Designer bag names can be a hassle to remember sometimes. JW Anderson has a knack for coming up with the most practical bag names at Loewe. There’s the Gate shoulder bag (named for its distinctive side latched metallic pin hardware). Then there’s the Puzzle bag (dubbed so for its jigsaws of leather patches). So there are no prizes for guessing the inspiration of its latest bag, the Cushion. First launched earlier this year during the brand’s collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza, this tote collection ($1,450-$3,700) takes its cues from the leather cushions that Loewe designed for its homeware line. Comprising two cuboid-shaped sizes (34.5 cm x 25 cm x 19 cm and 38 cm x 25 cm x 30 cm), this latest update sees the bags ditching their original printed canvas design for a luxurious minimalist finish in grained calf leather that shows off the maison’s leather expertise. Roomy, pared-down and versatile, the Cushion’s latest update cranks up the practicality factor even more.
Longchamp’s newest sneakers, the Freeminder, has all the makings of a street style hit. Cue the chunky ‘Frankensneaker’ soles and the riot of mixed media and colours for the designs. Among the standouts are a monochrome pair that combines python- and croco-printed calfskin uppers and another pair with orange calfskin uppers and beige orange that’s contrasted with black snakeskin-printed heel notch. The kicks ($625-$810) get extra points for their thoughtful lace design which is made up of a no-tie elastic lace. What that means: You can fasten your shoes with a quick pull of its bamboo-shaped toggle, in the same way you’d tighten the bands on parka and windbreakers.
Kylie Jenner may have the conquered the matte look with her lip looks, but there is a chicer way to inject this anti-gloss movement into your style. Dior has just launched its range of bags in ultra-matte black calfskin for the Lady Dior, the Saddle and Diorama families. With their intense dark finish and smooth texture, these bags boast a more contemporary and subtle appeal. Told you that this matte look is way more sophisticated than the one Kylie champions.
From left: Lady Dior tote, $6,400. Saddle waist pouch, $1,600. Diorama shoulder bag, $5,400
Meet the Lego of demi jewellery. The new Alta Capture collection by British jewellery label Monica Vinader is made up of large clasping chain link pieces that allow the wearer to either add on or remove the individual links on bracelets, necklaces and earrings. This playful concept means you can customise these gold-vermeiled sterling silver pieces with a myriad of combinations. Think a pair of earrings made with an uneven number of chain links on each side, or a bracelet made up of chain links in alternate colours like yellow gold and white gold. And for those who want to soften the industrial look of the pieces, there are more than 200 different charms you can always add on to your jewellery.
Bucket hats have gone the way of the sneakers game in that they’re just everywhere. But there is a more discreet and charming millinery trend for Pre-Fall and Fall/Winter which blends the street edge of bucket hats with the elegant bell-shaped silhouette of cloche hats from the ’20s. Enter the “cloket” – a hybrid term we’ve derived to describe the exaggerated shapes and couture-esque touches like tulle and feathers given to bucket hats now. Here, some of our favourites.
Clockwise from top left: Sensi Studio straw hat, US$110 (S$151), www.net-a-porter.com. Maison Michel felt hat with faux pearls, $2,789, On Pedder. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi cotton-blend hat with feathers, US$321 (S$439), www.matchesfashion.com. Nina Ricci felt hat, On Pedder. Straw hat, Gucci. Calf hair hat with tulle, Dior. Prices unavailable unless stated