As we reflect on the summer break that never was, we find a silver lining in the downpour of autumn/winter lookbooks flowing in from designers and tempting us with cashmere, crisp tailoring, and beautiful hues inspired by nature. While the Fall collections have always consisted of transeasonal essentials, based on the drops currently gracing our inbox, this year already feels a little different.
Evidently, designers have dug deep into our evolving work/life behaviours – coupled with acknowledging the erratic weather patterns – to inform their collections. Layering, natural fibres, and versatile colourways take precedence, empowering us with options to surpass the seasons and dress for joy all year round.
The key takeaway? This is the season to invest in your key garments to rotate frequently. And if the following lookbooks are anything to go by, it will be difficult not to choose wisely.
1. Wardrobe Series
The New Zealand company that brought us Building Blocks has reimagined these foundational staples in their latest drop: The Wardrobe Series. You can expect Kowtow’s signature silhouettes, boxy essentials, and relaxed tailoring all cohesively working together to put an end to the I-have-nothing-to-wear daily conundrum reimagined in seasonal hues derived from the natural world. Tones such as mauve, lawn and lilac provide the perfect contrast to earthy neutrals. And for those partial to breaking up their basics with a vibrant wash of colour, Kowtow’s Field Print takes centre stage in this collection. Designed in-house and digitally printed on lightweight voile, this botanical print blurs the line between paint and photography.
Available in-store and online from February 2023. Visit kowtowclothing.com
2. Suits you
If you’re emulating elevated comfort for your autumn/winter wardrobe, Laing’s rich cashmere and crisp cotton shirting is a combination you won’t be able to refuse. Considering the shift to hybrid work and changeable weather, Laing’s collection is designed for layering and versatility. “Our AW23 collection harnesses continuity and refinement, narrowing down core colours that would complement and be loved for seasons to come, not just this winter. We’ve played with favourite yarns like cashmere in new knit patterns, and explored new silhouettes” says Laing’s Founder Anna Murray.
Available from February 2023, Laing’s coveted staples will play a central role in your wardrobe. Visit lainghome.com
3. On a date
We all know the final touch to any outfit is the scent we reach for as we close the door behind us. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Maison Margiela has launched a new scent inspired by – you guessed it – love. Aptly named Maison Margiela Replica On a Date, this fragrance captures everything a summer romance should be – with a backdrop of Provence during the golden hour, of course. Think: the sparkling and addictive fruitiness of ripe grapes soaked in warm sunshine, paired with the delicate yet decisive character of wild roses. Much like their best-selling counterparts, Maison Margiela Replica On a Date resonates with a collective memory of being in love in the height of summer, resonating with everyone’s imagination.
Available from January 31st, 2023, at Mecca.
Maison Margiela Replica On a Date 100ml $213 NZD
4. Zen o'clock
Another autumn drop that’s living rent-free in our minds this week is by Camilla and Marc. We’ve waxed lyrical in the past on the brand’s authority on relaxed tailoring and nonchalant neutrals — only this time, their accompanying layers receive an upbeat extension of colourful accents, delicate prints, all offset with metallic accessories in organic shapes. Camilla and Marc’s pieces have historically balanced masculine and feminine in perfect harmony, and with the AW’23 collection suitably titled ‘Transience’ – which nods to Japan’s Wabi Sabu philosophy – this fusion has never felt more zen. If your working wardrobe could use a little piece of tranquility, you know where to stop.
Arriving weekly and available to shop online and in-store. Visit cammillandmarc.com
5. Hot topic
For those of us who don’t have the privilege of sashaying out the door with the comfort of knowing our wet strands will dry naturally in a semi-predictable and acceptable manner, there’s the game-changer new release from ghd to reach for: The Duet Style Hot Air Styler. This tool, which looks like a straightener with slightly wider plates, is the first 2-in-1 hot air styler that transforms hair from wet to styled with no thermal damage. So, how does it work? According to the brand: ground-breaking Air-fusion™ technology channels an ultra-concentrated airflow through a bespoke drying chamber, expertly designed to work in combination with 4 smart low temperature styling plates to efficiently dry and straighten hair. What are you waiting for? Halve your styling time and put down the dry shampoo. ghd’s duet styler is making it ~that~ simple.
ghd Duet Styler, $645. Available now in black or white colourways.
