29 Dec
Beauty

The Great British Minimalist

Alessandro Michele at Gucci

More than ever, the fashion industry has become one defined by binaries. On the one hand, you have the “throw everything at it” maximalists, many of whom only exist on our Instagram feeds or immortalised on the pavements of fashion week, and whose look is spearheaded by the likes of Alessandro Michele at Gucci and Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga.

On the other hand, you have a fashion tribe who are rejecting the noise and clamour of clashing prints and accessory overload and instead embracing a more contemplative approach to dressing. Yes this is minimalism, but not, perhaps, as you know it. An aesthetic that has simmered beneath the cultural surface for decades, minimalism has occasionally bubbled-up and made its presence felt, but never really disappeared entirely

Minimalism 2.0

Over the last few seasons, it has become clear that simplicity is having another moment in the spotlight—in no small part thanks to the designs of cult brands such as The Row, Jil Sander, Lemaire or Gabriela Hearst who are fronting this ‘minimalism 2.0’. Add to this the fact that, more than ever, shoppers are wanting to invest in pieces that last, both for budget reasons but also for ethical and sustainable implications, and it’s the perfect storm for purists.

“Approaching each season, we look to our six muses; the fashion pioneer, the warrior, the free spirit, the curator, the romantic and the purist,” explains Natalie Kingham, buying director at MatchesFashion. “The Purist opts for minimalist style with a sleek, functional edge, and this season we noticed a new mood for clean, monochromatic elegance on the runway

28 Dec
Beauty

Tasman with signature Stampd style

UGG and STAMPD

For their sophomore cllection of collaborative shoes, UGG and STAMPD have come together to launch a series of utlity-centric options. For their sophomore collection of collaborative shoes, UGG and STAMPD have come together to launch a series of utility-centric options. Catering to the fall and winter seasons, the duo has thought outside of the box to provide three styles that reimagine heritage models from the footwear brand through the lens of the Los Angeles-based labelu2019s founder and designer, Chris Stamp.

The STAMPD x UGG Fall/Winter 2020 collection includes three key styles with interchangeable elements for ultimate versatility. The classic Tasman slipper takes on new life with three-in-one wearability, courtesy of a removable liner that can be worn with the shoe or separately as a house slipper. Additional warmth is added to the already-cozy style with insulated down fill while maintaining its signature elements like rich suede, durable textiles, and a wool insole. Cobranded elements and a toggle detail round out the boot, which is available in chestnut and black.

STAMPD x UGG Lace-Up boot

Keeping in step with functional cold-weather offerings, the STAMPD x UGG Lace-Up boot is a water-repelling shoe made from suede and nylon. Metal hardware adds an apru00e8s ski design element, one of the many personal touches from Stamp. u201cI was born in Aspen, Colorado, and have always had an affinity for the winter uniform,u201d he says. u201cOur new collection features technical, multipurpose footwear that can be worn anywhere from fireside to the slopes.u201d

Adding an avant-garde meets leisure option to the collection, UGGu2019s Fluff Slide receives a leopard sheepskin update. This is complemented by a buckled nylon backstrap with collaboration detailing and neoprene heel padding. Not to forgo utility, the rubber outsole travels indoors and outdoors, doubling as an at-home slipper and statement-making lifestyle shoe.

28 Dec
Beauty

A Timely Collaboration of 2020

Hamilton x Christopher Nolan

2020 has been a disaster year for movie premieres (will we ever get to see No Time to Die?) but it has been a fruitful time for movie watches. Exhibit A: this limited edition timepiece created for Christopher Nolanu2019s sci-fi spy thriller, Tenet. Modelled after a one-of-a-kind watch developed by Hamilton in collaboration with Christopher Nolan and the filmu2019s production designer, this version of the brandu2019s Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO Auto features a red or blue-tipped seconds hand against its matte black dial.

Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara is one of those people who you might never notice until you know who he is, and then heu2019s everywhere. The multi-hyphenateu2019s work spans a huge range of collaborative projects, from Nike sneakers to Martin guitars and, most recently, TAG Heuer watches. This version of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 is a highly limited edition, whose black and red colour scheme and subtle logo from Fujiwarau2019s fragment design hits all the right notes for hypebeasts and watch fans alike.

Hublot x Cruz-Diez

This partnership between the avant garde Swiss watchmaker and Carlos Cruz-Diez was among the last creations of the late Venezuelan artist, who passed away in 2019. As such, itu2019s both an important historical piece and a totally unique bit of wristwear. In the spirt of Cruz-Diezu2019 focus on colour theory, the rotating dial creates a kaleidoscopic pattern that changes with each passing second.

High-end Swiss watches and high-end Italian tailoring have a lot in common, and so do Kiton and Chopard, two family-run brands with a focus on exceptional quality and attention to detail. After meeting at the Mille Miglia in 2018, the brandsu2019 presidents put their heads together to create the LUC XP Il Sarto Kiton, a watch that pays tribute to watchmaking and tailoring, with a handmade LUC movement and a herringbone dial and strap. Limited to just 100 pieces, itu2019s almost as unique as a bespoke suit.

26 Dec
Beauty

Swimwear and Resort Costumes

Coachella Weekend One

Fast forward to Coachella Weekend One, and one of our favorite and sexiest fashion icons, Emily Ratajkowski dorned the Dalu00ec Bralette for her Day One attire. Pairing the luxury bikini with a layered gold necklace and body chain, the simplicity of the jewelry amplified the slate grey tone of the suit and her impeccable bronzed figure.

True to AMAIO Swimu2019s mission, the Dali complemented every aspect of Emily Ratajkowskiu2019s feminine form. This piece is so flattering and versatile thereu2019s little to no reason to ever take it off. Each item in the collection is intentionally created in fabrics and styles that highlight and celebrate womenu2019s bodies. A girlu2019s gotta have options, and thatu2019s exactly what you get from AMAIO designer swimwear. From the beach, to the festival, and beyond, AMAIO has you covered, or rather, shows you off.

The New EastRock

The Avril maillot is our most classic in the collection and this new Ivory rendition gives a fresh feel to a timeless goodie. With subtly thicker straps and a feminine silhouette from the front, the two panels of mesh add dimension and enhance curves and fit from the back. Our hand-pleated mesh is draped over the front of the suit, while the double self-lining provides complete comfort and support.

The finest calf leather elevates this moutain boot to a luxe level whilst maintaining its rugged appeal. Inspired by a classic mountain-hiking boot, the new EastRock is the perfect apparel for treading the city or for an urban weekend retreat. Presented in both menu2019s and womenu2019s iterations, this luxurious boot is made from the finest calfskin.u00a0