pink wardrobe staple. Thanks to structured tailoring and vibrant colour, it takes you from the office to drinks to the movie theatre.

Buy it here: Steve Madden Audrey Jacket, was $147.93, now $104.60

The Barbie-branded mini-dress

Boohoo barbie white dress

The humble rib knit dress is a simple, summertime staple. But when jazzed up with the “Barbie” logo in rhinestone lettering? New levels of iconic have been reached.

Buy it here: Boohoo Barbie Rhinestone Slogan Rib Knit Bodycon Mini Dress, $50

The OG Barbie reference

barbie themed bathing suit barbie movie

One of the best looks worn by Margot Robbie on her now-famous press tour is the Hervé Léger black and white striped mini-dress that referenced the very first Barbie, who wore a similar-looking swimsuit. Take a page out of her stylist Andrew Mukamal’s book and channel the original doll in this striped swimsuit. Wear it with jeans as a bodysuit or take a risk and go full beach Barbie.

Buy it here: It’s Now Cool, The Contour Surf Stripe One-Piece, $133.00

The fuzzy Barbie heels

JLO mules Barbie

Perfect for artificially arched feet, these fluffy hot pink mules might have as well been plucked straight from Barbie Land. With satin lining and a modest 3.25-inch heel, they’ll keep you clickity-clacking all the way through a very fashionable summer.

Buy it here: JLO Jennifer Lopez, x REVOLVE Bowery Faux Mink Mule, $213.21

The Barbie daisy necklace

Simone Rocha daisy necklace Barbie movie

In one of the first scenes of the trailer, Barbie is seen wearing a daisy necklace and matching earrings. This necklace by Simone Rocha taps into those whimsical vibes. With intricate green beading breaking up the floral details, it has an added wearability that goes beyond Barbie viewing.

Buy here: Simone Rocha Green Beaded Flower Necklace, was $560, now $246

The disco Barbie moment

Ronny Kobo barbie dress

The physical manifestation of “Come on Barbie, let’s go party,” this sequin-embellished gown is deliciously sassy. With a disco-leaning gold tone and a dramatic length, it could very well double as Robbie’s bedazzled costume in the film’s highly-anticipated dance sequence.

Buy it here: Ronny Kobo, Shelly Dress, was $976.84, now $244.21

The Barbie-stamped tote bag

Gap Barbie Bag

You gotta love a tote bag. Optimal storage. Sturdy shoulder straps. Timeless, errand-friendly design. This iteration, emblazoned with the hot pink Barbie logo, will live on as an emblem of 2023 pop culture. (Not to mention, it’s kinda perfect for sneaking snacks into the movie theatre.)

Buy it here: Gap × Barbie, Logo Tote Bag, $74.95

The preppy Barbie mini-dress

Ahiri Barbie Dress

This pink houndstooth dress takes the doll’s classically preppy image to new heights. Made with a lightweight material, it keeps you cool in the summer while its structured silhouette accentuates curves in all the right ways. It’s the perfect choice for a Barbie-approved night out.

Buy it here: Ahiri Back Zip Mini Dress, was $169, now $81.12 

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Thom Browne Makes His Debut + Other Viral Moments From Fall 2023 Couture Week https://fashionmagazine.com/style/paris-couture-week-fall-2023/ Fri, 07 Jul 2023 21:09:48 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=473219 What is fashion’s role during times of social unrest? It’s a perpetually tough question to answer, and it resurfaced yet again this week as the couture Fall 2023 shows took place in Paris. RELATED: The Most Exciting Street Style At Fall 2023 Couture Week in Paris Across the French capital, celebrities came dressed to the […]

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What is fashion’s role during times of social unrest? It’s a perpetually tough question to answer, and it resurfaced yet again this week as the couture Fall 2023 shows took place in Paris.

RELATED: The Most Exciting Street Style At Fall 2023 Couture Week in Paris

Across the French capital, celebrities came dressed to the nines as designers presented elaborate craftsmanship. At the same time, nationwide protests were raging following the police killing of Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old boy of Algerian and Moroccan descent. Some thought the shows shouldn’t have even taken place. Couture, after all, represents the highest levels of wealth, privilege and excess in fashion. At the same time, as the greatest form of clothing expressionism, it reliably reflects the culture. Perhaps that’s why this season we saw a theme of subtle, understated artwork as opposed to flashy over-the-top spectacles. From an emphasis on artificiality to a shocking amount of deceivingly casual designs, this season’s couture collections — whether intentionally or not — took on a deeper meaning. Below, FASHION rounds up the most noteworthy moments from the week.

Chanel: The French girl has entered the chat

 A model walking with a pink top and tweed skirt, holding a basket of flowers at Chanel couture 2023 show
Photography courtesy of Chanel

Is any fashion figure more aspirational than the archetypal Parisian woman? Her streamlined tailoring, casual pairings and perfectly tousled hair have long been the subject of admiration. And no entity captures her essence better than Chanel. Effortless Frenchness pulses through the brand’s identity, and its latest couture collection was an ode to that image. Models traded luxe handbags for straw baskets of flowers and strolled around cobblestone streets with seemingly nowhere to go. Wearing flats or Mary Janes, they sported classic silhouettes with tweed separates, floral patterns, and the je ne sais quoi coolness that defines the French girl aesthetic.

Thom Browne: Now that’s a power suit

Photography by Getty Images

Known for his ability to deconstruct and reimagine the elements of a classic suit, American designer Thom Browne marked his first couture show by leaning into what he does best: theatricality. In front of an audience of 2,000 cardboard cut-outs, Browne sent models down the runway in clown-like makeup, swollen sleeves and optical illusion jackets. Each look was accompanied by an equally astonishing headpiece, from hoisted-up hairdos to a Carrie Bradshaw-esque pigeon hat.

Balenciaga: Time to armour up

A model in a metal-looking dress at the Balenciaga Fall 2023 couture show
Photography courtesy of Balenciaga

It’s been a difficult year for Balenciaga. After undergoing a viral controversy in November 2022, the brand has been slowly making its return by moving away from gimmicks and turning its focus to craftsmanship. Case in point: For the house’s latest couture collection, creative director Demna presented oil-painted canvases that resemble denim and coats that look permanently caught in the wind. The pièce de resistance? A 3D-printed metal-looking dress inspired by Joan of Arc. That’s one way to communicate hardened sensibilities.

Dior: Less is more

A model dressed in a white dress and cloak at the Dior couture Fall 2023 show

In an industry that’s racing for newness, there’s power in simplicity. Just ask creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, who presented a pared-back interpretation of couture at Dior. Models walked in a sea of neutrals, with sophisticated silhouettes and modest tailoring. That’s not to say it wasn’t extravagant. The collection — which honed in on goddess imagery — was full of floor-grazing capes, intricate beading embellishments and shimmering sheers. A majestic take on minimalism, the collection gave refreshed meaning to quiet luxury.

Alexis Mabille: The glass half full

Photography by Getty Images

The image of a woman fluttering about a party armed with a cocktail evokes freedom, flirtiness and a certain non-commital charisma. This was the energy at Alexis Mabille’s couture collection, aptly titled “Mondaines,” a French word which can be loosely translated into “socialites.” The clothing was appropriately romantic, brimming with dramatic cutouts, all-exposing sheer dresses and slender silhouettes. To complement the grandness of the garments, models held champagne flutes, coup glasses and delicate goblets as accessories. Because, really, what’s more luxurious than walking around with an elegant drink in hand?

Viktor & Rolf: Most petty

Photography by Getty Images

Viktor & Rolf is not one to mince words. The avant-garde house is known to spell out sentiments, be it through literal phrases or theatrically staged designs. This season’s couture collection gave us both. Models walked with fake men in suits perched on their shoulders or straddling their torsos. Bows — big and small — adorned outfits like unwrapped gifts. Best of all was the series of swimwear with worded messages, including “Dream On,” “No,” and, to borrow the phrase used by Gwyneth Paltrow after winning in ski court, “I Wish You Well.”

Schiaparelli: Are you for real?

A model in a white fuzzy coat at the Schiaparelli Fall 2023 couture show
Photography by Getty

If last season’s viral faux animal head debacle taught us anything, it’s that Schiaparelli creative director Daniel Roseberry likes to push the envelope on what looks real. Roseberry is known to lean into Schiaparelli’s surrealist roots, and his Fall 2023 collection was yet another indication. Ensembles were full of enchanting fantasy, from spray-painted torsos to bronze body-part-inspired jewellery. And this time, by trading fake lion heads for fake arms, he avoided contentious confusion.

Valentino: Casual Friday

Photography by Getty Images

Opening a couture runway with a pair of jeans is certainly… a choice. Herein lies the genius of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino. Because upon closer inspection, these pants are actually made of silk gazar, hand-embroidered with intricate beadwork. Evoking the classic visual of day-off denim, the trompe l’oeil design skillfully juxtaposes the formality and prestige of couture. Model Kaia Gerber wore the look with a white button-up shirt and opulent chandelier earrings, which were a staple of the collection, along with floor-grazing gowns and airy fabrics. It was enough to warrant a standing ovation from Anna Wintour — an honour she’s reportedly only given five times in the past decade.

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What’s With All the Recent Shake-Ups in the Fashion Industry? https://fashionmagazine.com/style/fashion-industry-change/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:05:27 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=471607 This article was originally published on June 7, 2023 and has been updated.  Update: The Maison Chloé announced on July 6, 2023 that creative director Gabriela Heart would indeed be stepping down after three years in the role. According to a press release, Hearst’s last collection for Chloé will be Spring/Summer 2024 and will be […]

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This article was originally published on June 7, 2023 and has been updated. 

Update: The Maison Chloé announced on July 6, 2023 that creative director Gabriela Heart would indeed be stepping down after three years in the role. According to a press release, Hearst’s last collection for Chloé will be Spring/Summer 2024 and will be presented on September, 28 2023.

Fashion loves nothing more than change. It’s the reason trends are created, discarded and resurfaced years later with enough separation to feel totally new, or why rotating brands take the top spot every few seasons as bastions of all that is fresh and exciting. In an industry that functions on ideas, there’s an endless demand for innovation to keep things feeling, well, in vogue. But over the past few months, fashion’s accelerated penchant for shaking things up has given us whiplash. So here, we’re breaking it down.

RELATED: Fashion Is Going Through a Minimalist Vibe Shift

The creative director mass exodus

As the most important person in a fashion house, creative directors are the heartbeat of brands. Their decisions dictate a label’s cultural standing: from runway gimmicks to celebrity partnerships to viral controversies (more on that later). This is why it feels particularly jarring that so many of them are stepping down.

In November 2022, news that Alessandro Michele was leaving Gucci after nearly eight years sent shockwaves through the industry. But it’s since become just one piece of a larger trend. Raf Simons shuttered his namesake brand. Jeremy Scott exited Moschino. Tom Ford quit his eponymous label. Most recently, on June 5, news spread that Gabriella Hearst would reportedly be leaving Chloé after an impactful three-year tenure. Each month, the list has grown longer — accented by the untimely retirement announcement of top stylist Law Roachsparking speculations as to whether there are industry-wide changes brewing behind the scenes.

And in some ways, there are. For starters, these shifts coincide with an aesthetic change of tides. In the age of resurfaced minimalism, recession core and quiet luxury, cultural tastes are different than they were even three years ago. Jasmine Kharazi (@jasminedarya), a content creator and fashion commentator, points to the head-spinning speed of TikTok trend cycles as one possible cause for the creative director shuffle. Amid changing attitudes, it’s a way to attract eyeballs. Case in point: When Gucci pivoted from Michele’s wildly popular maximalism to a Fall 2023 collection that felt intentionally pared down, it was not met with all rave reviews. But it certainly drew “what now?” anticipation.

Rebecca Halliday, an assistant teaching professor at the University of Victoria whose expertise includes the intersection of fashion and media, says the “musical chairs nature” of creative directors is actually nothing new. And for established figures like Ford and Michele, it makes sense. “There might just be a sense for those creative directors that their work with that particular fashion house is done, and they are ready to move on to the next project,” she says. Plus, maybe they’re just tired! Can you blame them? These days, “helming a brand is more gruelling than ever,” writes Leah Faye Cooper in Vanity Fair, citing expectations of seasonal reinvention, high-profile celebrity red carpets and the omnipresent pressure to go viral. Already, we’ve seen how the latter can take precedence over just about anything. This brings us to our next point.

Questionable comebacks

In 2021, this publication’s fashion news director Annika Lautens lamented the industry’s “problematic short-term memory” with respect to the re-embrace of Dolce & Gabbana, despite the brand’s racist and homophobic history. And in 2023, fashion’s tendency for such redemption arcs is increasingly obvious. Take Alexander Wang. Despite several allegations of sexual assault, the designer re-entered the New York Fashion Week circuit in February, with Julia Fox on the catwalk and Anna Wintour in the audience. The industry at large made not a peep.

Even more recent is Balenciaga’s return. In November 2022, the brand was shunned when it released a highly regrettable ad campaign accused of child sexualization. After a turbulent company response, a wave of TikTok furor, and a self-imposed break from the spotlight, mere months later, Balenciaga is back. Creative director Demna was at the Met Gala. Stars like Michelle Yeoh and Salma Hayek wore Balenciaga at the Cannes Film Festival. And with a newly released resort collection asserting that “the brand transcends its current predicament,” the industry has made space for Balenciaga’s redemption. To Halliday, this is not all that surprising.

@newsfash

#NEWSFASH 🎙️ Balenciaga resort ‘24 an ode to Paris. #balenciaga #denma #resort24 #fashion #runway #paris

♬ Paris – Else

“While social media facilitates the viral spread of outrage and conspiracy theories…the speed at which lines can come out with new campaigns or drops allows people to move on to the next collection, or the next outrage, even though the scandal lives on as an internet footprint,” she says. To Kharazi, these particular comebacks are an indication of shortened attention spans, specifically on TikTok. “To me, [this shows] that cancel culture, as good-intentioned as it might be, isn’t a good long-term strategy and clearly doesn’t work,” she says. And on the topic of recognition trumping worthiness…

Celebrities turned designers

Should famous people create clothing lines? It’s a contentious question — namely because it can result in lost opportunities for up-and-coming talent — but it’s something fashion loves to surface. Dua Lipa just teamed up with Versace to develop a line that premiered at Cannes. After announcing her new apparel brand, Angelina Jolie co-designed a capsule collection with Chloé. In September 2022, Kim Kardashian curated her own line — based on herself, obvi — for Dolce & Gabbana.

The appeal for brands is obvious: Having a celeb as a designer makes them synonymous with the label, as opposed to just another advertiser. “[There appears] to be an intention to work with someone who isn’t just of the moment but who really embodies the ethos and the aesthetic of that particular line,” says Halliday. (Dua Lipa has long been Donatella Versace’s muse; the controversial reputations of Kim Kardashian and Dolce & Gabbana are kinda complementary.) Though the merge of celebrity and fashion lines is not new, its increased ubiquity has raised eyebrows. “At best, the recent move toward hiring celebrity ‘designers’ highlights luxury’s growing desire to turn a quick buck off of a famous collaborator’s name rather than risk trying something (or someone) new,” argues Jake Silbert for Highsnobiety.

The bottom line

Today, fashion and pop culture are increasingly intertwined, says Kharazi. “People like me are able to gain a following from solely talking about these topics,” she reflects. “Fashion is changing rapidly, the news is changing rapidly, and pop culture is consumed faster than ever.” The aforementioned shake-ups may not be entirely novel, but they do mirror fashion’s current climate. In an era of economic uncertainty, social issues emphasized on a global scale and algorithm-based discourse at an all-time high, fashion has to find new ways to be political, says Halliday, just like it always has. Much of the industry’s startling “newness” isn’t so new after all — it’s just old cycles sped up. The question is, how much faster can it all really go?

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No One Is Having More Fun Than Cardi B at Couture Week https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/cardi-b-in-paris-couture/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 20:02:34 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=473076 There are a few things we can be absolutely certain of when it comes to Cardi B. She likes to be a little chaotic on Twitter. She knows how to make a going-out anthem. And she will never, under any circumstance, miss an opportunity to serve a look. Currently in Paris for couture week, Cardi […]

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There are a few things we can be absolutely certain of when it comes to Cardi B. She likes to be a little chaotic on Twitter. She knows how to make a going-out anthem. And she will never, under any circumstance, miss an opportunity to serve a look. Currently in Paris for couture week, Cardi B has already emerged as the street style star to rival the runways.

RELATED: The Most Exciting Street Style At Fall 2023 Couture Week in Paris

Arguably the most prestigious and exclusive event of the fashion calendar, couture week is brimming with exceptional craftsmanship, intricate details and ultra-VIP guest lists. It’s intense, and yes, a little ridiculous — and Cardi B revels in the silliness of it all. Since the couture Fall 2023 shows kicked off on July 3, Miss Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar (yep, that’s her real name!) has been in on the joke, while sporting extravagant ensembles with the help of her stylist Kollin Carter.

To be fair, in a post-Doja-Cat-covered-in-Swarovski-crystals world, no outfit at couture week is really that surprising. But Cardi B has managed to push the envelope by blending clothing with performance. Favouring body-hugging bodices, feathery mania and blinged-out accessorizing, the star continues to bring her Grammy-winning artistic presence to each new ensemble. Is there anything more couture than that?

To kick off the week, the 30-year-old rapper sat front row at Schiaparelli show in a custom ensemble. She walked up the steps of the venue in a voluminous feathered cape atop a long black dress embellished with the brand’s signature gold detailing. Layered bangles were stacked on her wrists, and dangling gold-plated ears served as avant-garde earrings. Appearing particularly avian-like, she extended out her arms while posing for pictures — like a bird ready to take flight.

Photography by Getty Images

A few hours later, Cardi B attended the Thom Browne runway presentation in a new, equally campy look. Wearing a tweed suit dress with decidedly conservative tailoring, she added Cardi-esque embellishments with a gold chain link belt, a clock-shaped handbag and a towering, view-obstructing headpiece. Seated front row between Diane Keaton and Anna Wintour, the “Money” rapper emitted the aesthetic ease of a well-do-to older woman, while bringing her penchant for revealing risk-taking into the mix. And you know what? It works!

Diane Keaton, Cardi B, and Anna Wintour at Paris Haute Couture week 2023
Photography by Getty Images

Beyond publicized stops at fashion shows, her entire stay in the City of Light has been filled with couture-level fashion. On July 4, she headed out to do some light shopping in a head-to-toe Valentino catsuit and XL cape, as one does. Clearly, this is a woman who doesn’t bother conforming to trends. Minimalism is in, you say? She’ll take all the pattern-mixing, colour-blocking and exaggerated proportions she can get.

Case in point: The following day, Cardi B pulled up to the Balenciaga show in a frothy white feathered overcoat. The billowing garment was a statement in and of itself, but she later took it off to reveal the real star of the outfit: a sequin-covered bodysuit that extended into high-heeled boots (that’s right, they were on and the same). While posing with her partner Offset, her bow-shaped bag — which presumably served no real purpose, storage-wise — trailed down the Parisian sidewalk.

Photography by Getty Images

Shortly after this, she emerged in a patterned catsuit for the Jean Paul Gaultier show, complete with tattoo-like prints of suns, hands and chains. To complement the surrealist one-piece, she wore silver bangles, chunky chokers and industrial hoop earrings. As she emerged from her hotel to a crowd of photographers, Cardi B strutted slowly and twirled dramatically. From her blown-out hair to her symmetrically slit eyebrows, the look — and subsequent posing — encapsulated Cardi B’s commitment to crafting a memorable sartorial moment.

Photography by Getty Images

At this point, the artist is no stranger to going all out for the sake of fashion. Never forget the time she showed up to the 2021 AMAs in an avant-garde — if not kinda freaky — gold-plated Schiaparelli mask. At the 2023 Grammys, she offered a surrealist take on the hooded dress trend in a sculptural Gaurav Gupta Couture gown. Most recently, at this year’s star-studded Met Gala, she was arguably the best dressed after stepping out in not one or two, but four completely different outfits that all met the Karl Lagerfeld-themed dress code. Cardi B will go to great lengths for a style moment. And the Paris couture Fall 2023 shows are the greatest indication yet.

The best part? She dresses like nobody’s watching. She’s not trying to hit the most serious pose for every angle. She’s relishing in the fun of fashion while taking risks that feel true to her personality. To borrow her wording, she’s never regular, degular or schmegular. Cardi B is a fashion girl through and through.

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The Mesh Flat Is the New Face of Impractical Footwear https://fashionmagazine.com/style/trends/mesh-flats-2023/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 20:33:23 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=473020 Fashion loves nothing more than a shoe that raises eyebrows. Crocs are inexplicably in the midst of an ongoing renaissance. Margiela’s Tabis‘ unconventional split-toe design has become a cult favourite. A few months into 2023, Mschf’s Big Red Boots broke the internet thanks to their confusing cartoonish design and absurd dimensions. And now, a surprising […]

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Fashion loves nothing more than a shoe that raises eyebrows. Crocs are inexplicably in the midst of an ongoing renaissance. Margiela’s Tabis‘ unconventional split-toe design has become a cult favourite. A few months into 2023, Mschf’s Big Red Boots broke the internet thanks to their confusing cartoonish design and absurd dimensions. And now, a surprising new style has begun to reign supreme in the realm of impractical shoes: mesh flats.

RELATED: Flats Are Cute, Actually

The closest you can get to going barefoot without entirely forgoing protection, mesh flats reveal smushed-together toes and feet that look as though they are protruding from shoes. While strategically concealing and exposing the foot, they are the immediate star of any outfit thanks to their, well, weirdness. The see-through style — which is basically just the tights-as-pants fad, but for your feet — has already been dubbed “summer’s most sensual trend” because of its unapologetic commitment to putting toes on display. Simply put, it takes all the polarizing aspects of the coveted ballet flat and doubles down on them. Unsupportive soles? Probably not great in the rain? A sweat-trapping hazard? Yes to all of the above.

Logistically, mesh flats make no sense. But visually, these sleek second skins are the perfect choice for today’s It shoe sentiments. These are not the Carrie Bradshaw Manolo Blahniks of yore. In an era of recession core, the ultra-thin naked flats have become a must-have footwear trend because they are decidedly under the radar about it all.

Unsurprisingly, The Row was the first to champion the unassuming coolness of the see-through style, thanks to its fan-favourite Mesh Sock Flats. Since then, brands like Sandy Liang, Khaite, Bottega Veneta, Alaïa and more have given their take on the trend, often quickly selling out and garnering even more curiosity over the shoe that’s not quite a shoe.

In recent months, mesh flats have taken off among fashion crowds and trendsetters du jour, paired with styles of all kinds, from denim ensembles to maxi skirts. Earlier this month, a casually dressed Jennifer Lawrence was spotted in fishnet Mary Janes by Alaïa, perfectly in line with her burgeoning minimalist fashion prowess. Following that, Chrissy Teigen snapped a luxe mirror selfie in a pair of slip-ons from The Row. Most recently, Sofia Richie wore Alaïa’s bedazzled iteration to “run errands.” (Presumably the expensive kind, like getting a $23 smoothie at Erewhon.) As the ultimate antithesis of traditional towering high heels, it’s not hard to see the appeal of mesh flats. Sure, they may not be orthopedic-friendly or stain-resistant, but there’s something decidedly enticing about them.

In all its impractical glory, the flat mesh shoe is the culmination of quiet luxury. It’s understated yet refined; effortless yet put-together. It’s the shoe that couldn’t be bothered to commit to being a shoe. It’s a way of taking the straightforward, objectively simple design of the ballet flat and infusing it with intention. Whether it’s embellished with crystals and floral appliqués or made in straightforward netting or crocheted styles, the see-through flat functions first and foremost to adorn the foot in new, nonsensical ways. And nothing says It shoe more than that.

Ready to take the first step in showing your toes? (Sorry.) Styles are selling out fast, so below, FASHION rounded up the best mesh flats on the market right now for summer 2023.

 

 

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Why the Shein Influencer Trip Controversy Matters https://fashionmagazine.com/style/shein-influencer-trip/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:03:21 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=472778 One thing you probably didn’t have on your 2023 bingo card? Fast fashion giant Shein rebranding as a sustainable, ethically-minded company. After a viral influencer trip attempting to do just that, the online retailer — known for its staggering product output and shockingly low prices — has drawn even more attention to its murky behind-the-scenes […]

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One thing you probably didn’t have on your 2023 bingo card? Fast fashion giant Shein rebranding as a sustainable, ethically-minded company. After a viral influencer trip attempting to do just that, the online retailer — known for its staggering product output and shockingly low prices — has drawn even more attention to its murky behind-the-scenes practices.

RELATED: Shein Responds After Undercover Report Alleges Labour Law Violations

This past week, the Chinese company took a crop of content creators to Guangzhou, China to tour some of its warehouses. One video posted to the brand’s TikTok follows influencers as they visit the “Shein Warehouse” where garments are shipped out to buyers. It shows a guided tour through a brightly-lit factory full of pristine self-sufficient machines seamlessly transporting packages. Inspirational music plays in the background while smiling influencers discuss how impressed they are with the high-tech facility.

@shein_us

Get a glimpse of the process of how your purchases are packaged directly from our facility and delivered to your doorstep. Watch as our partners discover the cutting-edge tech that streamlines our operations and receive a hands-on experience in packaging. Stay tuned to the #SHEIN101 series to learn more of what goes on behind the scenes at #SHEIN #SHEINOnTheRoad

♬ original sound – SHEINUS

“I think my biggest takeaway from this trip is to be an independent thinker, get the facts and see it with your own two eyes,” said one of the visiting influencers, Dani Carbonari (who goes by Dani DMC), in a now-deleted video. The content creator, who has nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok, rejected reports of labour violations and waste, describing the company as “developed and complex.” She went on: “There’s a narrative fed to us in the U.S., and I’m one that always likes to be open-minded and seek the truth.”

And, at face value, she’s not wrong — it does look like a perfectly productive, almost utopian business operation. But it’s just one of the 6,000 reported factories Shein uses in China. To Sarah Jay, a sustainability advocate and founder of consulting firm All Earthlings, this is a prime example of greenwashing. She notes all the processes the tour left out, like milling, dying, cutting and sewing. “Shein also skipped the fracking of crude oil, the melting and extrusion of PET pellets [a form of polyester] into thread, the spraying of cotton fields, and numerous other toxic and gruelling fast fashion processes that have been relegated to workers in the Global South, most of whom are women,” Jay says. “Influencers were shown the tip of the fast fashion iceberg — only the very end of the supply chain — the part just before finished garments arrive at their doorsteps.”

Influencers are a key part of Shein’s business model, with nearly 11 billion views on the TikTok hashtag #SheinHaul, and two billion on videos of creators anointing themselves as proud #SheinPartners. With thousands of new items added to the site per day, the company — valued at approximately $64 billion — has reinvented the fast fashion formula by being quicker, cheaper and essentially limitless. From dresses and handbags to niche dog costumes and chicken nugget necklaces (yes, really) Shein makes practically anything you can think of.

This model is inherently unsustainable, says Taylor Brydges, a Research Principal at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney who has a decade of experience studying sustainable fashion. “Shein is putting so many garments on the market that are designed to be trendy for a fleeting moment,” she says, noting that they’re cheaply developed and often meant to be worn once. Within this production formula — which Brydges calls “ultra-fast fashion” — the retailer has come under fire for copying smaller designers, having toxic chemicals in its clothing, and lacking transparency on supply chain details.

A 2021 Public Eye report found that Shein workers in Guangzhou were paid low wages for 75-hour work weeks, with only one day off a month and no paid overtime. In 2022, U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 released Inside the Shein Machine, a documentary that sent undercover cameras to Shein factories in China. It reportedly found that workers were making 500 pieces in 24 hours and clocking up to 18-hour days. While producing high volumes to meet shipping deadlines, they were reportedly paid less than four cents per item, and if mistakes were made on a garment, workers could be docked about $14, which is two-thirds of an entire day’s pay. Most recently, on June 12, Global News released an investigation accusing Shein of producing clothes using forced labour.

Shein packages in a factory in front of garment workers
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF @PANOSPICTURES/PUBLICEYE

In another since-deleted video, Carbonari shared some of the talking points Shein gave her, including that they are “constantly auditing” their manufacturers to make sure they’re complying with labour laws and codes of conduct. But Brydges points to Shein’s self-published sustainability report, which tells a different story. In a 2021 audit, only 2 per cent of factories and warehouses met its workplace standards, with the other 98 per cent falling short. “Their own reporting is showing that their factories and the subcontractors that they’re working with are not aligning with their own codes of conduct,” says Brydges.

@ideservecouture

SHEIN script was scripting so much that I had to embody the SHEIN producer role! This SHEIN influencer trip has to be an very early April Fools joke #shein #influencertrip #fastfashion #fashiontiktok

♬ original sound – ideservecouture

Carbonari has addressed the mounting controversy, saying she should have done more research before promoting the brand. Moral of the story? Even though influencers have immense reach and, well, influence, Brydges notes it’s important to keep in mind they are not investigative journalists. And while the controversy surrounding Shein is not new information, in 2023, it’s perhaps more important than ever to keep talking about. The effects of climate change are pervasive. Garment workers are bearing the brunt of fast fashion. Not to mention, Shein just opened a warehouse in Markham, Ontario — further solidifying its presence in the Canadian market.

In light of the above, Sarah Jay feels encouraged by the controversy surrounding the Shein influencer trip. As consumers, our reactions have power when it comes to holding brands and governments accountable for greenwashing and overproduction, she explains. Her advice? “We must keep our wits about us and scratch our fashion itches with reuse, repair, and rental as often as possible.” Of course, for the average shopper, fast fashion is kinda unavoidable. But when you’re buying a top for $5, it’s admittedly easy to forget where it came from and all the work that went into making it. That’s why, in this era of shopping, awareness is invaluable.

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Rihanna Has Her Pregnancy Outfit Formula Down Pat https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/rihanna-pregnant-2023/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:30:40 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=472524 This article was originally published on June 21, 2023 and has been updated. I’m a simple gal. When I see new photos of pregnant Rihanna, I stop what I’m doing and pay my respects. Currently expecting her second child, the singer and beauty mogul is certainly not new to pushing the boundaries of maternity dressing. […]

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This article was originally published on June 21, 2023 and has been updated.

I’m a simple gal. When I see new photos of pregnant Rihanna, I stop what I’m doing and pay my respects. Currently expecting her second child, the singer and beauty mogul is certainly not new to pushing the boundaries of maternity dressing. But this time around, her outfit recipes overwhelmingly have one common secret ingredient: the teeny tiny top.

RELATED: Rihanna’s Second Pregnancy Style Watch Is Underway

At the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring 2024 show on June 20, she pulled up in an elaborate denim bra-and-pant ensemble emblazoned with pixelated camouflage. Donning ’90s makeup, layered necklaces and her baby bump on full display, the now-viral look epitomizes expectant Rihanna’s style prowess. Then on June 26, the luxury brand released its campaign for the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring 2024 collection which featured RiRi in another cropped matching ensemble. ICYMI: During her first pregnancy in 2022, she made headlines for pushing the boundaries of maternity acceptability with mini dresses, slinky separates and sheer chemises. A year and one baby later, Rihanna’s current style is still about challenging conventions of pregnancy dressing. And nowhere is this more evident than through her newfound unofficial uniform, in which fun-size tops reign supreme.

It all started with her second pregnancy announcement. When performing at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Rihanna used her costume to strategically share the news that baby number two was on the way. Sporting a blood-red breastplate by Loewe, the armour-like garment functioned as a strapless bra. Layered atop a bright skintight catsuit that accentuated her bump, the sculptural brassiere unsurprisingly sent the internet ablaze. By strategically revealing and concealing her belly, this non-verbal pregnancy declaration foreshadowed that Rihanna’s style in the coming nine months would be, once again, something to watch.

Rihanna at the Super Bowl 2023.
Photography by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

Indeed, RiRi’s second pregnancy style has been a parade of crop tops, bralettes and belly-baring baby tees. Whether she’s running errands with partner A$AP Rocky or making fashionably late entrances to high-brow industry events, she stays pretty faithful to her go-to formula. And each time, it blends seamlessly into her environment. On a dinner date in Paris back in April, she paired a humongous hooded patchwork coat and baggy cargo pants with a grey cut-off tank. A month earlier, during an even more casual outing, she fashioned her own crop top by under-tucking a preppy polo and pairing it with relaxed low-slung jeans.

This is also a technique that can be easily dressed up. During an evening out in New York City in May, Rihanna put a playful spin on the skin-baring style with a fuzzy halter and wrap skirt. That same week, she donned a leather trench done up only at the top to reveal a black bralette and micro-mini skirt, for a decidedly sexier vibe.

Photography by Getty Images

This is not to say the tiny top is all Rihanna wears. Her excessively embellished gown at the 2023 Met Gala was a riff on the traditional bridal silhouette, and April street style pictures showed her with a lengthy tube top. But it’s worth applauding the genius that lies in her oft-employed outfit recipe, ready to be reused at any time. It lets the baby bump breathe. It makes for an easier shopping experience. It allows for ample belly accessorizing. There’s an undeniable power in having a tried-and-true outfit formula, whether you’re pregnant or not. And if RiRi has shown us anything, it’s that sticking in the realm of certain sartorial parameters creates opportunities for outside-the-box experimentation.

Case in point: At the 2023 Oscars, she wore three looks that each gave a variation on her crop-top sensibilities. On the red carpet, her outfit comprised an Alaïa bra layered atop a sheer bodysuit. To perform, she donned a mesh babydoll lingerie dress with a bedazzled bra peeking through. Backstage, she was pictured in a mint green Bottega Veneta sash-like belly shirt. All styles were completely different from one another while emphasizing her maternal body in similar ways. Therein lies the beauty of opting for a non-traditional shirt.

Photography by Getty Images

With each red carpet, billboard shrine and street-style outing, Rihanna’s crop top-heavy ensembles always show her belly, while pushing back on the idea that such styles only belong on flat stomachs. Steve Jobs had his turtle necks. Karl Lagerfeld had his white ponytail and exaggerated collar. Pregnant Rihanna has her crop tops. Once again, I’m taking notes.

rihanna pregnancy style
Photography by Keizo Kitajima

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The Best, Whackiest, and Most Impractical Looks from And Just Like That… Season 2 https://fashionmagazine.com/style/and-just-like-that-season-2-fashion/ Fri, 23 Jun 2023 19:56:08 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=472655 It’s impossible to predict what kinds of outlandish outfits will come from And Just Like That… — and that’s what makes it fun. On June 22, the polarizing Sex and the City revival came back for season 2. Just two episodes in, the dramedy is already treating viewers to a feast of entertaining, surprising, and often […]

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It’s impossible to predict what kinds of outlandish outfits will come from And Just Like That… — and that’s what makes it fun. On June 22, the polarizing Sex and the City revival came back for season 2. Just two episodes in, the dramedy is already treating viewers to a feast of entertaining, surprising, and often unwearable fashion, courtesy of costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago.

RELATED: Emily in Paris Is Kinda Good, Actually

Case in point: The first episode finds the ladies headed to the Met Gala (!), the sartorial equivalent of the Super Bowl. “How did they get on the guest list?” you may be asking. And Just Like That… bothers not with such logistical explanations. Instead, it lets clothes do the talking. So far, we’ve seen: excessive accessorizing, bags that look nothing like bags, and of course, dangerously high heels on the streets of New York City.

Carrie at home in And Just Like That...
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

In this delightful flurry of collective costuming chaos, it’s easy to miss the details of individual characters’ looks. So here, we’ve gathered them for you. Buckle in: Below, we present the best, kitschiest, and most eye-catching (for better or worse) outfits from And Just Like That… season 2 so far.

Most View-Obstructing

Lisa Todd Wexley wearing a Valentino gown walking to the Met Gala in And Just Like That...
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

Some risks are just worth taking. Such was the case with Charlotte’s friend Lisa Todd Wexley and her irrefutably hazardous Met Gala outfit. The theme of the fictional ball is “Veiled Beauty” — which sounds pretty realistic, actually — and since Wexley is equal parts fabulous and fashionable, she takes the dress code to heart, wearing a spherical Valentino headpiece that covers her face. When her husband asks, “Can you see in that thing?” she promptly replies, “Who needs to see?” Anna Wintour would be proud (…or at least take notice).

Most Sustainable

Carrie in her bridal dress in And Just Like That...
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

In all her reckless shopping habits (who spends $40,000 on shoes?!), Carrie Bradshaw has long been a champion of outfit repeating. And after a tailoring catastrophe leaves her with no dress for the Met Gala, our scrappy protagonist turns to her closet. The result? Carrie dons the Vivienne Westwood wedding gown from the first Sex and the City movie, where Big infamously left her at the altar. A creative way to reimagine bridalwear, a reclamation of a painful memory, and an ode to the late designer? It’s the outfit re-wear to end them all.

Most Non-Conforming

Che Diaz in And Just Like That...
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

Say what you will about Miranda’s love interest Che Diaz (the internet certainly has), but their advocacy for their own outfit formula is undeniably admirable. In episode 1, the non-binary comedian has a debate about their fashion in their forthcoming TV show, which is based on their real life. The costume department wants them to wear an embellished blazer and a bright blue stripe in their hair. When Che says they’d rather just look like themselves in jeans and a T-shirt, they’re body-shamed. Even still, Che has courage in their convictions, insisting on wearing what makes them comfortable. Let’s be real: In this universe, advocating for just a T-shirt and jeans is kinda radical.

Most Coastal-Grandmother-Gone-Wrong

Miranda on the beach in And Just Like That...
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max

Our dear, sweet Miranda. Now living in California with Che, she’s venturing into self-discovery, dealing with her alcoholism, and finding new, fulfilling hobbies. Look no further than this laid-back ensemble she wears to clean up a public beach. Donning a tote bag, a flowy undone button-up and a pair of relaxed jeans, it’s a notable alternative from the corporate Miranda of years past. (Nothing says reinvention like a green bucket hat!) But after losing her phone on this do-gooder outing, Miranda must feverishly rummage through bags of seaweed and trash, ruining her outfit and replacing her Diane Keaton-esque ease with a worried frenzy.

Most Unwalkable

and just like that... season 2
Photography by Getty Images

Podiatrists, look away. Bradshaw’s fixation on hard-to-walk-in footwear is yet again front and centre in And Just Like That… season 2. When Charlotte comes over to her apartment in episode 1, Carrie is wearing an oversized sweater and poaching an egg in her kitchen. (“Did you know that stoves aren’t just for storage?” she quips.) It’s a decidedly practical look — so of course, it can’t last long. In the next scene, when they leave Carrie’s place to ostensibly walk Charlotte’s dog around the block, she has traded the pullover for an intricately embellished gown, a slanted chapeau, and a pair of sky-high stilettos. This ensemble? For the infamously unforgiving sidewalks of New York City? Why, Carrie, why?

Most Bird-Like

and just like that... season 2
Photograph by Getty Images

Sure, this may seem obvious. But Carrie Bradshaw is a woman of ample Avian-adjacent fashion. We had the Judith Leiber swan bag of SATC season 2. She once carried a clutch made entirely of feathers. And to the aforementioned Met Gala, she donned a striking feather decal to complement her bridal dress. The above-bedazzled pigeon clutch by JW Anderson, however, takes the cake, because it is so utterly camp. It has no straps. Instead of a zipper, its wing flaps open. With a purposely inconvenient shape, it seems it can’t carry much more than a stick of gum. Even still, as Carrie shops with it cradled in her arms, she’s blissfully unphased by the ridiculousness of it all. Perhaps no accessory is more fitting for the And Just Like That… universe.

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Overalls Are Always a Good Choice https://fashionmagazine.com/style/trends/overalls-2023/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 18:12:59 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=471862 Of all the poor decisions we can make in life, wearing overalls will never be one of them. Occupying the closets of fashionistas and farmers alike, they are the sartorial equivalent of minding your business. They don’t overpromise. They don’t mislead. As an all-in-one outfit, they reliably fulfill their purpose to make getting dressed much […]

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Of all the poor decisions we can make in life, wearing overalls will never be one of them. Occupying the closets of fashionistas and farmers alike, they are the sartorial equivalent of minding your business. They don’t overpromise. They don’t mislead. As an all-in-one outfit, they reliably fulfill their purpose to make getting dressed much easier. And though often met with trepidation, their staying power is unmatched.

RELATED: Can Capris Be Cute?

They were controversially trending last summer. In the fall, they were named one of the season’s most surprisingly “sought-after” wardrobe items. As we re-enter a new season, overalls — in their many forms — are yet again in fashion’s favour, as evidenced in recent celeb street style. Kourtney Kardashian styled a bright white pair with a graphic tee and edgy dark eye makeup. Alicia Keys wore a midriff-baring low-slung iteration with a bedazzled bralette for a party-going effect. Sydney Sweeney toned hers down with running shoes and a gingham Miu Miu baseball cap, like a true L.A. wellness girlie. Overalls even made it to the 2023 Cannes Film Festival!

So why are they still so often seen as frumpy? Maybe it’s tied to their association with working in a hot, sunny field and making crafts in kindergarten. Perhaps it goes back to the oft-repeated notion that there is such a thing as too much denim. (The Canadian tuxedo will never escape the shackles of that debate.) Or possibly — hear us out — nay-sayers just don’t get overalls.

Photography by Getty Images

Originally used as workwear for farm work and fishing, overalls have evolved countless times through the decades, beloved by all from Princess Diana to Beyoncé. They’re nestled snuggly into seminal pop culture moments, from 2000s maximalism and 2010s Tumblr-core to an array of cinematic masterpieces. They’re a staple of Meryl Streep’s hard-working, disco-dancing Donna in Mamma Mia. While she muses over money, money, money, her dark-wash dungarees add to her overworked daydreamer oeuvre. In 2022’s horror hit X, Mia Goth’s Maxine puts a sexy spin on the garment while traipsing around an eerie farm in blue eyeshadow, a red bandana and shortalls with nothing underneath. In season 1 of And Just Like That…, Carrie Bradshaw revived her love for the wardrobe staple with a grey pair and platform silver pumps. From escapist Greek islands to slasher stories to the socialite-ridden streets of NYC, overalls can fit into any setting in 2023. There’s a word for that. It’s called range!

Photography Getty Images

This, by default, makes wearing them exceptionally easy. On the one hand, the styling is already done for you. If you choose, just throw on a tube top and call it a day; overalls can make even the most minimal effort into an intentional look. On the other hand, you can make it super complicated for fun. Because they cover the traditional outfit components (pants; shirt), overalls present the opportunity to express yourself in new ways — hello, balloon sleeves and pussybow collars! True to their utilitarian origins, dungarees do the work for you by being aesthetically adaptable. Feeling particularly paternal? Slide on some New Balance sneakers, a cap and an XL T-shirt for a dad fashion moment. Channelling a feminine vibe? Pair them with ruffled high necklines, layered pearls and a floral bandana for contrasting delicate details.

All in all, what’s not to love about overalls? With no shortage of pockets for storage, they’re practical. Thanks to their longstanding presence in fashion lore à la Winona Ryder and Rachel Green, they’re dripping in ’90s nostalgia. They possess extravagant levels of roominess, but can also be cinched with a belt. Moral of the story? Overalls are great. And everyone should have a pair somewhere in their closet. Luckily, they’re encouragingly easy to find, forever in circulation at thrift stores and online second-hand platforms like Poshmark and Etsy. For more curated recommendations, find some of our favourite pairs below.

 

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It’s a Jorts Summer https://fashionmagazine.com/style/trends/jorts-summer-2023/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 20:50:30 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=472406 Every season, society inches closer to unironically ordaining Adam Sandler the fashion symbol of our time. In 2021, he was named style icon of the year by Vogue. A year later, he was hailed as a driving force behind the mainstream wave of “dad fashion.” There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about the 56-year-old’s […]

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Every season, society inches closer to unironically ordaining Adam Sandler the fashion symbol of our time. In 2021, he was named style icon of the year by Vogue. A year later, he was hailed as a driving force behind the mainstream wave of “dad fashion.” There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about the 56-year-old’s comfort-first uniform of humungous T-shirts, wraparound sunglasses and oh-so-billowy bottoms. And this summer, Sandler style appreciation can be traced back to the widespread return of jorts.

RELATED: Can Capris Be Cute?

A combination of jeans and shorts, jorts put a Sandler-esque spin on classic daisy dukes thanks to their intentionally ill-fitting appearance. Not to be confused with capris, which are more akin to cut-off pants, jorts are overgrown shorts that sit somewhere around the knee. But really, their definition is lax, just like their silhouette. With a roughly mid-length cut, a baggy, boxy form, and a fit loose enough for ample air circulation, the wide-leg garments are an elevated version of Sandler’s favoured soccer shorts. And they’re quickly becoming a summertime street-style staple.

Just ask Hailey Bieber. Over the course of one week, the Rhode skincare founder and style maven has worn two variations of seriously spacious jorts: a light-wash pair with tattered edges and a clean-cut white iteration for a monochrome outing. Both low-slung, belted and plausibly plucked from the closet of a fatherly figure, her looks felt decidedly reminiscent of something Sandler might wear. And this, in all its breathable glory, is the beauty of jorts.

Like many ’90s and 2000s-inspired trends, the garment has been returning for a while — specifically making waves (and raising eyebrows) last summer. Though once a staple of skateboarder subcultures, today, jorts have reached legendary heights. They’re all over TikTok. Alongside Bieber, fashion insiders like Bella Hadid and Emma Chamberlain are firmly in the jorts-loving camp. And Google searches for the garment are positively peaking. Sure, they’re still dubbed “terrifyingly long” and oft-described as universally controversial. But despite the ever-present flack, jorts have successfully gone from cringe to cool — and in 2023, they’re on their way to usurping micro shorts altogether.

It’s not hard to see why. Sandler aside, some Spring Summer 2023 runways flirted with jorts’ signature cuts and silhouettes. Louis Vuitton presented logomania jorts that fell below the knee. And Givenchy’s collection featured Gigi Hadid in a cargo jean skirt that, in motion, resembled shorts, inevitably setting off discourse on the denim style.

Amid the cultural reclamation of dowdy dad fashion, there’s something indescribably in-the-know about wearing an outfit reminiscent of both a retired man on vacation and an 8-year-old at Chuck E. Cheese. Both of these demographics prioritize the experience at hand, and they’re always adequately dressed for the fun day ahead. The return of jorts melds this coziness mindset with strategic styling intention. When worn with a belly-baring tube top or ribbed tank, jorts are key in the coveted little-top-big-pant combo. When sported with an equally oversized shirt, jorts are the perfect piece for an effortless androgynous ensemble. When paired with a denim top, jorts provide the ideal template for the jean experimentation du jour. Aside from sneakers, they can be styled with cowboy boots, flats and even sleek slingbacks. Jorts are for everyone — your dad included — and that’s what makes them so great.

However big, unnatural and clunkily nostalgic they may look, jorts are always doing a service. They provide comfort and they garner confusion — and that’s the sign of an outfit well-executed. With plenty of styles available on resale platforms, they’ve become a sign of fluency in thrifting. And thanks to their prominence online, plenty of retailers have crafted their own takes on the resurfaced trend. Curious? Below, FASHION curated a list of styles that are sure to make Adam Sandler proud.

 

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Doja Cat Proves Yet Again She’s the Master of Reinvention https://fashionmagazine.com/flare/celebrity/doja-cat-makeup/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 20:00:58 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=457993 This article was originally published on October 6, 2022 and has been updated.  UPDATE: On June 16, Doja Cat released “Attention,” a new track that leans into the singer’s reputation for viral beauty transformations. The lyrics quip at those who call her “ugly,” and the music video shows her covered in red paint, one of […]

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This article was originally published on October 6, 2022 and has been updated. 

UPDATE: On June 16, Doja Cat released “Attention,” a new track that leans into the singer’s reputation for viral beauty transformations. The lyrics quip at those who call her “ugly,” and the music video shows her covered in red paint, one of her most shocking looks yet. With this release, Doja Cat cryptically announced on Twitter that “Scarlet is here,” which is speculated to be a new alter ego. On Instagram, her latest beauty look shows her with blood-shot eyes, facial piercings and a decidedly edgier aesthetic. With her fourth studio album slated for later this year, Doja Cat’s penchant for transformation remains front and centre of her artistry.

 

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When it comes to makeup, Doja Cat is a woman of the world. She had her E-girl phase. She long embraced an alien aesthetic. Now, after shaving her head and eyebrows, she has entered an “I’ll try anything” era. And we’re all better for it.

To mark the start of Paris haute couture fashion week on January 23, the pop star further cemented herself as a boundary-breaking beauty icon — no catwalk necessary. Sitting front row at the Schiaparelli Spring 2023 show, Doja Cat was adorned head to toe in ruby-red Swarovski crystals. The look — which reportedly took nearly five hours to complete and involved 30,000 hand-applied gems — was created by famed makeup artist Pat McGrath, and speaks to the Planet Her singer’s multidimensional beauty prowess.

Just two days later, Doja Cat attended Viktor & Rolf show in Paris on January 25, wearing an androgynous look with false eyelashes as facial hair. Later the same day, she arrived at the Valentino show with a completely new aesthetic.

This is not the first time Doja Cat has made the front row of fashion week her creative playground. If history is any indication, it also certainly won’t be the last.

Recall, back in September 2022, when Doja Cat (quite literally) went out shining to commemorate the end of Fashion Month. At the Awake Mode show on October 4, the 27-year-old stepped out with her skin covered in a glimmering layer of gold thanks to makeup artist Laurel Charleston.

In fact, while attending events across the city, Doja Cat sported variations of sculptural eyebrows, body paint and intergalactic illustrations. To attend the Mônot show on October 1, her face was coated in white, with dark blue contouring and bright red lipstick. On her forearms, black designs mimicked the look of opera gloves.

Earlier that same day, she attended the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood show with a completely different ensemble — because, of course. Thin spikes sat in place of eyebrows and dark lightning-bolt eyeliner crept onto her nose.

As the week went on, her looks got more shocking — hence the aforementioned gold finale. For the Givenchy show, makeup artist Sophia Sinot gave her smudged black checkerboard-design lips with studs for eyebrows. To attend a party hosted by Beyoncé, the singer’s whole face became an optical illusion thanks to an expertly-placed swirling line. “After I was finished she asked me if I could sign her neck like an artist signs their work when they’re finished,” Charleston wrote on Twitter. Herein lies the genius of Doja Cat’s maquillage mantra.

Think about it: for the Grammy-winning singer, makeup is yet another way to perform. And lately, she’s been leaning heavily into this aspect of her artistry. After shaving her head and eyebrows on Instagram Live over the summer, Doja Cat has used her face as an unrestricted canvas. More and more, the singer goes against the beauty grain — from painting her own detailed facial designs to sporting a cow pattern on her head. With each new wonderfully weird look, she advocates for beauty as a means of art instead of a boring background feature.

These days, show-stopping style statements are hard to come by. With minimalist makeup routines reigning supreme and red-carpet looks often blandly replicating the runway, there’s a lack of risk-taking among celebrity beauty. Doja Cat, on the other hand, uses makeup as an accessory that’s up for interpretation and meant to garner a reaction.

Case in point: for the Balenciaga show back in October, she sported an eyeshadow look that resembled a black eye and split lip. “I think people are going to love it,” she told Vogue. “And I think that, as they do, people are also not going to love it.” But either way, Doja Cat doesn’t seem to care. The thing is, this subversive style isn’t supposed to appeal to everyone. Who can forget when Lady Gaga wore her meat dress to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards? She was ridiculed at the time, but it’s since gone down as one of the biggest moments in recent fashion history.

Of course, an important element of any memorable ensemble is the personality behind it. Doja Cat stands out not only because of the masterful creations on her skin, but the passionate energy that she carries with each design.

As we head into a new Fashion Month, we can surely expect even more surprising surrealist Doja Cat statements. By pushing against beauty boundaries and sporting thought-provoking paintings on her face, the star’s makeup aesthetic continues to be unapologetically unique. And isn’t that what art is all about? In the immortal words of TikTok: I don’t want to be pretty, I want to be iconic. If that’s Doja Cat’s mission, consider it accomplished.

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Denim Is Doing the Most These Days https://fashionmagazine.com/style/trends/denim-trends-2023/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 21:02:44 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=472252 There was once a time when denim functioned primarily as pants. But technological innovation stops for no one. And lately, the age-old textile has outgrown its humble origins to extreme extents. So we ask: What is denim in 2023? It may sound like a straightforward question. But lately, it seems no one quite knows for […]

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There was once a time when denim functioned primarily as pants. But technological innovation stops for no one. And lately, the age-old textile has outgrown its humble origins to extreme extents. So we ask: What is denim in 2023? It may sound like a straightforward question. But lately, it seems no one quite knows for sure.

RELATED: Overalls Are Always a Good Choice

At some point during recent internet history, in the midst of skinny vs. bootcut debates and low-rise-induced panic, denim has transcended the very role it was once known to play. What was traditionally a weekend uniform or casual Friday staple has been broken down, reinvented and reintroduced so many times that it’s come to be nearly unrecognizable.

In recent seasons, designers have shown reconstructed jeans through crafty silhouettes and unusual washes. Blumarine’s Spring 2023 collection was full of reimagined denim, from a cross-shaped top and studded belt to a bralette with cargo-like pockets. Diesel has been reliably demonstrating that denim can do anything, via tube tops, purses, and pointed-toe heels. This ethos has even reached luxury labels, with light-wash quilted denim bags at Chanel and backward maxi skirts at Victoria Beckham.

Photography courtesy of launchmetrics.com/spotlight

Stars, too, are propelling the absurdity of denim du jour. Since last year, Julia Fox has been the bona fide mascot for unexpected jean outfits, from a dress made of multiple waistbands to a bandeau comprised of just one. Joots—jeans and boots combined—inexplicably took off as a celeb-favourite microtrend in 2022, thanks to Kim Kardashian. At Copenhagen Fashion Week in February, influencer Nina Sandbech took denim inventiveness to a new level, turning her high-waisted jeans into a loosely-fitted turtle neck jacket. And just this week, singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock was pictured in what can only be described as oversized paint-stained jeans fashioned as an asymmetrical tube dress.

It’s perhaps no coincidence that, as new forms of denim emerge, we’re seeing unlikely alternatives to traditional bottoms. Take the recent tights-as-pants trend, which was a not-so-subtle rejection of jeans. But as fashion ebbs and flows — our expectations of pants alongside it — denim remains infallible. Why limit the fabric to being just jeans, when you can wear it as a tote, a top, a choker and more? Jacquemus used the fabric for going-out bags. Alaïa sells medium-wash mules. Some pieces on the market lean into the look of repurposed pants, with Berlin-based brand Bless offering denim ponchos, mittens and wedges — all with rivets and belt loops.

What could all this mean? For starters, it speaks to fashion’s growing “anything goes” attitudes. Any way you slice it, denim is a marker of modernity. And with the ever-accelerating volatile trend cycle, it’s impossible to pin down what that marker is. Case in point: though skinny jeans were shunned just a few years ago, they’re now resurfacing on runways yet again — alongside the aforementioned avant-garde denim designs. It’s increasingly hard to discern what’s cool, uncool, ironic or genuine — even with one of the most universally-worn garments. Today, denim is everywhere you turn, in every rise, cut and form you can think of. It’s hard to say what heights denim may reach next. But as you navigate the unconventional jean landscape of the future, ask not what denim can do for you, but what you can do for denim.

Feeling inspired to expand your repertoire? Find some jean-inspired denim pieces — from a waist-band top to a rosette choker — below.

 

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Welcome to the Jennifer Lawrence Style Renaissance https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/jennifer-lawrence-style-2023/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:11:17 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=472100 At the 2013 Oscars, pop culture hit peak Jennifer Lawrence. After her name was read from the ballot, the 22-year-old actor rushed to the stage to accept her Acadamy Award for Best Actress — only to trip and fall on her way up. Wearing a billowing tiered Dior gown, dripping in diamonds and sporting her […]

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At the 2013 Oscars, pop culture hit peak Jennifer Lawrence. After her name was read from the ballot, the 22-year-old actor rushed to the stage to accept her Acadamy Award for Best Actress — only to trip and fall on her way up. Wearing a billowing tiered Dior gown, dripping in diamonds and sporting her hair in a classic Hollywood updo, she was the image of a scrappy ingenue. After laying on the steps embarrassed for a moment, she stood up and went on to charm the world with a self-deprecating speech and interviews peppered with pithy remarks. This now-infamous tumble encapsulated what everyone loved about her: She was unpolished, funny, relatable, and kind of all over the place (in a good way). Today, Jennifer Lawrence looks a lot different.

RELATED: The Real Reason Jennifer Lawrence Wore Flip-Flops at Cannes

Since embarking on the press tour for her upcoming film No Hard Feelings, Lawrence is yet again making waves on social media. But this time, it’s not for her clumsy antics — it’s all about her mature, sophisticated style. To attend the film’s U.K. premiere on June 12, the 32-year-old wore a black Dior dress (ironically) from the label’s Fall 2023 collection with monochrome embellishments, subtle sheer detailing and opera gloves.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior
Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Earlier that day, she was spotted in London wearing a clean-cut grey asymmetrical ensemble by The Row. This minimalist aesthetic continued on June 13, when wore a Maison Alaïa white button-up dress cinched at the waist with a black belt in Madrid, Spain. Working with stylist Jamie Mizrahi, Jennifer Lawrence’s current press circuit looks are a complete 180 from her 2010s style. And that’s surely intentional.

Ten years ago, Jennifer Lawrence had zero filter, and people loved it. The Hunger Games star would photobomb on red carpets, curse in interviews and openly drink a lot at high-brow events. At the time, her red carpet looks reflected her uncontrollable rise to superstardom. She experimented with sexy sheer styles, frothy princess silhouettes and dresses with bedazzled embellishments. Though her street style was pared down and casual, there was no defined sense of where Jennifer Lawrence’s image ended and where the real her began. Her persona became a meme; she was heralded as the ultimate “cool girl” and everyone’s favourite celeb — until she wasn’t.

Photography by Getty Images

Just like Anne Hathaway before her, Jennifer Lawrence fell victim to the fickle attitudes surrounding women in the public eye. In the mid-2010s, public opinions reversed, and she was shunned for the very reasons she had been propped up. Her once-beloved quirkiness was deemed a disingenuous act. Her red carpet spontaneity was written off as annoying. Even her notorious Oscars fall was accused of being a calculated PR stunt. Lawrence’s alluring chillness was, all of a sudden, not so chill. And she could sense it. “I just think everybody had gotten sick of me. I’d gotten sick of me. It had just gotten to a point where I couldn’t do anything right,” she later told Vanity Fair, reflecting on the state of her image in 2018. So, Lawrence took a break from the spotlight. She stepped back from acting. She stopped giving interviews. She was overwhelmingly absent from public events.

During this hiatus, she emerged as a silent street style icon. The chatty, eager-to-share Jennifer Lawrence was gone, and a new image was introduced through effortlessly put-together ensembles on the sidewalks of New York City. Now a new (and understandably private) mom, Lawrence’s public “appearances” have become mostly paparazzi photos of her looking low-key, casual and relaxed. She wears slouchy layers, comfortable footwear, and practical bags. She shops The Row for staples like long skirts or dresses, oversized sweaters and breezy cut-off pants. Her rotation of accessories like sunglasses and bucket hats add to her nonchalance. After a phase in her life where she felt like she was “people-pleasing” at all times, Lawrence looks refreshed and confident. And now, this ethos extends to her red-carpet return.

As she picks back up in her career, Jennifer Lawrence seems happily reserved. In May, the star made headlines at Cannes 2023 for prioritizing comfortable shoes. During press events for No Hard Feelings, she’s worn loose-fitting button-ups, preppy accessories, and oversized co-ord sets — not unlike her easy-going street style. While still glamorous, her streamlined red carpet looks feel decidedly no frills. Through it all, there’s a sense that she’s returning to the spotlight on her own terms, with firm boundaries in place.

There’s never-ending pressure put on women to reinvent themselves in order to win back public approval. But with her renaissance, Jennifer Lawrence doesn’t seem to be pandering to anyone at all. As she re-enters the zeitgeist, her outfits are the sartorial equivalent of holding your cards close to your chest while staying true to you. In some ways, it’s the antithesis of the fateful Oscars outfit from a decade ago — and in some ways, it’s not that much different at all. Regardless, she’s dressing for herself. And in any style reinvention, that’s the most important thing.

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How to Protect Yourself This Wildfire Season https://fashionmagazine.com/beauty-grooming/skin/how-to-protect-skin-from-wildfire-smoke/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 20:49:28 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=472009 For many of us, wildfires have always felt like a faraway problem — that is, until recently. Last week, sepia skies and smog-filled air blanketed many cities as a result of raging forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario, causing widespread panic and confusion. RELATED: Feeling Existential Dread Because of Climate Change? Here’s What You […]

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For many of us, wildfires have always felt like a faraway problem — that is, until recently. Last week, sepia skies and smog-filled air blanketed many cities as a result of raging forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario, causing widespread panic and confusion.

RELATED: Feeling Existential Dread Because of Climate Change? Here’s What You Can Do

As clouds of smoke descended onto areas like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal — and past the border into Washington and New York — even those living far from the fires got a hefty dose of their hazardous effects. Deemed some of Canada’s most severe ever, the wildfires caused air quality alerts to be issued to millions and set off a general sense of foreboding. This, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to be coming to an end. As temps heat up and summer kicks off, experts are forecasting that the 2023 wildfire season could be worse than years past. While it’s hard not to feel anxious about what has been exhaustively referred to as apocalyptic circumstances, it’s increasingly important to know how to care for your body. Presenting: Your guide to navigating a smog-filled summer.

Avoid the effects of smog on the skin

“All this haze and soot and particulate matter damages the skin,” says Dr. Monica Li, a Vancouver-based dermatologist. Excess debris in the air clogs pores, leading to irritation which causes dryness, itchiness, redness, and breakouts. It can also inflame pre-existing conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. In the long run, smoke can accelerate premature signs of aging. But beyond that, it carries polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and Dr. Li notes that endured exposure to these components has been linked to skin cancer.

As such, part of protecting yourself means having a consistent skincare routine. Dr. Li recommends implementing an antioxidant into your regimen, like vitamin C serum, which can be applied after cleansing and helps reduce the oxidative stress on the skin caused by environmental aggressors. “You can apply it to the face, neck, chest and the back of the hands where you get the most direct exposure to smoke and poor air quality.” Next, she suggests gently exfoliating twice a week before bed to slough off any build-up. On an everyday basis, both your cleanser and moisturizer should be gentle and ideally fragrance-free, so as to not further irritate the skin. Look for a good moisturizer — with ingredients like lipids and ceramides — that will not only create a barrier but help strengthen the skin’s natural structure. And don’t forget the sunscreen. “People might think that when the smoke is so thick and hazy, UV rays don’t get through. But that’s not true,” says Dr. Li. Irrespective of the fog-shrouded atmosphere, be sure to wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and marked “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Take extra care of your eyes and hair

Our eyes are extremely delicate, and smoke in the air can damage their mucous membranes, causing a burning sensation, dryness, and even blurry vision. So on days when the quality is bad, don’t neglect them. Dr. Li recommends wraparound sunglasses to give you panoramic protection or simply wearing your prescription specs outside to shield the eyes.

Soot can also settle in your hair, which might cause it to lose its smooth feel and shiny appearance. When particulates coat your scalp, they can cause the skin to be inflamed — for instance, prompting those prone to dandruff to experience worsened reactions. Not to mention, the pollutants that get stuck in your hair can transfer onto your skin, causing breakouts. To prevent this, try wearing a hat and tucking your hair into a bun on hazy days to minimize exposure. And when the air quality is particularly poor, wash your hair before bed, Dr. Li advises. Otherwise, it could rub off on your pillowcase while you sleep and transfer onto the skin.

Consider protection when you get dressed

Last week, experts were recommending masks to people in areas with air pollution warnings, like Toronto. Not only do they offer lung protection — which is particularly important for people with underlying conditions like asthma and heart disease — but they also shield the face. This mindset can be applied to getting dressed.

If you’ve been out during a poor air quality day, Dr. Li advises changing once you come inside. “[Maybe have] a set of outdoor clothes and a set of indoor clothes, so you don’t transfer the debris and dirt back into the house onto sofas, linens, pillowcases, and your own skin,” she says. If you can, she suggests looking into an air purifier to clean up any excess debris in your home. When it comes to outfit selection, it’s also good to opt for fabrics that retain less particulates. Clothes made from natural fibres like cotton and wool are more likely to absorb smoke particles, so, if possible, try steering clear of those when the 2023 wildfire smog is heavy. If the weather permits, protection via long sleeves and pants is ideal. For comfortable coverage during hot summer months, lightweight clothing, like loose-fitting linen, can provide a preventative layer while allowing your skin to breathe.

Moral of the story? “Think of [creating] physical barriers,” says Dr. Li. Whether it’s wearing a hat, sporting sunglasses, using a mask, or moisturizing your skin, these coatings can prevent damage from exposure. “The air quality index can be helpful to guide decisions,” Dr. Li notes, and when the pollution is visibly thick, it’s best to avoid going outside altogether, if you can. Of course, some of these precautions aren’t always possible. The important thing is that we’re aware of them, as we brace for the continued effects of the 2023 wildfire season.

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Is Kylie Jenner Going Through a Fashion Rebrand? https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/kylie-jenner-rebrand/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:22:43 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=471430 The hold that Kylie Jenner had on teenage girls in 2016 truly cannot be understated. Sporting a stack of Cartier bracelets (at approx $7,000 a pop!), a rotating roster of neon wigs, and an impressive collection of colourful body-con dresses, Jenner was an early social media It girl. If she wasn’t posting to Instagram, she […]

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The hold that Kylie Jenner had on teenage girls in 2016 truly cannot be understated. Sporting a stack of Cartier bracelets (at approx $7,000 a pop!), a rotating roster of neon wigs, and an impressive collection of colourful body-con dresses, Jenner was an early social media It girl. If she wasn’t posting to Instagram, she was documenting her makeup on Snapchat or sharing snippets of her life via Vine (RIP) — and on each platform, millions gathered to watch. All this elusive coolness was bottled up into her novel Kylie Lip Kits, which came in distinctly of-their-time packaging, adorned by plumped lips dripping with a matte makeup substance. It was a special time in pop culture, and for many a high schooler, Jenner — nay, King Kylie — reigned supreme.

RELATED: Fashion Is Going Through a Minimalist Vibe Shift

But in 2023, things look different. Matte finishes have been traded in for glazed donut glossiness. Bright logomania has taken a back seat to quiet luxury and minimalism. And the Kardashians aren’t exactly the undisputed trendsetters they once were. Enter: a Kylie Jenner fashion rebrand.

Lately, the 25-year-old has been going through something of an image change — and the internet has noticed. On a recent trip to Paris, Jenner leaned into a black-and-white colour palette, clean lines and minimalist accessorizing. From a Bottega Veneta halter dress with pointed Lanvin pumps to a Maximilian Davis skirt suit with Chanel sling-backs, her monochrome wardrobe had surprisingly old-school silhouettes and uncharacteristically conservative tailoring. It’s a complete 180 from her 2016 style. And it’s not the only vibe shift to recently come from Jenner.

Another piece of this puzzle is her widely speculated relationship with Timothée Chalamet. It’s a pairing that seemed unlikely to some, but the evidence increasingly points to it being legit. Case in point: On June 1, paparazzi pictures — albeit of “bigfoot sighting quality” — show Chalamet and Jenner together at a barbecue (?). Because everything the Kardashian-Jenners do is shrouded in PR speculation, some view this unforeseen coupling as part of a larger intentional image refresh. And if that’s the case, it’s a trick that Jenner is especially well-versed in. She kind of needs to be.

Since Keeping Up With The Kardashians premiered in 2007 (when Jenner was just nine years old), the youngest sister’s every style era has been publicized. In 2012, she walked Sherri Hill’s tween runway in voluminous tutus and platform pumps (below). The following year, she switched gears with a California flower girl aesthetic for a collaboration with Pacsun.

Photography by Getty Images

But the advent of King Kylie — and her established individuality — can be traced back to 2014. Her lips mysteriously got plumper. She started wearing dark makeup. She embraced edgier aesthetics, with an affinity for skulls, chokers and defiant blue hair.

Photography by Getty Images

By 2015, Jenner had owned up to lip filler and launched her makeup empire, now Kylie Cosmetics. Her influence during this time period can be summed up by the highly regrettable “Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge,” which found young girls attempting to DYI the look of inflated lips. Importantly, the adoration over Jenner’s injections stood in contrast to women of colour, who have long been discriminated against for having naturally fuller lips. Still sporting futuristic bodysuits, skin-baring separates and bright hairstyles, Jenner’s pop culture prominence was arguably at an all-time high in the mid-2010s. To paraphrase Mean Girls, everyone just knew stuff about her: she really loved pomegranate seeds; she drove a matte black Range Rover; Terror Jr’s song “3 Strikes” was her unofficial anthem.

After going through a private period with the birth of her daughter Stormi in 2018, the access that defined King Kylie was gone. But over the past few years, she’s subtly surfaced a new mature taste for suited sets and minimalism. And now, along with an even more obvious style switch-up, aspects reminiscent of King Kylie are coming back too, via cheeky OOTDs and casual dancing-in-the-car videos.

After all, nothing indicates reinvention quite like a wardrobe overhaul. Anne Hathaway’s refreshed outfit formula quickly cemented her as a fashion icon. Zendaya’s transformation after partnering with Law Roach made her a defining red-carpet star. And of course, Sofia Richie Grainge is now firmly in the zeitgeist thanks to her unmistakably “old money” style.

Jenner, it seems, gets this. She has always been good at switching things up, and she’s at it yet again. We may never relive the quintessential cool factor that made 2016 so magical. But her wholehearted embrace of a new era feels very King Kylie indeed.

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The Latest Trailer for And Just Like That… Season 2 Is Here https://fashionmagazine.com/style/and-just-like-that-season-2/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:04:33 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=463274 This article was originally published on January 12, 2023 and has been updated.  Prepare yourself: the latest trailer for And Just Like That… season 2 is out and it’s displaying its whimsical costuming chaos for all to see. You never know what the future might bring… #AndJustLikeThat premieres June 22 on Max. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/lAD5tLuaNe — […]

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This article was originally published on January 12, 2023 and has been updated. 

Prepare yourself: the latest trailer for And Just Like That… season 2 is out and it’s displaying its whimsical costuming chaos for all to see.

Written and directed by Michael Patrick King, HBO’s buzzy Sex and the City reboot follows main characters Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) alongside new friends as they navigate life in their 50s. To much fan surprise, it turns out Samantha Jones will also be making a cameo in the upcoming season. On May 31, Variety reported that Kim Cattrall will reprise the role yet again for one scene in the finale, in which she’ll have a phone conversation with Carrie. (When filming, she reportedly didn’t see or speak with her co-workers.) A win nonetheless!

Despite some significant changes (like the absence of Samantha), the revival stays true to the aesthetic essentials of the original series. A hyper-romanticized portrayal of New York City? Check. Regular Sunday morning brunch dates? Check. Unapologetically off-kilter fashion? Check, check, check. And the wacky wardrobe is all thanks to costume designer duo Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago.

Season 2 will premiere on June 22, and in it, the famous trio will be reunited with season 1 newcomers, reportedly including Che (Sara Ramirez) Seema (Sarita Choudhury), Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) and Nya (Karen Pittman). If the street style photos are any indication, the new iteration is still honouring its nonsensical sartorial roots — and nodding to SATC’s most dramatic plot points. Enter: Aidan.

That’s right, Carrie’s on-again-off-again beau, played by John Corbett, is coming back to insight even more internet debate and bewilderment. And from the looks of things, it’s more than just a brief cameo. On January 13 (a.k.a Friday the 13th), the series’ official Instagram account released a photo of the pair walking hand-in-hand (in the middle of the street!) so as to make a theatrical announcement of their romantic reunion. Since then, Corbett has been spotted on set at a restaurant with the ladies and window shopping with Parker. Cozied-up strolls and brunching together… are Carrie and Aidan end game?!

Along with puzzling storyline twists, ample behind-the-scenes pictures show Parker traipsing around in signature Carrie Bradshaw style. Most recently, on January 31, she was spotted wearing a micro-mini Fendi baguette bag as a necklace (practical!). Before that, back in October, there were viral photos of Parker clutching an all-too-realistic pigeon bag by JW Anderson while shooting. (This is a shocking pivot from Carrie’s hatred for the Judith Leiber swan bag that Mr. Big gave her in Sex and the City season 2, but no matter.) To make up for the outfit’s lack of on-the-go storage, her jumpsuit was complemented by yet another teeny Fendi bag, this time as an ankle accessory. All in all, each new costume sneak peek has been a little amuse-bouche for a season undoubtedly filled with loveably questionable fashion.

 

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On January 9, Parker was pictured in a brightly coordinated turquoise and fuchsia get-up (below). Choudhury, whose confident character has become a fan-favourite addition to the group, was spotted wearing a hooded golden gown with painted pin-up bangs and shimmery eyeshadow. The opulent look can only suggest season 2 will be filled with drama, and as it turns out, the show has been foreshadowing this type of theatricality for months.

Photography by Getty Images

The tail end of 2022 was filled with chaotic sneak peeks from the upcoming season of And Just Like That…. We saw Charlotte wearing a top hat, a hot pink blazer, and a bustle skirt adorned with bold stripes. We saw Lisa (Charlotte’s mom friend) donning a custom Valentino frock with a towering feathered headpiece. We saw Carrie sporting a reflective polka-dot dress with an oversized bow, fuchsia jacket and two gold hair bows sitting atop her heavily teased hair.

For those who are watching purely for nostalgia, it appears season 2 will offer some sentimental sartorial moments, too. In November, on-set photos showed Carrie in a reimagined version of the Vivienne Westwood wedding dress she wore in the first Sex and the City movie. Other behind-the-scenes shots imply that there will be another sidewalk burglary reminiscent of Carrie’s stolen Fendi baguette bag. The victim this time? Seema and her Birkin.

As these photographic tidbits make their way onto social media, they’ve been met with mixed reactions and skepticism. Is the fashion so over-the-top it’s become bad? Are the showrunners trying too hard? Has And Just Like That… become a lacklustre version of its iconic predecessor? To all of the above, we argue this: The best thing about this franchise is its campy costuming.

With a tendency to wear birds on her head and belts around her bare midriff, Carrie and her clothing choices were never rooted in practicality. Whether she’s stopping the show or just stopping traffic, her enduring reverence for her wardrobe is refreshing. With And Just Like That… season 2, we’re once again gifted that type of street-style nonsense from every angle.

As the characters experiment with their looks — Carrie finds new ways to incorporate birds into her outfits, Miranda’s androgynous wardrobe is more feminine as she explores her queerness, Charlotte is now coordinating with her dog — And Just Like That… champions the message that women can have fun with their styles at any age. Above all, the series knows it looks ridiculous, and, like the show that came before it, it happily leans into that reputation.

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Can Capris Be Cute? https://fashionmagazine.com/style/trends/capri-pants-2023/ Wed, 31 May 2023 20:46:05 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=471214 They say the only way forward is to never look back. But if fashion’s revolving door of widely hated trends is any indication, the true key to innovation is by pushing through what pains you. In other words: The future is here, and it’s full of chock full of capri pants. RELATED: How to Style […]

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They say the only way forward is to never look back. But if fashion’s revolving door of widely hated trends is any indication, the true key to innovation is by pushing through what pains you. In other words: The future is here, and it’s full of chock full of capri pants.

RELATED: How to Style Low-Rise Jeans This Spring

You can thank/blame celebrities. Earlier in May, Jennifer Lawrence made headlines in New York City after wearing a baggy pinstripe button-down with equally XL capri pants from The Row and a pair of ballet flats. A few months earlier, Halsey attended the Givenchy Fall/Winter 2023 show in a lime green bra and a pair of low-slung cropped cargos, putting a dramatic take on the tiny-top big-bottom trend. We’d be remiss not to mention Bella Hadid, whose trend-transcending wardrobe has long included bottoms that are cropped just so. With each new street-style look, stars are spreading the redemption of capris like a virtual virus. And…we fear we’re ill.

In their truest form, capris hit a few inches below the knee. But the general concept of cropped slacks takes many shapes and sizes, from flowy culottes to Bermuda shorts. With each not-quite-a-pant design, a baseline level of contempt is baked into it. For one, capris are the prime vehicle for controversial skirt-over-pants styling. Not to mention, they have a history of coming exclusively in low-rise iterations — a scary flashback that most of us don’t want to relive. On top of it all, some people have come to see capris as inherently unflattering, awkward and just plain irredeemable.

Like other oft-vilified trends (tube tops; bloomers; cargo shorts) their mere presence elicits questions. The main one being, why? Why not commit to full-length trousers or a pair of decisive jorts? Why fall somewhere so ambiguously in the middle? In their defence, capris were in fact created for a functional purpose. (Can those Big Red Boots say the same?) Their first iteration dates back to the late 1940s, when designer Sonja de Lennart was walking on a beach in Capri, Italy, and cut off the bottom of her pants so as to not get them wet. This scientific alteration stood the test of time — (support women in STEM!) — with variations of cropped pants popularized by icons of the ’50s like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. In the ’90s, capris made a return in slim, fitted styles before getting bigger and baggier through the 2000s. To further reinforce their status as a controversial noughties design, they became a staple in Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe, before fading into the realm of outdated dressing.

Ashley Tisdale (Photography by Getty Images)

Today, perhaps the thought of capris jolts you back to sitting awkwardly in a middle school classroom, fresh off a department store shopping spree with your mom. Or maybe the capri return is a welcome go-ahead to dress like Ashley Tisdale and Beyoncé on the lawless red carpets of the early 2000s. However you choose to view it, though, capris are coming back in all iterations. Chanel has been championing cropped pants for a few seasons. Dua Lipa’s recent viral Versace collection was peppered with colourful just-below-the-knee pants. Capri enthusiasm is thriving on TikTok, too, where cropped trousers of all kinds are worn with gleeful abandon. Sheer lace pants with a disco ball belt. Calf-length slacks accentuated by a string. Faded jean gauchos that theatrically billow about. Turns out, 2023’s capris dial up the quirkiness of their predecessors.

Wearing capris today is taken as a challenge to sartorial risk-takers. They’re sported by It girls like Devon Lee Carlson. They’re the in-the-know uniform for niche fashion fanatics at a Chloë Sevigny closet sale. They’re intentionally “controversial,” and that’s kinda what makes them cool. Above all, perhaps their return can be chalked up to much-needed practicality. At this point, we’ve withstood short shorts, micro minis and ditching pants altogether. It’s undeniably refreshing to have alternative warm-weather bottoms that feel like substantial clothing.

@luvjessicablair

capris are actually cute! there i said it #styling

♬ original sound – jess

Think about it: there are many reasons to wear capris. Actually, don’t think! Simply slip on your cropped pants and scamper out the door. Are you cosplaying Marilyn Monroe? Are you channelling Britney Spears on an MTV red carpet? Are you honouring your twelve-year-old self? That’s for you to know, and others to endlessly theorize about. Embrace the utter mystique of the three-quarter length slacks, and understand that you look cool doing it. In the needlessly cryptic words of TikTok, “I’m all for capris, if you know what I mean.

Not sure where to start with the 2023 trend? From Barbiecore to business casual, below are our top picks for easing back into capri pants.

 

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In Succession, Did Tom Have the Most Important Style All Along? https://fashionmagazine.com/style/tom-succession/ Tue, 30 May 2023 20:13:43 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=471090 Warning: Spoilers for the Succession finale ahead. Throughout the four turbulent seasons of Succession, viewers are trained not to think much of Tom Wambsgans. Played by Matthew Macfadyen, the weakling husband to Shiv Roy and puppet leader of ATN is a textbook hanger-on; always aligning with whoever is at the helm of Waystar Royco and […]

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Warning: Spoilers for the Succession finale ahead.

Throughout the four turbulent seasons of Succession, viewers are trained not to think much of Tom Wambsgans. Played by Matthew Macfadyen, the weakling husband to Shiv Roy and puppet leader of ATN is a textbook hanger-on; always aligning with whoever is at the helm of Waystar Royco and seemingly void of any morals of his own. He’s not a force, he’s a follower. This is why, when he is named U.S. CEO of Waystar in the series finale, it comes as quite a shock. But this ending may have been under our noses all along. Look no further than his style.

RELATED: Succession Has Mastered the Art of Quiet Luxury

From the onset, one thing is clear about Tom: he likes nice things. And in a show that is intentionally lowkey about fashion, he talks about clothes a lot. As someone who wasn’t born into one-per-center wealth like the Roys, he broadcasts his expensive taste in an effort to assert his status. When he mocks the “ludicrously capacious” bag worn by cousin Greg’s date in episode 1 of season 4, he remarks on how it’s an indicator of not having money. (“What’s even in there? Flat shoes for the subway? Her lunch pail?”) Similarly, he’s always coming after Greg’s outfit choices for looking out of place. But in the same way that Greg is Tom’s personal punchline, Tom’s clothes have long been the butt of the joke to Shiv and the other Roy kids.

Photography courtesy of HBO

Tom’s style is built on posturing, costume designer Michelle Matland told The Ringer. And the Roys can tell. “No one else in the family will look at the price tag. They will buy something because they can afford it, and they love it, they like it, whatever,” she said. “Tom doesn’t know what quality is, it’s not part of his history. Money equals quality to him.” Along with shelling out as much cash as possible, he sweats the small details, wearing pocket squares, suspenders and impeccably polished shoes. This approval-seeking style is heightened by an over-enthusiastic assurance that he’s always “here to serve.” To the Roys, though, it’s a symbol of his ineptitude. In the early seasons, Roman criticizes his boxy suits and overly puffed vests for being giveaways of desperation. More recently, in season 4, Shiv ridicules his pristinely white sneakers, telling him they’re “why people don’t take you seriously.” But with this overly-agreeable persona, he’s able to effectively masks his ambitions.

The other Succession characters’ motives are easily gleaned through their clothes. Kendall is dressed to emulate, then defy, then usurp his dad. Shiv’s corporate wardrobe rehaul mirrors her intention to become CEO. Roman’s unchanging uniform shows how he doesn’t care to impress anyone, since he was born with all the status he’ll ever need. Conversely, in Tom’s painstaking precision, he has positioned himself as a faceless suit that can bend any which way the powers that be demand. He’s dressed to take orders, and this is no coincidence.

Photography courtesy of HBO

In season 1, Matland describes Tom as “a bit of a robot.” He’s loyal to the Roy family and their unethical antics — specifically when it comes to Shiv, who holds all the power in their relationship. But his efforts to be accepted through carefully coordinated co-ords — like pocket squares and ties — further establish his outsider status, which is reinforced by Shiv’s mistreatment of him. In season 3, after being repeatedly thrown under the bus by his wife, Tom betrays her by jumping ship to Logan’s camp despite the siblings working against their dad. His uniform when doing so? A relaxed cream Ralph Lauren linen suit, a crisp white button-up and a statement purple pocket square. He emits luxury, excess and distinct proximity to power. It’s in this unforeseen coup that he looks the most Tom he’s ever looked.

Tom Succession
Photography courtesy of HBO

In season 4, with Logan out of the picture, his marriage to Shiv in peril, and the siblings grasping for the top company spot, Tom’s appeasing strategy kicks into high gear. In the eighth episode, he washes his hands of ATN’s decision to unfairly announce fascist candidate Jeryd Mencken as president — despite being the “boss” of the network — because it’s what Kendall and Roman want. He looks particularly boisterous for an all-nighter at work, wearing a yellow tie against a striped shirt. His dress shoes are even remarked upon for being a little too fancy (and uncomfortable) for the gruelling occasion. But for Tom, this finery is armour.

Photography courtesy of HBO

Similarly, in the final episode, he listens attentively as Lukas Matsson divulges his attraction to (and possible intention to sleep with) Shiv, as if she’s not Tom’s wife. Matsson sits relaxed, his fuzzy multicoloured sweater providing ample coziness. Tom, by contrast, embodies an eager employee, leaning forward in a sterile suit and barely flinching at Matsson’s disrespect. In this scene, Matsson sees that Tom would never push back on him, making him the perfect CEO to control.

Photography courtesy of HBO

Time and time again, Tom’s perpetual “poser” identity has made him an easy-to-mock target. But because of it, he has stayed shrouded in mystery. Who is he? What does he want? Where does he come from? What is he capable of? We never really know, and in the end, that’s his biggest selling point.

Photography courtesy of HBO

After being appointed the new Waystar CEO, Tom looks more comfortable than ever in his corporate costume. Wearing a tailored suit and a tie so tight it could cut circulation, he’s the antithesis of the ever-eccentric Matsson in a burnt orange turtle neck. It’s clear what this relationship is: Matsson pulling the strings with Tom as the manicured frontman. Tom doesn’t have real power, he has the illusion of power. And he’s been dressing for that the whole time.

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How to Achieve the Quiet Luxury Look On a Budget https://fashionmagazine.com/style/quiet-luxury-brands/ Mon, 29 May 2023 15:00:18 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=468598 This article was originally published on April 12, 2023 and has been updated.  The ultimate billionaire perk? Dressing like you just don’t care. Call it recession core, call it the old money aesthetic, call it straight-up basic — lately, “quiet luxury” has been everywhere. RELATED: The Beauty in Succession Is More Intentional Than You Think Succession characters wear […]

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This article was originally published on April 12, 2023 and has been updated. 

The ultimate billionaire perk? Dressing like you just don’t care. Call it recession core, call it the old money aesthetic, call it straight-up basic — lately, “quiet luxury” has been everywhere.

RELATED: The Beauty in Succession Is More Intentional Than You Think

Succession characters wear exclusively discreetly exorbitant clothes. Gwyneth Paltrow’s skiing accident courtroom fiasco doubled as a master class in stealth wealth. Recent runways have been leaning further into refined minimalism. Practical and sensible, yet painfully expensive, quiet luxury is bare-bones dressing void of labels and flashy embellishments. The antithesis of Barbiecore’s audacious oeuvre — it’s muted, toned-down, and always low-key. In this dimension, a $2,890 USD Burberry check carrier is profane. But a logo-less Celine leather tote? Pure class, baby!

Thing is, when you’re that well off, you don’t really want to draw attention to your wealth. At the core of quiet luxury is a sartorial language that only those in the know can speak; a way for the ultra-rich to separate themselves from the gaudy nouveau riche, and, of course, all us other plebeians. But why not beat the billionaires at their own game? Confuse them with a sea of minimalist ensembles and luxe anonymity! These days, emulating an Olsen twin is more in vogue than ever.

For those of us who don’t have north of $800 to spend on a baseball cap, performing stealth wealth is actually quite achievable. Embedded in this laid-back look is a “buy less, buy better” ethos, revolving around investing in capsule pieces that can be maintained sans constant closet overhauls. The viral quiet luxury style, as exclusive as it sounds, is actually about democratizing unattainable pillars of a wealthy lifestyle. Obviously, no one should feel like they have to pretend to be rich, but it’s admittedly fun to cosplay as a covert nepo baby. Not to mention, it’s pretty easy!

Rule number one: you must always look comfortable. Think matching knitted sets, cozy cardigans, and breezy slacks. Key to embodying this moneyed minimalism is opting for earth tones and basic silhouettes without statement details from quiet luxury brands. Luckily, plenty of affordable retailers specialize in just that. Why pay $1,240 for a short-sleeve button-down from The Row when you can get a near-identical piece from COS for a sliver of the price? Other widely available staples include a neutral trench, a crisp tee, tailored pants, and a versatile — read: muted — bag. Footwear should be equally unremarkable. No big Big Red Boots here! We’re talking flats, Mary Janes, Chelsea boots and kitten-heel slingbacks. Jewellery can be subtle studs, a sleek timepiece, or better yet, none at all.

Wealth and fashion have always been inherently intertwined. Above all, sporting the quiet luxury aesthetic implies being generally at peace with things. You’re not stressing about the humdrum of everyday life — like, say, what you’re going to wear. Instead, you emit an air of nonchalance, communicating that you are perpetually relaxed. This is a privilege that not everyone has. But we can certainly dress like we do.

Looking to build your own quiet luxury wardrobe on a budget? Read on for our top picks from quiet luxury brands that won’t break the bank.

 

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In Succession, Shiv Roy’s Style Is About Suppression https://fashionmagazine.com/style/shiv-roy-succession/ Mon, 29 May 2023 14:46:54 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=467965 Of all the questionably dressed and terribly behaved characters in Succession, nobody has undergone appearance-based scrutiny quite like Shiv Roy. The youngest child and sole daughter in the Roy family, played by Sarah Snook, has become the sartorial centrepiece of the HBO drama, which doubles as a case study of the ultra-rich. As she and […]

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Of all the questionably dressed and terribly behaved characters in Succession, nobody has undergone appearance-based scrutiny quite like Shiv Roy.

The youngest child and sole daughter in the Roy family, played by Sarah Snook, has become the sartorial centrepiece of the HBO drama, which doubles as a case study of the ultra-rich. As she and her brothers fight for power within the media conglomerate Waystor Royco helmed by their father Logan Roy (Brian Cox), her tailored suits, neutral colour palette and streamlined silhouettes have become a standard uniform, inexplicably void of personal expression.

RELATED: Succession Has Mastered the Art of Quiet Luxury

Case in point: the fourth and final season of Succession premiered on March 26, and Shiv Roy spent the episode in a simple brown pantsuit. More specifically, costume designer Michelle Matland put her in a blazer layered atop a bodysuit and drawstring pants. As it turns out, this subdued look is the culmination of Shiv’s rocky emotional arch.

Photography by Claudette Barius/HBO

Back in season 1, Shiv is the outlier of the Roy children. She’s working for a progressive political campaign and has seemingly no interest in the family business. Her long, wavy red hair complements her warm autumnal wardrobe, and she wears oversized sweaters, ponchos and statement patterns.

Photography by Peter Kramer/HBO

When she does dress up, it’s similarly lax: partly buttoned-down blouses for corporate attire and pin-up vintage hairstyles with bold lips for high-brow family events. Day-to-day, her penchant for soft hues and comfortable fabrics make up a distinctly informal — if not sometimes messy — personal style. At this point, she seems to be the only one in the family with morals, and unlike her brothers, her appearance is peppered with personal touches. Until it isn’t.

Photography by Peter Kramer/HBO

Succession season 2 sees Shiv Roy go from looking vaguely approachable to utterly untouchable. She’s now in the running to take over her father’s billion-dollar business, and this newfound corporate competitiveness is mirrored in her outward expression. Her loose waves are chopped into an angular bob. Her shapeless sweaters are traded for chic turtlenecks and monochrome grey pantsuits. Although decidedly muted, her clothes get more expensive as she opts for Ralph Lauren, MaxMara and Armani. She’s competing as a woman in a male-dominated environment, and with her gender deemed a downside by her father, there’s an intentional touch of masculinity infused into her wardrobe.

Succession season 2
Photography by Zach Dilgard/HBO

As the story progresses, her style mimics the show’s air of cutthroat ambition. There’s an antiseptic bluish tinge that covers the corporate office environments. Everything feels cold, washed out and uncomfortable. When it comes to fashion, any mark of personal expression is seen as a weakness. (A recognizable brand logo or pattern is basically blasphemy.) The point is not to stand out, but to suppress. And this is evident with Shiv’s constant belittling of her husband, Tom, who does not come from the same generational wealth. The more she rises through the ranks of Waystar, the worse this relationship becomes.

Photography by Peter Kramer/HBO

Take season 3, when Shiv is deep in vicious family-business conflicts. Her monotonous suits act as an armour of strength, but her inner dissatisfaction emerges in notable moments. While in Italy for her mother’s wedding, for instance, Shiv looks purposely out of character in a revealing turquoise halter dress. “Through her clothing, she is not-so-silently signalling her sexuality and frustration with her relationship to Tom,” Matland told W. And by the end of the season, Tom betrays her by telling Logan about her plans to form a coup against him.

Photography courtesy of HBO

Cut to season 4, and Shiv Roy is arguably the most miserable — and powerful — version of herself yet. In episode 1, she and her brothers win a tense bidding war against their father over a major acquisition. It’s a business triumph, yes. But deep down, Shiv is unhappy.

From afar, the aforementioned brown outfit fits her impenetrable powerful image. But thanks to details like an expandable waistband and stretchy top, it’s a little different. Towards the end of the episode, Shiv reveals she doesn’t have access to her full closet because she’s staying in a hotel while separated from her husband. When she briefly goes home to pick up some clothes, she trades her blazer for a creamy white cardigan as she and Tom agree that their marriage is over for good. This cozy garment is something season 4 Shiv would likely never wear at work, but in a moment of private vulnerability, her soft side comes out.

Succession season 4
Photography by Macall B. Polay/HBO

As she enters season 4 battling against her father and feeling more alone than ever, Shiv Roy’s sense of style is vague, forgettable and purposely elusive. To her, personal expression doesn’t matter, because people don’t really matter.

Is there any redemption for Shiv yet? We’ll have to keep watching to find out.

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In Succession, Kendall Roy’s Style Has Always Been an Act https://fashionmagazine.com/style/kendall-roy-style-succession/ Fri, 26 May 2023 20:12:09 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=470978 Nothing is ever really right in Succession, but these days, the air feels particularly ominous. Waystar’s future is uncertain. Sibling rivalries are reaching a fever pitch. And democracy is in a state of peril thanks to an impending fascist president. As the series finale approaches on May 28, the question of who will become CEO […]

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Nothing is ever really right in Succession, but these days, the air feels particularly ominous. Waystar’s future is uncertain. Sibling rivalries are reaching a fever pitch. And democracy is in a state of peril thanks to an impending fascist president. As the series finale approaches on May 28, the question of who will become CEO is weighing heavier than ever. In spite of it all, Kendall Roy seems to be — for the first time thriving. And his style evolution reflects it.

RELATED: The Subtle Flex of Kendall Roy’s Baseball Caps

Jeremy Strong Succession
Photography by Macall Polay/HBO

When we’re introduced to the second-eldest Roy sibling (portrayed by Jeremy Strong) in season 1, he looks like he’s playing dress-up. Wearing a fitted suit and tie, he sits in the backseat of a chauffeured Mercedes Benz blasting music on his headphones and aggressively punching the seat in front of him. As he pumps himself up to act like a corporate boss, the effect is that of a nervous boy-turned-king. Although armed in a well-tailored outfit, the worry in his eyes give him away: Kendall is out of his depth. And this is a theme for him.

Jeremy Strong in Succession
Photography by Craig Blankenhorn/HBO

Kendall’s central conflict in Succession is that he overestimates his abilities, particularly in trying (and failing) to beat his dad. Consequently, his clothes play into his veneer. From his penchant for Tom Ford jackets to his collection of exorbitant baseball caps, Kendall values high-end labels, costume designer Michelle Matland told Vogue, because they help him define who he is. But over the course of the show, it’s obvious that Kendall isn’t quite sure. This is evident in season 1, after a series of failed coup attempts. At Shiv’s wedding, Kendall embarks on a search for drugs, resulting in him inadvertently killing a waiter. His toxic dependence on his dad only intensifies after revealing to him what he’s done. Logan likes when Kendall is weak, and this is ammunition.

Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong in Succesion
Photography by Peter Kramer/HBO

Throughout the following seasons, Kendall’s changing appearance reflects his tumultuous mental state. In season 3, he’s the most unstable yet. Struggling with addiction, ridden with guilt, and feeling generally incapable, he’s no longer vying to emulate the boardroom uniform of his father. His hair gets shorter and patchier, resulting in an inevitable buzz cut. This reflects his split from his dad, said Angel De Angelis, the head hairstylist for Succession, to Coveteur.

Photography by Graeme Hunter/HBO

But even when he’s working against Logan, he’s constantly at war with the independent “woke” visionary he wants to be and the love-seeking neglected son that he is. He values street-style staples like baseball caps, fresh kicks, bomber jackets, and chains, but even his most casual pieces aren’t listed below a few hundred dollars. He’s forever trying to align himself with the culture, without really knowing what it is.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HBO

The mission to prove himself comes across in his relentless efforts to “go big.” When he rapped at his dad’s 50th work anniversary in season 2 (“L to the O G” ring a bell?), he wore a Logan Roy–themed baseball jersey. When he threw himself an absolutely unhinged birthday bash in season 3, he donned a bright green Prada turtle neck, a Gucci bomber, and an ostentatious gold chain. Most recently, while fudging the numbers of Waystar’s “Living Plus” program in a presentation to investors, Kendall took the stage in a custom Tom Cruise-inspired flight jacket. With nearly everything he wears, he’s playing pretend.

Photography by Macall B. Polay/HBO

And yet, in the fourth and final season, Kendall looks more confident than ever. In episode 5, the opening scene recreates his season 1 car-ride introduction. He’s still sitting in the backseat of a window-tinted car, but this time, the music plays on the radio while he nonchalantly scrolls through his phone. His eyes are shielded by sunglasses, and his dress shirt has a few buttons undone and no tie. He looks relaxed and decidedly at ease.

 

Now, Kendall is planted firmly against his dad — a stance that only gets easier after Logan passes. With the patriarch out of the picture, Kendall is no longer trying to please him, he’s becoming him. In the last few episodes alone, he’s manipulated an emotionally unstable Roman, he’s backstabbed his siblings, and he’s threatened to take his kids (who he never sees) away from his ex-wife. Logan would surely be proud.

Jeremy Strong Succession
Photography by Macall Polay/HBO

But his transformation into the image of a true cut-throat CEO takes place in episode 9. Arriving at Logan’s funeral in a Loro Piana cashmere herringbone overcoat — priced at a humble $8,895 — he’s dressed to take the thrown. After Roman chokes at the podium, Kendall steps in and saves the day, delivering a speech rich with imagery of rebirth. Afterwards, while divulging his plans to screw the GoJo deal and “rule the world,” his collar is popped just so, asserting dominance and emphasizing his newfound severity.

Jeremyt Strong
Photography by Macall Polay/HBO

Kendall has never been known as the smartest person in the room. But the must-have trait of a CEO, as evidenced by Logan, is not necessarily being the best, it’s the art of acting like you are. As the future head of Waystar hangs in the air, Kendall’s dressing charade has not ended. He’s still pretending. It’s just that now, he also seems to have himself convinced. That may be all it takes.

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The Exposed Bra Trend Is Officially Back https://fashionmagazine.com/style/trends/exposed-bra-cannes/ Wed, 24 May 2023 20:19:50 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=470762 All good outfits should make you sort of wonder, “Was this actually intentional?” And lately, the fashion world is brimming with statements so audacious they look almost accidental. We’ve seen our fair share of peek-a-boo thongs. We’ve weathered the pantless party. What’s next? Honouring an age-old outfit malfunction: the exposed bra. RELATED: I Tried Wearing […]

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All good outfits should make you sort of wonder, “Was this actually intentional?” And lately, the fashion world is brimming with statements so audacious they look almost accidental. We’ve seen our fair share of peek-a-boo thongs. We’ve weathered the pantless party. What’s next? Honouring an age-old outfit malfunction: the exposed bra.

RELATED: I Tried Wearing Tights As Pants

Purposely showing off one’s brassiere is not exactly an emblem of high fashion. On the contrary, it garners assumptions of an ill-fitted top, a layering oversight, and to some, a plain lack of taste. It’s different than wearing a sheer blouse atop a dark bralette, which can be decidedly refined. It’s more chaotic than using a bra as a top, which somehow looks extra purposeful and thus acceptable. The unfortunate crux of the peering-out bandeau is that it evokes a certain immaturity — that of wrangling with your first bra. Think: The eager middle schooler, fresh off a La Senza shopping spree, ready to flaunt their bedazzled neon trainer. Or Cady Heron, desperate to establish her newfound popularity in Mean Girls, sporting a pleather tube dress accentuated by offensively bright straps. In the mainstream zeitgeist of 2023, there’s something embarrassingly naive embedded in the image of an exposed bra. But it seems that’s starting to change.

The polarizing styling choice is set to be a defining summer trend, and we have the Cannes Film Festival to thank. Over on the French Riviera, A-list stars are loudly and proudly emerging with their own takes on bra-strap couture. Scarlett Johansson’s Prada number gave the illusion of a strapless baby pink column with a white bra poking forth. Days earlier, Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney wore a pale Miu Miu negligée with decidedly darker straps peeping through.

Over the course of the week, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley channelled movie star glamour in Fendi couture featuring a bedazzled brassiere, model Cindy Bruna chose a multicoloured Vivienne Westwood frock with an exposed corset, and Elsa Hosk wore a surrealist Viktor & Rolf slanted ballgown revealing nude undergarment boning. To revisit the aforementioned question: Yes, each of these risqué bra slips is indeed intentional. And at Cannes, that’s saying something.

Photography by Getty Images for Chopard

This is not a public school dance, nor Cady Heron’s ill-fated house party. An esteemed annual destination for the upper crust of Hollywood, the red carpets of Cannes are known for demanding decorum. (Read: heels are an unspoken requirement and selfies are a no-no). With so many attendees opting to expose their underthings, it begs the question: Are the tides on this maligned style finally turning?

The evidence overwhelmingly points to “yes.” On-display bras resurfaced on the Fall 2022 runways by the likes of Bottega Veneta and Versace. On the red carpet, Lily James was an early adopter (or offender, depending on who you ask) of the reimagined trend. In February 2023, she donned a bright green Miu Miu dress with a white bra strap flagrantly sitting front and centre of her back. The look was met with befuddlement (see below). But it was a harbinger of unfazed undergarment exposures to come.

To naysayers, the look is an emblem of garish Y2K style. But what is “tackiness,” anyway, if not a celebration of taking risks? Love it or hate it, the exposed bra is a marker of personal style. Amy Winehouse repeatedly rocked contrasting straps against sultry body-con dresses in the aughts. Nicki Minaj’s visible hot pink bras were an inextricable part of her signature bubblegum Barbie persona through the 2000s and early 2010s. And Carrie Bradshaw — fervent rejecter of subtlety — famously loved to show off her bras in her outfits on Sex and the City, and that’s part of what makes her a style icon.

As the controversial trend gains revitalized attention on contemporary red carpets, it has been met with mixed reactions. But in truth, the exposed bra carries with it all the makings of a great fashion statement: a little mystique, a lot of boldness, and most importantly, a healthy dose of confusion.

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Why Is The Idol So Controversial? https://fashionmagazine.com/flare/tv-movies/the-idol-controversy/ Tue, 23 May 2023 20:13:33 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=470691 Is all press really good press? After premiering with a bang on the French Riviera, The Idol would argue oui. At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival on May 22, HBO’s upcoming series made a momentous debut with opulent red-carpet fashion followed by a five-minute standing ovation. But as its release date fast approaches, alarming rumours […]

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Is all press really good press? After premiering with a bang on the French Riviera, The Idol would argue oui. At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival on May 22, HBO’s upcoming series made a momentous debut with opulent red-carpet fashion followed by a five-minute standing ovation. But as its release date fast approaches, alarming rumours surrounding the show have only intensified. Here’s what you should know about The Idol controversy.

What is The Idol about?

Created by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), his producing partner Reza Fahim, and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, The Idol is positioned as a cautionary tale about showbiz and the seedy underbelly of Hollywood. It centres on Jocelyn, a troubled pop star played by Lily-Rose Depp, who gets entangled with Tesfaye’s predatory cult leader character, Tedros. Also starring in the show are Dan Levy, Troye Sivan, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Blackpink’s Jennie Ruby Jane and Hari Nef. Starting June 4, the six-episode series will be available on HBO. New episodes will drop every Sunday, meaning The Idol is following in the footsteps of HBO’s previous internet-dominating hits like Succession, The White Lotus, and Euphoria, which all had the coveted Sunday night streaming spot. In other words, it’s going to be big.

The Idol promotional poster
Photography courtesy of HBO

What’s the controversy around The Idol?

It all started in April 2022, when it was revealed that director Amy Seimetz was dropping out of the project after roughly 80 per cent of it was finished and a rumoured $54 to 75 million had been spent. Following the announcement of a creative overhaul, HBO appointed Levinson as The Idol’s new director — and he reportedly scrapped the entire thing. There was no one clear reason given for this change, but reports claim that Tesfaye felt the show was leaning too much into a “female perspective.”

The underlying air of uncertainty surrounding its production came to a fever pitch in March 2023 when Rolling Stone released an exposé about the troubling on-set culture and the script’s descent into chaos, at the hands of Levinson. After interviewing 13 members of the cast and crew, the publication reported that the director watered down the show’s message by “dialling up the disturbing sexual content and nudity.” As a result, sources claimed that the show romanticizes abuse, with some describing it as a “rape fantasy” and “torture porn.”

Photography by Eddy Chen/HBO

Essentially, what was originally a story about the trappings of fame and the exploitation of women was weakened to “a show about a man who gets to abuse this woman and she loves it,” as one source told Rolling Stone. Notably, HBO and the stars of the show have since pushed back on these claims. Depp released a statement to Rolling Stone praising Levinson as a director, while Tesfaye took a more public approach, tweeting a clip from the show in which his character calls the publication “irrelevant.” Cut to nearly three months in the future: incoming reviews of The Idol seem to align with Rolling Stone’s claims (but more on that later).

What’s Sam Levinson’s deal?

For starters, being provocative is kind of his whole shtick. After a meteoric rise to fame following Euphoria’s trendsetting success, the director’s work has been increasingly scrutinized. Even loyal Euphoria fans tend to have a fraught relationship with Levinson, as his storytelling style on the show has been criticized for exploiting trauma, over-sexualizing women (who are playing teenagers), and pushing triggering mental health content. Along with its beloved trance-inducing cinematography and escapist energy, Euphoria has also garnered a reputation for blurring the boundaries of what is ethical. And now, The Idol is being called a more extreme version of that.

What are critics saying about The Idol?

Ahead of its release, reviews are doubling down on murmurs of The Idol’s on-screen messiness. Vulture, for instance, cites “porn-adjacent” sex scenes, reductive writing and nearly constant nudity or partial nudity from Depp’s Jocelyn, while the male characters remain fully clothed. As the backlash ramps up, so too does the buzz — and perhaps that’s the point. At a press conference in Cannes, when asked about how he avoided taking sex scenes too far, Levinson reportedly replied, “Sometimes, things that might be revolutionary are taken too far.” Later, he revealed that after reading the scathing Rolling Stone feature, he felt assured that The Idol would be “the biggest show of the summer.”

Photography by Eddy Chen/HBO

So, what can viewers expect from The Idol?

Hyper-aestheticized storytelling is Sam Levinson’s calling card…so lots of that. After all, Euphoria’s undeniable influence is first and foremost rooted in kaleidoscopic visuals and a hypnotic soundtrack. Regardless of the show’s writing letdowns, it has always delivered irresistibly watchable vibes. Already brimming with tantalizing fashion and hazy imagery, it seems The Idol and its plot-point extremities are set to follow the same winning formula. Will it be successful? Should it be? Only time will tell.

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Anne Hathaway and Zendaya Are a Match Made in Fashion Heaven https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/anne-hathaway-zendaya/ Wed, 17 May 2023 20:14:53 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=470422 How does one describe the perfect wine and cheese pairing? The subtle coolness of intentionally mismatched socks? The right sunglasses that pull an entire outfit together? That’s how I feel about Anne Hathaway and Zendaya. RELATED: Is Anyone Thriving More Than Anne Hathaway Right Now? On May 16, the two actors attended a Bulgari event […]

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How does one describe the perfect wine and cheese pairing? The subtle coolness of intentionally mismatched socks? The right sunglasses that pull an entire outfit together? That’s how I feel about Anne Hathaway and Zendaya.

RELATED: Is Anyone Thriving More Than Anne Hathaway Right Now?

On May 16, the two actors attended a Bulgari event in Venice, Italy alongside fellow brand ambassadors Priyanka Chopra and Blackpink’s Lisa. Celebrating the luxury label’s new Mediterranea High Jewelry collection, the four women (unsurprisingly) stunned in luxe accessories and designer gowns. But something about Zendaya and Hathaway, specifically, felt like sartorial serendipity.

Hathaway wore a Versace chainmail gold-to-silver ombré dress with a removable hood, platform heels (because of course), and a necklace with statement pink gemstones. Zendaya emerged in a custom black Richard Quinn mermaid gown, featuring off-the-shoulder draping and accessorized with a diamond snake Bulgari choker. Both dramatic in completely different ways, the pair were a picture of visual harmony. Hathaway’s ornate, sultry vibe complemented Zendaya’s regal, elegant aesthetic. Seated next to each other, they nearly broke the internet. And it’s not hard to see why.

If you were to tell me three years ago that Anne Hathaway and Zendaya would become a coveted pop culture pairing, my movie-and-TV-obsessed mind would protest. Mary Jane Watson and Andy Sachs? Rue Bennett and Mia Thermopolis?! Historically speaking, the two haven’t exactly existed in the same cinematic universe. And yet, every now and again stars align (literally) to produce an unforeseen source of dual celebrity fashion inspiration. With their unique style statuses firmly on the rise, it’s suddenly clear that no two A-listers are currently more in sync.

Think about it: Both Hathaway and Zendaya have undergone major transformations into bona fide It Girls. Going from Disney darling to fashion front row, Zendaya has established a reputation for reinvention. With the help of image architect Law Roach, she coordinates with co-stars, tailors outfits to match movie themes, and always gives the world something new to talk about. Similarly, since 2021, Hathaway has transcended her scrutinized publicly-imposed “good girl” archetype to an image of individuality and risk-taking, thanks to her stylist Erin Walsh. In May 2022, she solidified her title as a new red carpet icon, with FASHION‘s Fashion News Director Annika Lautens noting that “she (finally) isn’t afraid to take risks.” Hence the hooded chainmail dress.

But at the May 16 Bulgari event, the duo’s satisfyingly contrasting outfits weren’t the only standout aspects of their appearances. It’s their respective sparks of self-assurance that offered the ultimate coordination. Just look at the videos of Zendaya and Hathaway giving the exact same energy while posing alone at different times. Individually? Masters of confidence and personal style. Together? A joint slay.

This is not the first occasion Zendaya and Anne (…Annedaya?) have shared undeniable chemistry. Around this time last year, the starlets stunned in a promotional short film for Bulgari. In the two-and-a-half-minute clip, they can be seen walking succinctly side-by-side, dancing freely in slow motion, and leaning into one another to gaze upon the Italian scenery. As a viewing experience, it is cinematic joy. And now, it’s clear it was but a teaser for the fashion feast to come.

 

Of course, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway aren’t the first unexpected friendship to serve collaborative style prowess. There was an array of looks from Tilda Swinton and Timothée Chalamet at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. The world saw Shania Twain and Harry Styles wear matching sequins at 2022’s Coachella. More recently, we’ve been blessed with red-carpet coordination from The Last of Us co-stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Time and time again, these special duos complement one another while staying true to themselves.

What’s next for Hathaway and Zendaya, you ask? We can only hope for a full-length feature film in the future. (I mean, can you imagine the method dressing?) Regardless of what they get up to together, with their signature confidence, they’ll always be well suited.

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Halle Bailey, The Little Mermaid, and the Art of Method Dressing https://fashionmagazine.com/flare/celebrity/halle-bailey-the-little-mermaid-method-dressing/ Tue, 16 May 2023 20:49:12 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=470333 Is Halle Bailey the real-life Ariel? Lately, it feels entirely possible. In light of Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, starring Bailey as the underwater princess, the singer’s outfits have exclusively channelled oceanic imagery, siren aesthetics, and underwater dreaminess. Through this fashion worldbuilding, she has blurred the lines between reality and mythology — […]

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Is Halle Bailey the real-life Ariel? Lately, it feels entirely possible. In light of Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, starring Bailey as the underwater princess, the singer’s outfits have exclusively channelled oceanic imagery, siren aesthetics, and underwater dreaminess. Through this fashion worldbuilding, she has blurred the lines between reality and mythology — even kicking off mermaidcore, the micro trend of the summer. And it’s all because of one masterful styling trick: method dressing.

RELATED: What Is Mermaidcore?

Halle Bailey Little Mermaid
Photography by Getty Images

When we hear a celeb is going “method,” we can have an unsavoury impression of what that means. The controversial technique is known for seeing an actor throw themselves fully into a role, on and off camera. Think Jared Leto reportedly sending his castmates unwelcome gifts in the name of playing the Joker, or Lady Gaga adopting an Italian accent and living in character for 18 months while filming House of Gucci. Method dressing, on the other hand, is innocuous (and impressive), because it involves submerging oneself into a role using only clothes and accessories. At its core, method dressing is when actors take aspects of a film — like the plot, the scenery, and the characters — and apply them to their red-carpet or street-style ensembles. Simply put, it’s sartorial storytelling at its finest.

Case in point: Ahead of The Little Mermaid‘s premiere on May 26, Bailey has stuck to an array of Ariel-approved ensembles. When performing on American Idol, she donned a custom Michael Fausto mermaid silhouette, inspired by the Disney princess herself. At the UK premiere, her Miss Sohee look had a subtle tail shape and an ornate beaded headpiece. A week earlier, she went viral in a metallic number from Valdrin Sahiti, featuring a shell-like bra and corseted bodice resembling splashing water. When attending the premiere in Mexico City, she emerged in a Georges Chakvra pearl-embellished dress, her billowing skirt made with netted detailing.

This under-the-sea oeuvre is nothing if not intentional. It’s a narrative that Bailey’s stylist, Nicky Good, has been crafting for months. At the Oscars, Bailey sported a gauzy blue Dolce & Gabbana princess ballgown before slipping into a sculptural Maison Yeya after-party dress reminiscent of flowing water. At the Met Gala, her white Gucci cape garnered comparisons to sea foam, coral, and jellyfish tendrils. Of course, with each new look, hype for the film has only grown. Herein lies the tried-and-true power of method dressing.

Zendaya and image architect Law Roach have long been masters of this pr strategy. Over the years, Roach has weaved references into Zendaya’s red-carpet looks when promoting a new project. Take Spider-Man: No Way Home. To the premiere in 2021, Zendaya wore a custom Valentino gown with spider web embroidery and a superhero eye mask. At another screening, she sported an Alexander McQueen suit jacket dripping with crystal web detailing and statement spider-web earrings.

In advance of 2017’s The Greatest Showman, Zendaya wore exuberant colour blocking that referenced the circus setting, while her suited ensembles channelled a ringmaster. For 2021’s Dune, each of her showstopping get-ups paid homage to the sci-fi universe, from her character’s uniform to the desert of the fictional planet Arrakis.

The beauty of this technique? It allows the actor to establish a defining career era in line with each respective project. Exhibit A: Jenna Ortega has been faithful to goth aesthetics since starring in Netflix’s Wednesday, making her basically synonymous with the character. Then there’s Zoë Kravitz, who reliably stunned in sleek leather trenches as well as bat and cat motifs to mark her role as the elusive Catwoman in 2022’s The Batman.

Unlike method acting — which can cause stars to get stuck in the fictional mind of the person they’re playing — method dressing flourishes on the premise of reinvention. When promoting 2015’s Cinderella, Lily James embraced a princess-style alter ego with voluminous ballgowns and glass slippers. Cut to 2022: She had a decidedly sexier look to promote her role as Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy, even cosplaying the ’90s icon in a Baywatch swimsuit-inspired dress.

But perhaps some of the best method dressing of all time took place surrounding the Maleficent series. Starring Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora and Angelina Jolie as the titular witch, the leading duo consistently mirrored their starkly contrasting aesthetics. At the 2019 premiere, Fanning wore a Gucci fairytale-like design emblazoned with droplets of blood — a reference to the tale of Sleeping Beauty pricking her finger. The same night, Jolie opted for a severe Versace gown with a scorpion brooch, evoking unmistakable sorceress imagery. In dressing as polar opposites, they brought the film to life.

Ultimately, method dressing sees stars skillfully play up their roles without assuming the entire personality of the character, making it all the more interesting. As for whether Halle Bailey really is an undercover mermaid? It’s still up for debate. She certainly looks the part, though. And that’s the whole point.

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Hailey and Justin Bieber Are Committed to Not Matching https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/hailey-justin-bieber-style/ Fri, 12 May 2023 20:48:21 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=470233 It’s hard to be a celebrity in a relationship, I assume. Your dating timeline is basically public knowledge. Slightly humiliating monikers like “Bennifer” and “Tay-Squared” are unavoidable. And your street style as a couple is treated as a marker of your compatibility. But Hailey and Justin Bieber — in all their mismatched glory — don’t […]

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It’s hard to be a celebrity in a relationship, I assume. Your dating timeline is basically public knowledge. Slightly humiliating monikers like “Bennifer” and “Tay-Squared” are unavoidable. And your street style as a couple is treated as a marker of your compatibility. But Hailey and Justin Bieber — in all their mismatched glory — don’t seem phased by this.

RELATED: Is Hailey Bieber 2023’s Audrey Hepburn?

The famous couple, who tied the knot in 2018, are frequently photographed out and about looking like they’re going to different parties. Hailey leans form-fitting and polished, while Justin is reliably dressed down and baggy. It’s almost as if they purposely skew as far as they can from one another when getting dressed. And you know what? It works.

Case in point: The pair is currently in New York City, and their sartorial contradictions are on full display. On a May 10 dinner date, Hailey went full Matrix fashion in a leather maxi and bralette with pointed heels. Justin, on the other hand, wore a white tank, low-slung jeans and worker boots. This seems not like a simple vibe difference, but a deeper commitment to being so visually contrary that the untrained eye would think, “Hm, I wonder why these two strangers are holding hands.”

Said dress code conundrum was the case yet again on a date night in April. Hailey’s ensemble? Pointed-toe heels, chic sheer tights and a halter LBD. Justin’s? Sweatshirt, baseball cap, and slides, if we’re being generous (but slippers if we’re being serious).

It was the same deal a few months back, at the grand opening of OBB Studios in Los Angeles. Mrs. Bieber was decked out in Schiaparelli couture with gold accessories, while her husband was in paint-stained jeans, a Drew House sweater and a pink beanie.

At this point, this sort of outright outfitting confusion is part of the couple’s style DNA. Historians will tell you that back in 2021, on a much-publicized outing in Paris, Hailey Bieber dazzled in a pink Miu Miu cocktail dress while Justin donned a slouchy red hoodie. Moral of the story? They almost never look in sync, and maybe that’s the point.

The garments worn by Hollywood couples tend to be taken as symbols of synchronicty. Tom Holland has a “Z” emblazoned on certain pairs of pants, which fans speculate is an understated ode to Zendaya. More alarmingly, Machine Gun Kelly accessorized with a vial of Megan Fox’s blood around his neck during their courtship. But Hailey and Justin Bieber take a decidedly different approach: dedicated inconsistency. Olivia Broussard (@olivialayne6) recently went viral on TikTok pointing out this phenomenon. “Is one of them overdressed or is the other one underdressed?” Broussard mused, flashing a series of photos of the duo on screen. “I cannot tell by looking at these outfits.”

There are, as with everything in life, exceptions to this pattern. Sometimes, the Biebers will appear delightfully harmonious. Take their recent outing in L.A., where they both sported baggy jeans, a staple of low-effort, versatile dressing. Hailey completed her look with kitten heels and a crop top, while Justin went for a hoodie and sneakers. Here, despite their differences, the pair were decidedly in equilibrium. But this is not usually the case.

More often than not, Hailey is dressed to the nines while Justin looks unbothered and relaxed. She’ll wear a luxe Saint Laurent fur coat, and he’ll be in bug-eye sunnies and patterns layered with reckless abandon. For them, that’s normal. And sure, it’s a little jarring. She’s giving high-fashion, he’s giving Adam Sandler with a jar of pickles. But perhaps their drastically different dressing methods signal two partners that are secure in their relationship. They’re wearing what they want, and not judging one another for it.

Photography by Getty Images

What’s the purpose of painstakingly coordinating with your significant other, anyhow? To present an image of unity to the world? To convince onlookers that you’re on the same page? The Biebers, and all their incongruous outfits, take this notion and flip it on its head. What’s next for these two and their contrasting street styles? I’m not sure. But in all likelihood, nothing will make sense. And I’ll love it.

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Gerri Is the Silent Style Star in Succession https://fashionmagazine.com/style/gerri-succession-style/ Tue, 09 May 2023 19:40:10 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=469985 In a business where people are used as pawns and it pays to look out for only yourself, Gerri Kellman from Succession is terrifyingly good at her job. RELATED: Succession Gives Mourning Attire a Whole New Meaning As the longtime exec and general counsel to the late patriarch Logan Roy, Gerri (played by J. Smith-Cameron) regularly puts up […]

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In a business where people are used as pawns and it pays to look out for only yourself, Gerri Kellman from Succession is terrifyingly good at her job.

RELATED: Succession Gives Mourning Attire a Whole New Meaning

As the longtime exec and general counsel to the late patriarch Logan Roy, Gerri (played by J. Smith-Cameron) regularly puts up with the Roy kids’ entitlement while wading through endless boardroom shenanigans. Both expertly conniving and deceivingly comforting, she’s a pivotal player in the billion-dollar company, but she also remains strategically on the sidelines. Key to her success is her unwavering corporate decorum. In other words: Wardrobe-wise, she has long relied on subdued, by-the-books professionalism. But in season 4, Gerri is taking a new approach.

Succession J. Smith-Cameron
Photography by Peter Kramer/HBO

At the start of Succession, Gerri is befitted in her own corporate protective gear comprising figure-concealing skirt suits, dark-rimmed glasses and modest strings of pearls. If not pulled back into a matronly updo, her hair lays in a semi-grown-out bob. This is in line with her motives: She’s always trying to stay on safe footing. As an older woman in a position of power, she walks a fine (sexist) line between getting taken seriously and being written off. Through it all, Gerri’s steady outfit choices have been symbolic of her efforts not to rock the boat.

Succession J. Smith-Cameron
Photography by Peter Kramer/HBO

This somewhat dowdy dressing is not to be confused with her powerful — surprisingly salacious — role at Waystar RoyCo. Case in point: As season 2 sees her sexual tension with Roman Roy progress, she maintains her own best interest, viewing their back-and-forth as an unorthodox business partnership. But when Roman takes things too far by sending her explicit pictures, he endangers her job and betrays her trust. This serves as a reminder that although she may be more qualified than them, Gerri doesn’t have the luxuries of being born into the business, as the Roy children do. “She’s got to be super careful,” Smith-Cameron told Vogue. “And so [in season 4], too, I had to be sort of cold-blooded at times.” Her wardrobe reflects that.

Succession J. smith-cameron
Photography by Macall B. Polay/HBO

Gerri has long dressed to communicate that she’s an asset; never a threat. And this approach has worked, until recently. As her position is increasingly called into question, Gerri’s quest for power is more evident than ever.

In episode 3 of this season, she goes to Connor’s wedding in a monochrome grey skirt suit with a hat fastened onto the side of her head, à la Kate Middleton. She stands out in a sea of black and white, her look more imposing than usual with a statement belt and a chunky necklace. It goes against her sartorial strategy of subtlety, and that’s kind of the point. She’s feeling uncertain in her position at Waystar, so she’s using fashion to grasp status. This same day, Gerri learns that Logan plans to fire her. In the episodes since — after Logan Roy passes — we see her style evolve even more.

Succession J. Smith Cameron
Photography by David Russell/HBO

She starts wearing more revealing dresses, chunky jewelry, and her (now considerably longer) hair in a blowout. Her silhouettes are looser and more fluid instead of buttoned-up and structured. To Logan’s wake reception, she dons a plunging neckline with a gold chain-link necklace to complement her sleek gold-rimmed glasses. There’s a sense that now, with the vicious oligarch out of the picture, Gerri isn’t dressing to appease anymore.

Succession J. Smith-Cameron
Photography by Macall B. Polay/HBO

This assertion of power culminates in episode 7, when Roman tries to backtrack on his brutal firing of her from the previous episode. He comes to Gerri looking to make amends because, per usual, he needs her advice. But instead of feigning professionalism, she tells Roman she’s “out” completely. She adds that she’ll be asking for “eye-watering sums” of money from Waystar. And if anyone tries to undermine her? Her threat: “I will sue, and I will go public with the many, many pictures of your genitalia that I have in my possession. Have I made myself clear?” Using Roman’s inappropriate advances against him, while sporting her new look — a sleek dress and loosely curled blond locks — Gerri has never looked more confident.

Succession
Photography by David M. Russell/HBO

Part of Gerri’s charm is how real she feels. She’s a “nervous wreck,” Smith-Cameron told The New York Times, and this sometimes shows in her appearance, from her frazzled flyaways to her wildly out-of-place wedding outfit. But there’s something cool, calm, and collected about her that only progresses as season 4 unfolds. One thing that has always been clear: Regardless of what she wears, Gerri is competent and capable. That’s more than can be said about the Roy children.

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Is Princess Anne the Best-Dressed Royal? https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/princess-anne-style/ Fri, 05 May 2023 20:34:16 +0000 https://fashionmagazine.com/?p=469849 When we talk about fashion in the Royal Family, we tend to focus on Princess Diana, the Duchess of Sussex, the Princess of Wales, and Queen Elizabeth II. But there’s one unsung hero of this famous sartorial lineup. Ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6, we must discuss the style legacy […]

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When we talk about fashion in the Royal Family, we tend to focus on Princess Diana, the Duchess of Sussex, the Princess of Wales, and Queen Elizabeth II. But there’s one unsung hero of this famous sartorial lineup. Ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6, we must discuss the style legacy of Princess Anne.

RELATED: Kate Middleton’s Decade of Style and the Soft Power in Her Fashion Choices

Who is Princess Anne, you say? We don’t fault you for asking. Daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and sister to King Charles, she is known as the hardest-working, often overshadowed royal. Seventy-two years old with no retirement plans in sight, Princess Anne reportedly worked 214 engagements last year, compared to King Charles’s 181. Over the decades, she has witnessed the evolving monarchy first-hand with a famously tough sensibility (she once faced off an armed would-be kidnapper), a reserved demeanour (shocking, right?) and a signature dry sense of humour. Oh, and she loves horses. All of this can be mirrored in her no-nonsense, ever-put-together style. And this week, in a rare CBC interview, Princess Anne hinted at her winning approach to getting dressed: She’d prefer simply not to think about it.

King Charles’s coronation is a once-a-generation event shrouded in sartorial anticipation. But Princess Anne’s outfit choice — her military uniform — couldn’t be more self-explanatory. The Royal revealed to CBC that she’ll be reprising the ceremonial role of Gold-Stick-in-Waiting at the historic event, adding that such a position solves her “dress problem,” as she’ll be donning traditional regalia. “This is so on-brand,” writes Tamara Abraham in The Telegraph. “It’s not like the Princess Royal to make a fuss about her wardrobe — it’s a problem to be fixed, rather than a creative opportunity.”

As her appearance indicates, Princess Anne seems always focused on the task at hand. Look no further than her stacked resumé. At 39, she was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. She was the first British Royal to compete in the Olympics, having ridden in the three-day equestrian at the 1976 Montreal Games. With the reputation of being somewhat of a rebel, she forewent royal titles for her children, Zara and Peter, in an effort to give them a more normal upbringing.

Similarly, at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne made history when she accompanied the coffin alongside only men, dressed in a military uniform and pink lipstick. With this tribute, she reportedly became the first royal woman to walk in such a procession. All of this to say: Anne is sort of a fashion icon hiding in plain sight.

As a reliable worker in the Royal Family, Princess Anne often sidesteps salacious headlines. With a practical, utilitarian, and sometimes sporty style, she’s perhaps the greatest personification of the rumoured royal “never explain, never complain” mantra. But that’s not to say what she wears is boring. In fact, it’s pretty daring.

Travelling sans stylist on royal tours, Princess Anne is not known for following trends or overhauling her wardrobe each season. She has established a reputation for re-wearing outfits, often changing accessories or styling the same look slightly differently decades later. She stays true to her tomboyish tendencies, which have not always been applauded. In 1973, when Princess Anne famously wore a linen pantsuit to go to the theatre — paired with blue eyeshadow, we might add — it was reportedly seen as controversial for a woman in the Royal Family.

Even still, a frequent inspiration in Princess Anne’s wardrobe is her equestrian career, donning traditional, timeless, and impeccably tailored suiting. She’s also a fan of bright colour blocking and playful patterns — think: pink houndstooth, vibrant polka dots, exaggerated florals and geometric shapes. She has a penchant for statement details like oversized collars, fanciful ruffles and extravagant headpieces. Switching between androgynous utilitarianism and refined glamour, Princess Anne’s under-the-radar dressing legacy is the epitome of personal style.

Vogue notes that her outfits reflect her position as one of the family’s most “progressive thinkers,” having put her own spin on the era-defining fashion of the ’60s and ’70s. Whether she’s dressed up or pared down, her style remains direct, unwavering and entirely certain of itself. This is an invaluable skill to have in the Royal Family.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best looks from Princess Anne over the years.

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