Style’s top 6 fashion finds for summer: from Pedro Almodóvar-inspired beachwear from Paco Rabanne, to Susie Cave’s Vampire’s Wife dresses and Maison Margiela’s bag that thinks it’s a hat
Whether you are blinging up for a big night out or need something summery and chic for the beach, we’ve got you covered in Style’s latest round-up of fashionable favourites. And to add that telling final touch, here are ideas for show-stealing accessories, from feather, butterfly brooches and pineapple rings, to bags that think they’re a hat.
Paco Rabanne channels Pedro Almodóvar
Paris-based label Paco Rabanne pays homage to the late founder’s Spanish roots with its Summer Delights beachwear collection, presented by creative director Julien Dossena. As ever, he channelled his love of the 90s, in this case allying it with nods to the hedonism of the great Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar.
Typical is this crocheted knit set with macramé, fringing and tassels. Pair it with one of the collection’s disc-embellished straw bags and you’ll be the life and soul of the party on your next summer getaway.
Steven Meisel shoots for Swarovski
Former fashion editor Giovanna Engelbert has injected a much-needed dose of energy into Austrian crystal maker Swarovski since taking the reins as creative director in 2020. Her chunky, colourful creations are a departure from the dainty and slightly conservative jewellery of yore.
The brand’s latest campaign, lensed by celebrated fashion photographer Steven Meisel, is an extravagant celebration of the transformative power of jewellery. Dripping in jewels inspired by tropical fruits, and exotic birds and animals, models look like otherworldly creatures that have stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
Susie Cave’s Vampire Wife dress
Susie Cave, half of one the most stylish couples in the world with musician husband Nick Cave, is behind The Vampire’s Wife, a British label that has built a loyal following for its timeless, elegant dresses marketed with more than a hint of the theatrical. The brand’s summer selection freshens up some of its bestsellers, such as the rose-printed Cinderella dress, and the Mini Cate dress, which stands out for its broderie anglaise details.
Ronald Abram’s heavyweight Himalayan stone
Hong Kong-based jewellery Ronald Abram recently acquired a one-of-a-kind sapphire ring. The piece’s 17.07-carat, emerald-cut stone is the latest addition to the brand’s Kashmir sapphire collection. Originating from the Kashmir region in the Himalayas, the stone has received a prized “Royal Blue” classification, which is reserved for the world’s finest sapphires.
“Kashmir sapphires of more than 10 carats are increasingly rare and to own one of this size, cut and saturation makes this a remarkable contribution to our collection,” says brand director and family scion J.J. Abram. The Ronald Abram Kashmir sapphire collection is now available for private viewing at the jeweller’s boutique at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong.
(T)hat’s my bag, says Maison Michel
If Maison Michel’s latest bags remind you of the straw hats spotted at chic beach resorts on sunny days, that’s because they’re the brainchild of a Chanel-owned Parisian milliner that makes all the headpieces and toppers for that brand’s runway shows.
Its recent foray into handbags nods to its heritage as a hatmaker. They come in shapes recalling berets, beanies and all kinds of other hats, some even with cat ears. Ideal for summer, the bags are available in Hong Kong at Lane Crawford, and are named after Hollywood icons. Barbara, Audrey, Sharon … you get the gist.
Cannes-ready red carpet jewellery from Chopard
Talking of stars of the silver screen, every year at the legendary Cannes Film Festival, Chopard – the jeweller and watchmaker tasked with redesigning the festival’s legendary Palme d’Or trophy back in 1997 – unveils its Red Carpet collection.
This year, artistic director and co-president Caroline Scheufele’s designs paid homage to the seven arts: architecture, sculpture, painting, music, literature, dance and – obviously – cinema, the art form most associated with Chopard.
Among the 76 pieces that debuted in Cannes in May – where A-listers such as Natalie Portman, Naomi Campbell, Tang Wei and Uma Thurman wore sets from the collection – was this titanium brooch shaped like a feather. With its vanes set with brilliant-cut diamonds, it’s a look that will look dazzling when pinned on the lapel of any aspiring Hollywood heartthrob.
