Developed an addiction to wakesurfing? Signed up for a package at a climbing gym? Among those who throng the newly opened section of the Rail Corridor and the rest of Singapore’s splendid nature trails, parks and reserves regularly? The collections here are for those who reply no to any (or all) of the above, but would love to look the part.
Presented via the Gus Van Sant-lensed, seven-part miniseries dubbed Ouverture of Something That Never Ended, the Italian label’s latest collection (in stores from this month) eschews specific trends, seasons and gender to “awaken a world of interpretive possibilities”. Well, how about this for an NFL fantasy from captain Alessandro Michele: retro-kissed tracksuits, and cropped jersey tees and hoodies printed with his day of birth (25), the brand’s founding year (1921) and the word “eschatology” (a branch of theology concerned with the destiny of humankind)? Pair with denim for a style touchdown.
With key themes including the very Ghesquiere-ian term “tech romanticism” and “energetic sportswear”, this concise collection offers a bold proposition to comfort dressing. Expect roomy bermudas, anoraks and track pants, and long-sleeved logo tees in colour blocking so striking, they’d be hard to miss: bright blue with bordeaux; candy pink with purple; lemon yellow with lime green. The romance comes through in broderie anglaise blouses and ’60s-style dresses meant to be mixed-and-matched with the athleisure-esque separates, resulting in an irreverence suited for yet another after-dark activity: nightclubbing.
The English maison has always been synonymous with the outdoors – founder Thomas Burberry invented the water-repellent fabric gabardine and subsequently the trench coat. This season, creative director Riccardo Tisci made over similarly utilitarian staples such as parkas and field jackets with romantic floral and animal prints, coupled with broderie anglaise details – all in a nod to nature. And for something a little more playful: Boy Scout-style shirts in juicy hues and adorned with graphic patches.
Demna Gvasalia took fashion’s recent flirtations with AR to the next level with the creation of a virtual game. Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow (watch a video of it on videogame.balenciaga.com) takes avatars through scenarios that aren’t so much outdoorsy as they are out-of-this-world. Among them: an exploration of a dilapidated city, and a hike up a mountain where a contemporary Joan of Arc yanks a sword out from a rock.
Naturally, the avatars are dressed suitably Demna-style, which means armoured boots (available for sale in limited quantities); futuristic oversized coats with retro Nasa logos; and multi-functional garments one might find handy in the wilderness. Think a blanket that becomes a hooded cape, and a parka that can double as a duffel bag.
Girly girls looking to infuse a dose of athletic cool into their wardrobes might be inclined to browse the American powerhouse’s Pre-fall collection. Besides a host of country chic staples (think broderie anglaise pinafore tops and shorts with scalloped hems), executive creative director Stuart Vevers has introduced a series of almost anti-trendy sportswear pieces such as bra tops, tights and track jackets in classic navy, red and white. Accessories like pastel-hued monogram bucket hats and vintage-style sneakers are equally charming and the idea is to mix them all together for equal parts pretty and practical. Your outfit for your Botanic Gardens jaunt is sorted.
What do future-proof fundamentals big on uncluttered silhouettes – many of which are crafted in buttery soft (and upcycled) leather – have in common with what one wears for ballerina bod training? Admittedly not much – save for how they too make for ample and elegant ease of movement. Imbued with a hint of sportiness, the collection’s relaxed tailoring and roomy maxi skirts and dresses offer both sophistication and the comfort one yearns for post-gym. And we guess one can always work out in the timelessly cool knit tank tops?
The starting point for the maison’s Pre-fall collection was an elegant leopard print trench coat designed by founder Monsieur Dior in the ’50s, but creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri added to it a massive pop sensibility, taking inspiration from the likes of Blackpink and Andy Warhol’s psychedelia to ’70s fashion icon Elio Fiorucci. Translated onto anoraks and track separates as much as party dresses, the result is one of MGC’s liveliest offerings perfect for the times. As she puts it: “We desire something that gives us energy. Something completely different.” How’s that for some wellness guru speak?
This article first appeared in the May 2021 Lust For Life edition of FEMALE