Company of Strangers is renowned for its playful styling and subversive themes, and the Dunedin-based brand’s AW18 showing was no exception.
Entitled ‘Revenge’, the collection speaks to “a woman once in love, now filled with disdain” (hey, we’ve all been there, right?) and in essence, it comprises all the elements you could want or need for the ultimate revenge makeover. Pieces of relationship collateral form the basis of this wardrobe, namely his shirts — with or without a bit of rage-fuelled ‘customisation’.
But how else to show the world that you’re moving onwards and upwards, if only sartorially speaking? Let us count the ways…
Unexpected colour combinations
As the colour of mourning you might think black on black is the only way to style your broken heart, but it’s time to throw that rulebook out the window. Red and pink has been a huge trend this year and it’s here to stay as clashing cranberry and bubblegum layers prove. But ring the alarm because a pop of lime gives this romantic match a radioactive update.
Meanwhile, a strong case is made for monochrome purple. A slouchy mauve knit styled over plum pleats? Genius.
Masculine meets feminine
Power-dressing just got an injection of pretty — think subtle pink pinstripes that totally take the edge off a grey suit. Subvert the corporate dress code a little further with a flash of a lacey pink bra and a whole lot of attitude. Elsewhere, drapey dresses serve to soften a boyish silhouette when worn over trousers both tailored and slouchy (racing stripe mandatory).
Asymmetry
Whether it’s pretty slips, shifts and shirt dresses with feminine, bias cut hemlines or skirts and jackets cut to drastic dissimilar lengths, the asymmetrical hem is about to work its way into your breakup wardrobe. Some might say it’s the calling card of a woman who can’t make up her mind. We say, why shouldn’t you get exactly what you want? Especially where measurements are concerned.
Multitasking garments
With some relationships, you really do get out what you put in. Let’s just say if your sweater isn’t doubling as a scarf, skirt or belt, you’re selling yourself short. Oh and you may think you’ve exhausted every option, but until you’ve flipped that knit upside down for maximum open-backed benefit, trust us, you haven’t.
High/low mix
It’s inevitable: one day, probably when you least expect it, you’re going to bump into that ex-lover of yours. Dressed-to-kill is naturally a good way to be, but always with a DGAF attitude. Ballgowns and beanies, ‘nuff said.
Jewel purpose
So things didn’t work out — it doesn’t mean the jewellery has to go to waste. Give that first anniversary fob chain a new lease of life by wrapping it around your wrist several times. Or in a nod to the family heirloom that could have been, try an OTT antique-inspired brooch of clustered diamantés and pearls.
