IN FOCUS:J.W. ANDERSON
X NET-A-PORTER
One of the most talked-about young
talents from London (where he steers his
eponymous label) to Paris (where he
shows his celebrated collections for
Loewe), is J.W. Anderson. The thinking
woman’s designer has been inspired by
one of the most popular figures on the
London social scene in the 1890s – Oscar
Wilde. Known for his wit, dapper dress
sense and way with words, the Irish poet
and playwright’s prose provided the
kicking-off point for an exclusive capsule
collection for Net-a-Porter.
It all began with a quote: “Beauty is
a form of genius – is higher, indeed, than
genius, as it needs no explanation. It is
one of the great facts of the world, like
sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in
the dark waters of that silver shell we call
the moon. It cannot be questioned. It has
divine right of sovereignty. It makes
princes of those who have it.”
From there Anderson applied his own
brand of genius to a series of French-cuffed
shirting and shirt dresses, print-edged tunics
and checked suiting that redefines beauty
for a new kind of muse.
Look out for:The boot-legged,
belt-waisted checkered suit with a Savile
Row cut and bohemian spirit. Available
from September 15.net-a-porter.comstatus
update
THE MUPPET SHOW
XSANDRO
It’s not easy being green – unless you’re
being sought after by one of France’s
most fun-loving fashion labels. Everyone’s
favourite frog Kermit has run away to
Paris to team up with Sandro for its latest
collaboration withThe Muppet Show.
The collection covers women and
kids, but before you file the range under
“cute for your niece”, take a closer look at
the knitted sweaters, printed tees and
embroidered hoodies all featuring our
amphibious friend.
The fun-but-fashion pieces will add an
element of French fille irreverence to the
most sophisticated of wardrobes. Just ask
creative director Evelyne Chétrite who’s
known for adding a witty element to
streetwise blazers and old jeans. The
pop-colours have retro appeal when
teamed with vintage denim and for your
mini-me, there are hoodies, joggers and
rugby jerseys to up the cute-factor.
Look out for:It’s impossible to wear
the character knits without cracking a
smile. Or opt for a printed tee and a smile
for summer. Available from September 25.
Sandro, (03) 9569 0464.The collaborations
vying to enter
our wardrobes
this monthWords: Genevra LeekALBUS LUMEN
X HELEN KAMINSKI
The one thing we love better than Albus
Lumen is an Albus Lumen collab.
While regular brainstorms with jeweller
Ryan Storer have more than a few ELLE
staffers dripping in arty-cool pearl earring
sets, this season we’re all in for designer
Marina Afonina’s partnership with
Australian headwear hero Helen Kaminski.
The limited-edition range of hand-
crafted accessories utilises fabrics from
Albus Lumen’s resort collection to create
coordinating bucket-style hats (in leather
and corduroy), headscarves (lined in silk)
and covetable miniature sacs (complete
with fine gold hardware). The inspiration:
the ’70s Spain of Pablo Picasso; translated
through an earthy colour palette, simple
shapes and the sexy attitude of a woman
who’s comfortable and in control.
Look out for:Summer’s trifecta: headscarf,
big earrings and a long, narrow braid.
Available October 15 atalbuslumen.com
andhelenkaminski.com.au40