Shoe shine
There’s a ‘40s flavour in the air this season. It’s more subtle than the ’50s, with less volume in skirts, waists fitted but not quite so nipped, gently fitting tops and blouses, and jackets with bold shoulders that predate the 1980s. Looking down, shoes are also taking up the ’40s feel, with thicker heels that aren’t (always) quite so teetering, rounder toes, often with ankle straps and T-bars. And the women of the 1940s were working platform soles well before we embraced them. Miu Miu’s glittery shoes are a modern take on the trend, while Gucci’s python heels (left) are at the sexier end of the spectrum. Maison Martin Margiela, Giorgio Armani, Diane Von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, Lipstik and Zimmermann have some great examples, from pumps to peep-toes.
Belt up
A skinny belt is the perfect finishing touch to your spring ensembles. Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and Dries Van Noten all cinched waists with them in their most recent autumn/winter shows, but for spring bright colours are the go. A pop-bright belt will contrast perfectly with a black dress, or you can add to a colour-blocked ensemble for extra punch. Miu Miu, Jigsaw and Cheap Monday have colourful belts that will nip things in, while David Lawrence has glossy belts in a range of colours, including this purple one (left, $39; davidlawrence.com.au).
Make a statement
The quickest way to add glamour to your wardrobe is with a statement necklace. Think bold, think dazzling, thing BIG. (Think Lanvin, sigh!) Throw it on with a simple dress for a more formal evening, or with jeans a tee and a leather jacket for a fun night out. Hell, wear it out for breakfast if you like. The stores are awash with great pieces, from the bejewelled to the ornate, high end to supremely affordable. Brands including Lulu Frost, Tom Binns, Mezi, ManiaMania, Monet, House of Harlow and sass & bide have great examples. But my particular favourite is this slightly creepy necklace from Bottega Veneta (left, $4,380; 02 9239 0188). Remember, Big Brother is watching.
Bag it
There’s a practical streak in bags this season. Suddenly it’s cool to have a useful cross-body bag that might fit even more than an iPad and a spare pair of ballet flats. Go figure. Proenza Schouler started it off a couple of seasons ago, and still have some very covetable examples, but other brands including Mulberry, J.Crew, A.P.C., Lanvin and Mossimo have been quick to pick up on the trend. Everything from schoolboy satchels to rucksacks and simple totes—all with extra-long straps—are suddenly the go. This one from Fun Accessories ($39.95; funaccessories.com.au) hits the spot.
Festival frenzy
Sydneysiders are getting prepped and primped for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney, which starts this Tuesday. The schedule is filled to bursting with catwalk events open to the public, centred conveniently at Sydney Town Hall. One of the highlights of the schedule is the nightly
review of Australian Fashion Week—the perfect way to get the best of the season ahead. For more information, including the full schedule, head to https://mbffsydney.com.au/homepage. Tickets can be bought at Ticketek, and while most shows are nearly sold out, there are some last-minute two-for-one deals for select shows at www.ticketek.com.au/2for1. Then get set to get shopping!
Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney, August 23–27
