Developing aesthetics
Over the last years since I’ve been investing in and collecting higher-end designer pieces, I have noticed a change and development in my aesthetics through the designers I would gravitate towards.
Setting aside my LV Neverfull which was the first proper investment piece and is as classic and non-trend as they come, my first ‘love’ so to say was with Alessandro Michele and his vision of Gucci. Half way through 2016 I was on first-name terms with the staff of the Gucci store here in Brussels. I always shied away from buying designer clothing as I don’t really consider them a good investment (my Burberry trench is an exception) but at the time, I had got bags, shoes, belts, scarves … anything Gucci was something to covet and save for. Then, all of a sudden, I fell out of love with Michele’s maximalist style did a somewhat drastic 180 and fell head over heels for Anthony Vaccarello’s sleek glam rock vision at YSL. Suddenly, I wanted to go back to my all black everything outfits, I didn’t really want to see any colours or prints and started considering silver as another metal worthy of note for my jewellery.
Despite the Italian origin of the designer, I think his designs were what made me rediscover my love for Parisian aesthetics. And with that, the bohemian aesthetic which I so loved in my younger days started showing its head again. Half way through the year, in between other more conservative purchases (read: classics which everyone needs in their wardrobe), I started buying into Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s vision at Chloe and its diffusion line See by Chloe, culminating of course in my birthday present to self - the Chloe Faye Day Bag. That beautiful balance between retro styles, bohemian flair with nuances of equestrian elegance also led me to look at Dior more closely and in fact make my first of a few purchases in as many months.
The fact that Dior is headed by another woman - Maria Grazia Chiuri - may be a coincidence, or perhaps just what makes these two French houses so currently appealing through their vision in contemporary womenswear. The way she has married the house’s classic shapes such as nipped-in blazers with current political activism through her feminist slogan t-shirts, and complemented everything with delicate art prints and lacework and the toughness of leather is currently, for me, the epitome of design savoir-faire. It is safe to say that - once I manage to focus and not be distracted by other whimsical purchases - I am already saving up for another Dior piece …
What I’m wearing:
Zara faux fur coat: https://go.zara/2EFNUbY
Zara light knit crew-neck: https://go.zara/2RFCJao
Isabel Marant Etoile skirt (via Net-a-Porter): http://bit.ly/2sjaAGM
Prada shoes (custom made – see my post here: http://bit.ly/2BRiI5L)
Dior leather medium saddle bag: http://bit.ly/2sfJr7K
Dior Tribales Astre Lunaire: http://bit.ly/2sdpe2s
Wanderlust and Co Crescent Scorpio Zodiac Gold Necklace: http://bit.ly/2spMmep
Wanderlust and Co November Birthstone Gold Ring: http://bit.ly/2sjvIwB
Maje necklace: http://bit.ly/2RBSRtq
Photography by Scander http://www.obakasan.com/