American in Paris. Polo Ralph Lauren AW26

| Design & Culture by Ed

Few could have predicted that Polo Ralph Lauren would storm Paris Fashion Week and emerge as one of its breakout stars. Karen Brown Brody, senior brand creative director for women’s Polo, staged an intimate presentation of her latest collection, reminding us just how important – and endlessly inspiring – Ralph Lauren remains, far beyond the United States. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.

ED’s SELECTION:


Polo Ralph Lauren Patchwork Wool-blend Coat



Polo Ralph Lauren Belted Jacquard-knit Wool-blend Cardigan



Polo Ralph Lauren Oversized Checked Wool-blend Shirt Jacket



Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton-corduroy Vest



Polo Ralph Lauren Embroidered Cotton-gabardine Jacket

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Embrace. Rick Owens AW26

| Design & Culture by Ed

Rick Owens’s ritualistic processions and towering, otherworldly silhouettes have become a piercing aperture in the midst of the Paris shows – one that entrances the viewer and draws you deeper and deeper with every season. Some say the designer is increasingly repeating himself, but I prefer to see it as a process of perfecting. His black gowns are leaner and more elongated than usual; the collars of the jackets reach a totemic monumentality; wrap-around dresses and outerwear become shelters.

The fact that Marlene Dietrich served as Owens’s muse this season adds another layer. He said he admired the arc of her life – from societal provocateur to wartime hero (the actress volunteered for USO tours, traveling to Algeria and across Europe to sing for the troops) and, later, to a steely cabaret legend. Dietrich’s iconic swansdown jacket inspired Owens’s spectacular goat-hair coats, whose monumental proportions engulf the wearer in a powerful embrace.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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New Frontiers. Chloé AW26

| Design & Culture by Ed

At Chloé, Chemena Kamali delivered her best – and perhaps most daring – collection to date. The designer, who captured the hearts of women around the world with her revival of bohemian spirit, has now tweaked her Chloé girl, taking her somewhere less expected. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.

ED’s SELECTION:


Chloé Eve Suede Over-the-knee Boots



Chloé Paneled Leather Jacket



Chloé Tiered Organic Silk-mousseline Maxi Skirt



Chloé Paddington Embellished Leather Tote



Chloé Gathered Tie-detailed Lace-trimmed Silk-satin Mini Dress

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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Clashes. Dries Van Noten AW26

| Design & Culture by Ed

Julian Klausner’s latest collection for Dries Van Noten explored clashing styles as a means of finding one’s identity – “a moment of self-discovery.” At times, it seemed to be trying to say too much, particularly with the preppy uniforms and pixelated prints. Yet toward the end, the lineup revealed what Klausner does especially well at Dries: a kind of contemporary folklore, a patchwork of sensibilities and influences. These are clothes that roam freely between Paris, the Highlands, and Bhutan – the red mok-like wrap worn around a school jacket was a striking blend of cultures.

Dries has long been a master of unexpected combinations, and Julian proves himself an A+ student, treating his affection for eclecticism in an assemblage-like manner (Władysław Hasior’s work comes to my mind). Worth noting was a pair of collegiate jackets stitched seemingly at random with embroidered ribbons, in the way a young girl might scribble across her jeans. There’s something equally profound and joyfully carefree about the designer’s approach to personal style.

ED’s SELECTION:


Dries Van Noten Satin Wedge Sandals



Dries Van Noten Draped Polka-dot Satin-jacquard Blouse



Dries Van Noten Sequin And Bead-embellished Satin Clutch



Dries Van Noten Embossed Crepe Blazer



Dries Van Noten Gathered Polka-dot Satin-jacquard Shorts



Dries Van Noten Leather-trimmed Suede Sneakers

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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