Good morning, Monday. It's cloudy and gloomy over here in Brooklyn and I'm happy to be at home, enjoying the pre-Labor day lull that often happens in the city. I love how quiet things are and how many are waiting to kick back into high gear after the holiday. In France, the month of August is a time when everybody holidays, and le rentree is that moment in September when Paris comes alive again- hustling, bustling, and with post Summer tans fading into memory. Which brings me to something else symbolic about September- and that's the gigantic fashion mags like Vogue that were immortalized in the brilliant documentary "The September Issue". And though I'm still navigating my September Vogue, I was able to get through Bazaar this weekend, and it did not disappoint.
And though it inevitably takes what seems like a decade to get to the actual editorials after all that ad content (good news for print types, ps), my favorite story that epitomizes this season was shot by Daniel Jackson and featured the elegant model Toni Garn. I have always loved fantastical fashion stories, but my favorites are the ones that show clothes that have a quiet simplicity that I can actually see myself wearing. Sure, fashion is about fantasy, but I suppose I'm a bit of a realist when it comes to clothes- I'm not one to make huge statements necessarily so the beautiful simplicity of the below story had me at first turn of the page. These looks speak to a new volume (shapewise) for Fall and somehow transcend age and body type. I also love the bare faced and simple hair- you just can't go wrong keeping things easy and classic. Black and white clothing are universally flattering and endlessly classic- I LOVE this story. My favorite look from it is definitely the seated image shown above- with the model in a black suit and penny loafers with white socks. It's such a chic look (from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci) that speaks to my craving for unfussy pieces in such chaotic times. I also love that most of the pieces in this editorial are meant to be blank canvases- you can accessorize as minimally or as over the top as you like- anything from a bright red lip to a pair of studded Valentino heels- it's all up to you. Or dare to go bare and spare like these images- what more do you need really when you look this great?
I can't help but feel that all of these new shapes is a way to comfort and soothe in a world that feels anything but. And the simplicity of this story is emblematic of a zen approach to dressing that feels in tune with the times. I would wear these looks everywhere and never feel out of place. I'm all about that facile approach- and everyone from Celine to Givenchy to Calvin Klein is speaking to that appeal and desire this Fall. Why complicate things, really? These looks just get the balance right- the shapes feel very fresh and new yet the palette is an out and out classic. Why not have a go at the new minimalism as the days get shorter?
