Raf Simons Offers Easy, Contradictory Elegance for Fall 2021

 

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On Wednesday, Raf Simons dropped the lookbook for his namesake label’s Fall 2021 men’s and women’s collections, after introducing the latter category last season.

The easy, contradictory, elegant autumnal line was inspired by a series of words, which the brand noted in a press release had no “hierarchy or intentional sequence.” Those are: arataxia (defined by Raf Simons as “a state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety”), equanimity (“calmness of mind or temper”), dichotomy (“division into two parts or classifications, [especially] when they are sharply distinguished or opposed”), synchronicity (“an apparently meaningful coincidence in time of two or more similar or identical events that are causally unrelated”), allegiance (“support for and loyalty to a particular group, person or belief”) and devotion (“an affection, admiration or great love”).

Ralph Lauren Does Glamour With Ease for Spring 2021

 

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Though it wasn’t the sleek Art Deco-inspired nightclub that Ralph Lauren created to show his black-tie heavy Fall 2019 collection, the designer’s Covid-safe Spring 2021 collection debut was still pretty fabulous.

Shot in black-and-white, Ralph Lauren’s 20-minute digital presentation felt like stepping into an old film, set at its iconic Beverly Hills Flagship, with an energizing musical performance by Janelle Monáe.

“My designs have always been about creating a world that is beyond fashion, a world of romance and timeless sophistication,” Lauren, said in a release. “For Spring 2021, my collections for both men and women intertwine those feelings and express a personal style that is modern and enduring.”

Without the sense of romantic sophistication dreamt up in the virtual show, the clothes themselves do what the designer is good at: dress those that want to look like the American dream.

Gabriela Hearst’s First Collection For Chloé is Allegedly ‘Four Times More Sustainable’

 

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Gabriela Hearst’s first collection for Chloé was released on what would have been the hundredth birthday of the house’s founder, Gaby Aghion. While Hearst made moves that nodded to the house’s DNA, like filming the audience-less, digital show in a part of Paris where Aghion once debuted her first show, there were also plenty of Hearst signatures, from the presence of ponchos to the well-considered leather bags.

Perhaps the most significant Hearst-ism wasn’t a visual signature, but an ideological one: Hearst jumped into her first collection for the new house with her ecological consciousness in tact. She claimed in a press release that Chloé’s Fall 2021 collection could be considered “four times more sustainable compared to last year,” presumably referring to the house’s standards one year ago.

She went on to explain that she got there by “eliminating virgin synthetic fiber (polyester) or artificial cellulosic fiber (viscose) and sourcing recycled, reused and organic denim,” adding that “more than 50% of [the] silk comes from organic agriculture and more than 80% of cashmere yarn for knitwear is recycled.” Bags are lined in natural linen materials and packaging is relying on what the house deems “sustainable suppliers.” As with her eponymous line, Hearst spearheaded Chloé investing in carbon offsets.

The Best Street Style Looks From Paris Fashion Week Fall 2021

 

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Outfits that will make you excited about leaving your house ahead.

 

Au revoir, Paris Fashion Week! While we’re sad that our virtual stay in the French capital has come to an end, the sartorial lessons we picked up on the runways and on the streets will stay on our mental moodboards for months to come. The handful of people who attended presentations in Paris left their sweatpants at home and instead opted for comfy-chic staples like roomy trousers and chunky knits. They then topped off their looks with fringed outerwear and bright bucket hats.

See our favorites street-style moments from the 10 long but exciting days in the City of Lights below. Then, check out the top runways trends from this season in Paris, if you’re so inclined.

Versace Plays With Geometry and Contemporary Daywear for Fall 2021 – Fashionista

 

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We’ve come to expect Instagram-breaking show closures from Donatella Versace: Last season, the Italian designer transported us underwater, and a year before that, she brought us J.Lo. But for Fall 2021, the master of flash didn’t have any tricks up her sleeve. The all-star model lineup — which included Gigi Hadid’s return from maternity leave — walked on in an industrial-looking, concrete-paved runway lined by wooden block structures made to look like a 3D maze.

The labyrinth-inspired catwalk was an introduction to Versace’s new signature print: A more geometric iteration of the brand’s iconic La Greca motif, which features sharp angles, clean lines and a strong palette. According to the collection notes, the reworked pattern represents “power and self-confidence.”

With a more modern motif came more contemporary daywear: streamlined silhouettes featuring rounded shoulders and cinched waists dominated the womenswear offering. Versace showed minimal shapes on the bottom half with a series of cropped, slim-fit trousers and A-line skirts. The eveningwear was less glam than usual and took on a sensual mood — think slinky metal mesh mini dresses. Aside from a few flamboyant pieces done in electric hues, there were several outerwear and suiting options for those that stick to neutral autumnal color codes, and while most were covered in the updated logo, they still felt like classic winter staples.

Oscar de la Renta Turns Late Summer Florals Into a Dreamy Fall 2021 Collection – Fashionista

 

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After skipping the Spring 2021 ready-to-wear season, Oscar de la Renta returned to fashion month on Tuesday with its autumnal line, which takes florals to new extremes.

According to a press release, co-creative directors Fernando García and Laura Kim worked with Tricia Paoluccio to reinterpret her pressed flower artwork into a collection of day dresses, separates and gowns using embroidery, crocheting and appliqués on fil coupé, cotton, taffeta and silk faille. The end result is “a tribute to late summer, when sunflowers and wildflowers radiate in glorious full bloom,” the brand notes.

Beyond literal prints and embellishments, the floral inspiration of this collection translates to a color palette heavy on purples, pinks, turquoises and saffrons, seen across suiting, monochromatic dresses and eveningwear. There are also delicate bow details spotted throughout, meant to evoke the ribbon used to tie a bouquet of market flowers, the press release explains. (Once again, the brands are targeting Tyler.)  A parade of incredibly elegant gowns round out the fall line, sure to stand out even during a virtual award show season.

The Best Street Style Looks From Milan Fashion Week Fall 2021

 

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Milan Fashion Week has drawn to a close and we’ve now turned our attention to Paris for even more Fall 2021 newness. But before we wrap up the season, we want to take the time to appreciate our favorite street-style moments from the past few days in Italy.

Milan’s showgoers took full advantage of the opportunity to step out of their work-from-home pajamas into actual outfits worth admiring: There were plenty of slick leather jackets worn with fun flared pants; a bunch of relaxed denim paired with chunky sneakers and classic winter essentials; and a few colorful pieces that reminded us just how joyful getting dressed can be.

See our favorite street-style looks from Milan Fashion Week in the gallery below. Then, check out the top runways trends from this season in Italy, if you’re so inclined.