Last season, designers scrambled to figure out how to unveil their collections. But now many seem comfortable telling their stories in new ways. Two brilliant examples from the most recent Fashion Month: Saul Nash’s video with a surprising twist, and a gorgeous film by Roksanda that proves all you need is a few famous friends and three iPhones to get the message across beautifully. One thing is certain: creativity lives on in this new, mostly digital, reality.
Here, FASHION editors round up the dreamiest looks from the Fall/Winter 2021 collections from New York, London, Paris, Milan and beyond.
Photography courtesy of Miu Miu by Johnny Dufort
Photography by Gaspar Ruiz Lindberg
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography courtesy of Danielle Frankel by Stas Kamarovski
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography via ImaxTree
Photography courtesy of Dior
Photography via ImaxTree
1/20
Miu Miu
Miu Miu’s Fall 21 formula is a simple one: skiwear over silk, plus a pair of sturdy boots for trudging through deep snow. But the actual look is anything but dull. The quilted outerwear comes in pretty pastels and there are knitted hat masks in bold stripes or ’70s floral crochet, a motif that also shows up on the boudoir-bound camis and slip dresses. The piled-on styling might be a bit much for many, but there are lots of fun pieces here we’d love to see on Canadian slopes and sidewalks. —Bernadette Morra, editor-in-chief
2/20
Hermès
Move over Birkin. There’s a new Hermès must-have in town. And her name is Hermèsway. This clever little crossbody was easy to miss given it was clutched in the models’ hands as they strutted in their fringed suedes and dotted day dresses. Designed to keep essentials close at hand, the Hermèsway has a phone pocket, compartment for a lipstick or balm (Hermès, bien sur), front pockets that can fit two credit cards and a spot for an AirPods case (classic and Pro) with closure flap. Get on the waitlist now. —B.M.
3/20
Chanel
The sexy ’60s nightclub Le Castel was the setting for a much more intimate than usual Chanel show, which usually features an army of models marching through the cavernous Grand Palais. Virginie Viard’s Fall 21 collection was big on statements though, including boots with down or faux shearling legs that unzipped to reveal sleeker booties beneath. It’s a genius idea for next winter when we’ll be out hitting the dance floor to make up for a year stuck inside. —B.M.
4/20
Dries Van Noten
The longing for live performance seemed to grab Dries Van Noten, who corralled a crew of dancers and models on a stage in Antwerp. They swooned, roiled and danced in pink sequins, marabou vests and wide jackets with painterly swipes, all compellingly captured by Casper Sejersen. Afterward, Van Noten told Vogue.com that he was quite content to never put his clothes on a line-up of lithe teenage girls again. After seeing this video, we can see why. —B.M.
5/20
Tanya Taylor
Canada’s New York runway darling Tanya Taylor never disappoints with clothes that are both easy to comprehend…and wear. Perhaps not surprisingly, she used “staying home” as inspo for fall: not cooped-up climbing the walls angst, as could be the case, but comfort. There are roomy dresses in punchy florals, and slouchy coats in subtly-coloured checks. And Taylor has cleverly devised a denim frock that could be a good transition piece for heading back to the boardroom, since some of us might find ourselves in one sooner than we think. —B.M.
6/20
Louis Vuitton
I love Nicholas Ghesquière and I love the Italian artisan house Fornasetti, so the collaboration between the two on delightful prints that popped up throughout the collection was a match made in heaven for me. Not to mention seeing more iterations of the outsized, sculptural shapes that Ghesquière does like no other. —Odessa Paloma Parker, fashion news director
7/20
Loewe
I simply adore a surrealist gesture in fashion design, and the belting detail on several of the pieces in this collection — which possess a “gemstone” effect thanks to deft trompe l’oeil embellishment — absolutely blew my mind. Proof that creativity is still thriving through the pandemic, and that designers are banking on people still wanting to make a statement with their clothing! —O.P.P.
8/20
Thebe Magugu
This collection is a stunning, spirituality-inspired effort by the emerging South African designer which incorporated elegant silhouettes, eclectic print-work and unusual accents like straw that came together with refreshing effect. The artful layering and whimsical sophistication of this outfit is reason enough to make this name one to watch. —O.P.P.
9/20
Marine Serre
The Paris-based creative continues to explore the potential in crafting garments with sustainably-minded materials; according to a press release, this collection is half-composed “by regenerated styles” with the other half boasting “products realized by using recycled fibers.” The result is something for everyone come fall, from chill wardrobe basics to more eclectic patchwork pieces. —O.P.P.
10/20
Collina Strada
Once again, the brand’s designer Hillary Taymour experimented with not only the presentation of her seasonal offering — this time using delightful animations to morph models (like our March cover star, Jazzelle Zanaughtti) into an array of animals — but also how far she could push utilizing upcycled textiles in her designs. We see a variety of materials like t-shirts from a Ghanaian market, as well as repurposed items from her previous collections and garments taken from The RealReal’s consignment reject pile, used in the construction of these playful looks. —O.P.P.
11/20
Patou
Dressed up comfort came with lots of drama at Patou. The label’s bold, voluminous Fall 21 collection is surprisingly made from 70 percent organic or recycled materials, proving that extravagance doesn’t have to equate to excess. Gigantic arms and bubble hems offered versatility in pieces that can be styled more than one way and accommodate more inclusive sizing. —Eliza Grossman, fashion editor
12/20
Acne
Leave it to Acne to take cozy dressing to the next level. Being covered from head to toe (literally) in a plush set like the pink cardigan and leggings shown on the Fall/Winter 2021 runway will be a fashionable dream come true when temperatures drop well below zero once more. We’ll take styling tips straight from the catwalk and layer our dresses on top of a comfy base. —E.G.
13/20
Max Mara
Celebrating their 70-year anniversary with the founding year “1951” decorating several of this season’s pieces, Max Mara showed us classics with a spin. There’s nothing like a Max Mara camel coat but this season, I’m coveting a vest version with oversized pockets and plenty of space for my mask and sanitizer. A sophisticated mix of heritage checks and adorable lama prints made the collection the perfect balance of fashion and fun. —E.G.
14/20
Simone Rocha
Playful but a bit punk was what Simone Rocha served this season. The dreamy sheer layers with moto jackets and sweet embroidery made me swoon, not to mention the platforms with pearl-embellished laces. I’ll take a ticket to wherever the Simone Rocha girl is going. —E.G.
15/20
Danielle Frankel
Full disclosure, I wore a Danielle Frankel gown to my wedding and have been a faithful fan since, well, before I was even engaged. Call it love at first sight; Frankel’s attention to detail and craftsmanship is something to behold and it’s no surprise that she’s moving beyond the bridal market with her first RTW collection. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund runner-up’s romantic collection included a collaboration with Manolo Blahnik making this season something straight out of Carrie Bradshaw’s dreams. —E.G.
16/20
Fendi
Kim Jones’s debut collection for the house was elegant and effortless, with a neutral palette of grounding, earthy colours. Lux silk, satins, knits and signatures furs were reinterpreted in unexpected ways, such as upcycled pieces with touches of fringe. This standout two-piece knit top and pencil skirt set with fox fur carryall is perfect for a chic getaway (we can dream!). —George Antonopoulos, creative and fashion director
17/20
Prada
Prada’s Fall 21 collection “explores the space that exists between conventional polar opposites,” according to the house. The collection was all about ease and movement, showcasing suiting separates, geometric-printed long sleeve dresses under blazers, furry vests, platform shoes, cocoon coats and more signature Prada toppers.
Standouts included this yellow coat with powder blue platform boots. —G.A.
18/20
Schiaparelli
Surrealism and fantasy reigned supreme in Schiaparelli’s Fall 21 collection. Molded gold breast plates over tweed blazers, giant gilded ears, knuckle duster rings, sculptural gold brooches and headpieces styled with mega-platform clompers were amongst the many jaw-dropping elements to feast one’s eyes on. The Grace Jones references-meets-Elsa Schiaparelli surrealism worked seamlessly and delivered a much-needed dose of escapism. —G.A.
19/20
Dior
Who doesn’t love a fairy tale? Maria Grazia’s Chiuri’s Fall 21 Dior collection gave a nod to the house’s heritage with a tomboy-meets-Alice in Wonderland twist. Amid the classic silhouettes, menswear fabrics and timeless pieces, standouts included a laser-cut school girl dress in black leather and this dark, romantic floral menswear-inspired set. —G.A.
20/20
Palomo Spain
There are no rules with Palomo Spain. Fearlessness and a Gen Z anything-goes attitude make this house a go-to for genderless fashion lovers. The sequinned dress with bucket hat was giving me serious Cher-meets-Cailfornia Dreamin’ vibes. —G.A.
If you’ve somehow managed to avoid downloading TikTok within the past year, consider giving in now. The popular social media platform built for bite-sized videos is a proper goldmine for hacks of all varieties, especially when it comes to beauty. We love an over-the-top makeup look, but always welcome ways to simplify our routines — if only to pass the time by learning something new. We’ve rounded up some of the best TikTok beauty hacks — from heatless curls and bobby pin eyeliner, to crease-free foundation tips and lip contouring — as demonstrated by some of our favourite TikTok users, below.
1. Do your makeup “backwards”
Apparently, we’ve been doing our makeup wrong this whole time. To avoid creasing or runny makeup, TikTok user @sylvi.uhh says we need to switch things up a bit. Follow up your moisturizer with a bit of powder, setting spray and primer, and then use your regular foundation. Definitely a hot tip for weather-proofing our makeup looks this spring and summer.
Does doing your winged liner send you into a tailspin of anxiety? Bobby pins might be your answer. TikTok user @annnarka demonstrates how she uses them by painting the flared end with liner and using it as a template for the most perfect, crisp wing. This trick is excellent for people with hooded eyes who struggle to make their liner look perfect, too.
3. Set your naturally curly or wavy hair using a t-shirt
If you’re into perfectly set curls, but not so into heat damage, use TikTok user @shakkarwarrior’s T-shirt trick. Leaning forward with your hair loosely hanging down, “plop” your ends onto a t-shirt and tie it up.
We might have tons of time on our hands now to manually curl our hair, but who wants to toil away with a curling iron when there’s an easier way? TikTok user @allisonnkayyy showed her followers how she gets her long, red hair curled beautifully just using socks. Grab four long socks and twist them around your hair sections, securing them with a hair tie or two. Sleep on them overnight and brush them out in the morning.
This tip has quickly gained popularity on TikTok as we trade in exaggeratedly dark brows for bushy, more natural-looking ones. TikTok makeup artist @blaxvz demonstrated running a spoolie along a bar of damp soap, and combing it through her eyebrows. This technique allows each strand of eyebrow hair to stand out, giving brows a fuller, more polished look without being overdone.
A lip tint would typically work well for this look, but if you don’t have one on hand, all you need is your favourite red liquid lipstick. One of TikTok’s resident makeup and skincare gurus @glamzillaxo showed her followers how, by putting a dab of the colour in the middle of your lips — top and bottom — and rubbing it into your lips with your finger or a fluffy brush. And there you have it: “Naturally” pink lips.
7. Get the illusion of fuller lips by contouring your mouth
As aggressively contoured cheeks are feeling increasingly tired, we’re looking towards contouring our mouths now. TikTok’s @amlmakeup showed her fans how, and all you’ll need is a brown lip pencil in a shade that works with your skin tone. Line the sides of your top lips and underneath your bottom lip, and smudge it out with your finger for an instantly lifted lip.
8. Clean your sponges and brushes with household products
It’s easy to forget to clean your makeup sponges and brushes regularly, but you can make it much less of a hassle with this simple combination of dish soap and olive oil. TikTok user @kammymakora demonstrated how she gets her beauty sponge clean as new by soaking it in the mixture and squeezing it out under a running tap.
9. Breathe new life into dried-out lipgloss with this easy trick
Items like lip gloss and mascara can dry out well before they expire, especially if you’re pumping them too much. TikTok user @themichellephan fills a mug with water and microwaves it for one minute. Following that, she places her dried-out lipgloss in the water. After 30 minutes, they’re ready to be used again.
10. Transform light-coverage foundation into full coverage with a simple step
If you don’t own full-coverage foundation but find yourself needing it one day, simply add loose setting powder to it. The powder will cause the foundation to thicken, providing your skin with a heavier coat than normal, as TikTok @seldaasan demonstrates.
Transform your favourite eyeshadow colour into a poppin’ lip gloss with this simple trick demonstrated by TikTok’s @mireyarios. Swatch the shadow colour onto the back of your hand and rub your lip balm in it. Then, simply apply it to your lips.
Have an out-of-control oily T-zone, and your regular oil-control primer just isn’t cutting it? TikTok makeup artist @jayiziahbeauty uses eyeshadow primer on the oiliest parts of his face after regular moisturizer and SPF.
There’s no denying that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have shaken up the British royal family since they first got together in 2016 and it was widely believed that their relationship was going to modernize the monarchy. In reality, it seems like the union exposed many deep-rooted and systemic issues in one of the longest-standing institutions of our time. This is especially true of Meghan and Harry’s revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 7.
And a lot has gone down since March 7. With Queen Elizabeth II and senior members of the royal family making unprecedented statements about racism to the media, there’s no telling exactly what will happen next now that the throne has been rocked.
March 7: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s CBS interview with Oprah airs
Much was packed into the two-hour episode, including when Meghan first met the Queen, her and Harry’s secret backyard wedding days prior to the big televised ceremony, Meghan’s rift with Kate Middleton and the duchess’s mental health struggles, including battling suicidal ideation.
Harry and Meghan revealed that they asked the palace for help and received none. Before the birth of their son Archie, they were told he wouldn’t receive a royal title or security protection. Meghan and Harry revealed that there were even “concerns” about how dark Archie’s skin tone might be. They refused to reveal who made those comments.
The couple shared that they were financially cut off from the royal family in early 2020. Harry, whose relationships Princes Charles and William are strained, revealed they’d been living off of his inheritance from Princess Diana.
Amongst all the bad news, there was some good — the couple is expecting baby number two, a little girl, this summer.
“Having any child, any one or two would have been amazing, but to have a boy and then a girl,” Harry said. “Now we’ve got our family and we’ve got four of us.”
March 8: Piers Morgan accuses Meghan Markle of lying in her interview with Oprah
During the two-hour interview, Meghan expressed suffering from suicidal ideation while pregnant with their son Archie and dealing with the relentless abuse from the U.K. tabloids and a lack of support from the royal family.
Morgan dismissed her claims of suicidal thoughts and racism on Good Morning Britain, saying: “I don’t believe a word she says, Meghan Markle. I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report.” His co-host, Susanna Reid, responded: “That’s a pathetic reaction to someone who has expressed those thoughts.”
‘I’m sickened by what I’ve had to watch.’
‘It’s a 2 hour trash-athon of everything the Queen has worked so hard for, while her husband is in hospital.'@piersmorgan starts the show with his reaction to the Harry and Meghan interview.
March 9: Piers Morgan quits Good Morning Britain, the Queen releases a statement and Meghan Markle’s father addresses his staged paparazzi photos
Piers Morgan took over headlines after he stormed off the set of Good Morning Britain. He’d been called out by his colleague Alex Beresford for relentlessly trashing Meghan on the show, including being taken to task over his accusation the day before that the duchess was lying in her Oprah interview.
It was later announced that Morgan would be leaving the show, after ITV received more than 41,000 complaints from the public about his accusations.
So @alexberesfordTV defends Meghan on @gmb and criticises @piersmorgan for what he’d said about Meghan’s mental health.
Piers walks off the set.
Surely Piers knows if you give it, you gotta be able to take it?pic.twitter.com/gmoNjMxiQy
That same day, Buckingham Palace released a statement, a full two days after the Oprah interview aired.
“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” it reads. “The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”
Later on, Thomas Markle appeared on Good Morning Britain, claiming that he felt unprotected by the royal family as he was being hounded by the press at his home in Rosarita, Mexico.
“My oldest daughter was contacted by a man named Jeff Rayner who was a photographer, who said, ‘If you can convince your dad, we can make him look good,'” Thomas explained on the show about why he chose to pose for staged paparazzi photos. He later admitted: “I wish I hadn’t done the whole thing.”
“I’ve yet to hear from them. I would love to hear from them,” Meghan’s estranged father said when asked why he continued to take part in stories about his daughter. “They’re not talking to me. When they decide to talk to me, I’ll stop talking to the press.”
March 10: Meghan Markle files a formal complaint over Piers Morgan’s comments
The Duchess of Sussex reportedly filed a formal complaint with ITV after the Good Morning Britain host said he didn’t believe anything Meghan said in her Oprah interview. It’s believed that she made the complaint because of the impact his comments could have on those suffering with their own mental health struggles.
In a since-deleted tweet, per CNN, Morgan later wrote: “I’ve had time to reflect on this opinion, and I still don’t [believe her]. If you did, OK. Freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on. Thanks for all the love, the hate. I’m off to spend more time with my opinions.”
That same day, Sharon Osbourne came to his defence on The Talk, saying: “Did I like everything he said? Did I agree with what he said? No. Because it’s his opinion. It’s not my opinion … I support him for his freedom of speech, and he’s my friend.”
. @piersmorgan I am with you. I stand by you. People forget that you’re paid for your opinion and that you’re just speaking your truth.
March 11: Prince William says his family isn’t racist
Prince William and Kate Middleton visited a school in east London for their first outing since Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah. As the two were leaving the school grounds, Sky News correspondent Inzamam Rashid asked if William had spoken to Harry, and if the royal family is racist.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet but I will do,” William says in video footage shared on Twitter by royal reporter Omid Scobie. “We’re very much not a racist family.”
“We are very much not a racist family,” Prince William told reporters during a visit to a school in Stratford, London.
When asked if he had spoken to Prince Harry after the Oprah interview, he added, “No, I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I will do.”pic.twitter.com/MjTOeH7u6Z
For the shortest month of the year, February sure did drag on and on. But at long last, after what felt like the longest winter of all time, we’re finally getting a glimpse at what we’ve all been looking forward to: the sweet release of spring. The few weeks of transition between winter and spring, otherwise known as March, are all about brightening (we are losing an hour of sleep this weekend, after all), skin repairing (post-winter dry complexion, anyone?) and summer prep (skin looking like it hasn’t seen the sun in months?). We’ve rounded up the March 2021 beauty products that have launched this month — or are launching soon — that can help you transition between the seasons, and deal with the rainy, still cold-ish, indecisive days in between.
Fenty Beauty Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint
Fenty Beauty Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint, $63, Sephora
Launched on March 5, the latest release from Fenty Beauty is a lightweight luminizing body tint that provides skin coverage plus a bit of shimmer for a healthy-looking glow. Available in seven shades, the buildable sheer to medium coverage tint is just the thing to add to your cart after a long winter indoors. Bonus: it’s sweat-, humidity- and transfer-proof so you can continue using it into the upcoming warmer months.
Still dealing with bouts of maskne? Rodan + Fields’ new Soothe regimen launches on March 24 and features a four-step system — a cleanser, treatment, moisturizer and SPF — that has been specifically formulated for sensitive, visibly red, dry and irritated skin. The line has even been proven to show results in eczema and atopic dermatitis thanks to ultra-soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and seven essential ceramides to nourish skin and provide relief.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive, $43, Shoppers Drug Mart
A hypoallergenic version of the cult favourite Lait-Crème Concentré, Embryolisse’s new Lait-Crème Sensitive was formulated specifically for sensitive and reactive skin. So gentle that it can even be used on babies and children, its 98 percent natural formula features soothing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax and aloe vera. The multipurpose product can be used in a variety of ways, including as a moisturizer, makeup remover, body cream and after-shave lotion.
Acne-prone? Breakouts happen when sebum oxidizes and clogs pores, and the application of topical antioxidants can help heal. SkinCeuticals’s oil-free vitamin C serum, Silymarin CF, works overtime to reduce excess oil and improve skin smoothness and clarity.
The beloved Fresh lip balm offerings, available in flavours like peach, coconut and caramel, just got three tropical new additions: mango, passionfruit and lychee. Just in time for spring, these hydrating lip balms provide 24-hour moisture, tons of shine and of course, truly addictive flavours.
Nuxe Super Sérum 10
Nuxe Super Serum 10, $86, Hudson’s Bay
For the first time, Nuxe has used a green process called natural microfluidic encapsulation, which eliminates the use of silicones in a formulation. Super Sérum 10 features botanical oils encapsulated in thousands of micro-spheres, resulting in a truly unique sensorial experience as those encapsulated micro-spheres make contact with skin upon application and develops as you massage the serum in. Over time, these botanical oils will contribute to smoother, brighter and firmer skin.
Tatcha The Silk Powder
Tatcha The Silk Powder, $64, Sephora
Inspired by oshiroi, the opaque yet illuminating makeup traditionally worn by geisha to shield their complexion, Tatcha has launched The Silk Powder, a protective, talc-free, translucent skincare powder formulated in Tokyo. Featuring oil-absorbing, skin-blurring silk and a blend of radiant pink and gold Japanese pearl, The Silk Powder absorbs excess oil while providing a skin-perfecting finish.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, $117, Sephora
The 5th generation of its global best-seller, Sulwhasoo’s recently launched First Care Activating Serum is formulated using the Golden Ratio master blend of five herbal ingredients that work together to address wrinkles, hydration, radiance, moisture barrier. One bottle of Sulwhasoo’s First Care serum is sold every 10 seconds in Korea, and this latest iteration can be used on skin, around the eye area, and on the neck and hands. Used immediately after cleansing, the serum can even increase absorption of the products in the rest of your skincare regimen.
A black liquid eyeliner is a beauty bag staple, but trying to find one that’s made from high-quality clean ingredients is a challenge. Cue Bite Beauty. The brand is known for its non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free formulas, and its first-ever liner, Upswing Extreme Longwear Liquid Eyeliner, is made with nourishing passion-flower extract and a fruit-derived thickening agent that delivers smooth-glide colour. What’s more, the felt-tip dip applicator is something even eyeliner amateurs can master to swish and flick their way to a flawless cat-eye. Bonus: The pitch-black pigment doesn’t budge once the liner dries.
COS, the brand beloved for its Scandinavian minimalism, has launched its Spring/Summer 2021 campaign and its airy linen sets, crisp cotton separates and easy one-and-done dresses will make you wistful for those first patio days in April (or perhaps March? We can dream). In celebration of the new collection, COS has unveiled its SS21 campaign, centred “around the brand’s vision for a better future, with an optimism for the planet, its people and the next generation,” according to a press release from the label that has committed to becoming climate positive, with 100 percent sustainably sourced or recycled materials. (They’re tracking positively towards that goal, with 86 percent sustainably sourced materials so far in 2021.)
The campaign, shot by Karim Sadli and styled by Aleksandra Woroniecka, features two top models who also use their voices for social change and share a commitment to a more ethical fashion industry. British style icon Edie Campbell, an advocate for the fair treatment of models, stars alongside American filmmaker and writer, Adesuwa Aighewi, who has campaigned for representation within the industry. For her part, Campbell famously voiced her concern about the treatment of models in a 2017 open letter published in WWD, writing: “We have a problem: We operate within a culture that is too accepting of abuse, in all of its manifestations. This can be the ritual humiliation of models, belittling of assistants, power plays and screaming fits. We have come to see this as simply a part of the job.”
Here, FASHION shares exclusive quotes from Edie Campbell where the model-slash-activist talks about sustainability, maturing within the fashion industry and her love of horses. (Do we sense a new pandemic hobby in our future?)
EDIE CAMPBELL. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COS.
On growing up in the fashion industry
I started modelling when I was 15, on and off, and then properly when I was 20, 21. I was an extremely awkward teenager; I would rather have not had a body at all. Then, to end up in this career which is so physical! As a model, you’re expected to take up space — you get on set, and you perform, and as I learned more about it that made me very confident in my skin. Growing up in the industry gave me an amazing confidence. I’m really grateful to have that, now.
On sustainability
Sustainability, for me, is about stewardship. We’re all looking after the world for the people who will come after us. How to live a life that does not have a negative impact? It’s difficult, because it’s so complex. It’s not possible to simply create a set of rules to live by that will remedy the climate crisis. Instead, I think it’s about trying to be mindful. Treading lightly, and leaving a minimal trace.
For me, reading and learning and trying to understand the magnitude of the problem has been very motivating. The people who are least responsible for the crisis we face are the ones who will bear the heaviest burden, and that is clearly unethical. Reading — a lot — opened my eyes. It’s not about being puritanical, or making meaningless gestures. Instead, it’s about doing better tomorrow than you did today.
I’m in the business of selling clothes to people, but I would hope that the fashion industry would slow down a little and bear more responsibility, focus more on quality over quantity.
Adesuwa Aighewi. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COS.
On horseback riding
My mum signed me up for ballet lessons when I was five years old, and I had absolutely no rhythm, I bounced up and down like an elephant. So she asked if I wanted to have a riding lesson, instead, and I said yes. I was just obsessed — I have been ever since. Four-legged creatures are my great love. You can’t think of anything else when you’re on a horse. It’s soul food, really.
On her horses
I have four horses. One, Dolly, is retired, and the other three are Ed, Bruno and Tinker — shiny, posh, big-muscled beasties. My favourite thing about riding is learning what makes them tick. I compete, so I train horses to do what I want them to, and in order to do that successfully you have to get inside their head, see the world through their eyes. It’s incredibly rewarding, to create a very close partnership with this big, hairy beast. They trust you, and that’s very special. Riding has made me more in tune with the natural world, too; You gain a respect and an awe for nature and its ways.
EDIE CAMPBELL. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COS.
On personal style
My style is quite androgynous. I like good clothes, but I’m not particularly interested in trends. I’m very interested in people who are extremely well dressed, whatever that is for them. When I’m riding, I dress like a complete slob. Especially in winter, when it’s many layers of thermals, and big, smelly coats with horse slobber on. But in competition, I do quite enjoy going for it, shining my boots. There’s a culture, in riding, of wearing things that will last. It’s not about the shiny and new, it’s about the quality of make.
Check out COS’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection here.
