Delighted that peeks from Dries Van Noten in the Antwerp Six exhibition (I expanded on it in etc. below) landed in my lap during the timed 30-minute am scroll on Instagram, specifically a tonal brown spaghetti strap dress in silk chiffon made using the burnout technique. Immediate repost! But I didn’t end my re-search there; I went digging into Dries Van Noten Silent Archives and pulled up the SS97 show where it originally came from (if I knew the direct line, I would beg them to tap into this archive for SS27, the post on Instagram gives me hope, maybe they will?). The collection felt as relevant as ever and I found my yearning for tonal, muted prints returning. Trust me when I say, I would absolutely wear this dress if I could.
Google search returned this skirt on Resee, also these Christian Dior and Dries dresses on TRR. Followed by this sold-out skirt, which is the best print from the Dries SS26 collection, in my opinion. I then looked at ways to administer prints in small doses, without going full ensemble. All black suit, like this one from Kallmeyer (trousers here, also Benny blazer looks so good), Dries Van Noten scarf bag over the shoulder, or midi skirt tied around the waistline, peeking out of the bottom of the blazer. Another one — a jacquard belt over 3/4 sleeve white tee plus slip midi skirt combo would look great. Okay, I think we’re getting somewhere.
Etc.
weekly curatorial of shopping recs, sales, things to do, places to be
Nour Hammour new arrivals landed, and there’s an abundance of everything-for-fall. They’re adding more things beyond leather jackets this season. The buttery cocoon robe coat is hard to compete with, but Amal Everyday bag is up there, and so is the 100% cashmere layered knit duo. However, until we’re in the full fall, my eye wanders to something lighter still — the Jane cotton trench in black.
Jude new ins are featuring the new Jerry pump in dark brown croc, hot. However, above all there is Lucile wedge sandal, in three colours: white, brown and black, which I can see being worn in no other way but coat-open-toe-for-fall.
Savette just dropped their FW26 and the most talked about Soft Symmetry bag at the last PFW. I saw, I tried it on, it’s perfect. Following in the footsteps of classic Symmetry pouch, it’s a daily, relaxed version. The only question circling in my head right now — Cognac or Black Vintage leather?
Toteme does men’s now, wouldn’t be me if I didn’t shop in the men’s section occasionally. Quickly, this cashmere cardigan with built-in scarf, my gut tells me, will be acquired by women more than intended. And although the first fall drop for women feels rather safe and intentionally functional, this fluid set, shirt and trousers, is a blueprint for a capsule wardrobe. Very Toteme DNA.
COS is running a sale until Sunday and serving a number of good essentials for less: relaxed scoop-neck t-shirt; pleated tulip trousers in black; satin wrap skirt, which comes in black and cream; boxy cut Pima cotton shirt with an open neckline. The trousers first, if you’re only getting one thing.
Dante Mayfair restaurant gained permanent residency at Claridge’s — the Manhattan institution is now in the room that previously belonged to Ramsay, Rogan and Humm. Yet to go, but the ambience reviews are consistent with Dante in New York, and so is the praise for the Garibaldi with fluffy orange juice.
Still Here has opened in the West Village, their fourth and largest store. Mid-rise, straight leg Life jean in classic blue shaping up to be my next denim pair alongside Khaite Kerrie in Lansing. I’ll be there the second I land in New York for fashion week, browsing through the Denim Library, obviously.
The Antwerp Six at MoMu — forty years since six graduates of the Royal Academy drove a van across the Channel to show in London and put Belgian fashion on the map. Iconic works of Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene and Marina Yee, all there. Exhibition runs until 17 January.
