Fall is the perfect time of year to break out your favourite leather (or faux leather) pieces, whether it be a floor-sweeping trench, combat boots or butter-soft pants. Not only is the material practical in keeping you away from the elements, but it’s also easy to style and instantly brings elegance and luxury to your look. The best part? A well-maintained leather (or faux leather) garment will last you for years to come.
Every year, designers introduce various leather pieces in their Fall/Winter collections, reinventing the wheel with new colours, silhouettes or techniques. This year was no different. Alberta Ferretti sent models down the catwalk in warm caramel brown and basil green, while Chloé’s multicolour scallop patchwork leather coat (as seen in our October 2021 issue) made a bold statement.
On the high street, Aritzia’s Melina Pant has taken over TikTok, and it’s easy to see why: Not only are the vegan leather pants flattering on many body types (the brand offers petite, regular and tall lengths), they also come in a multitude of colourways, from classics such as black and cognac to trendier shades like “Dune Blue” and “Dark Ivy Green.”
Click through the gallery below to find the latest leather pieces to sport this fall.
What a time to be alive in 2003. Paris Hilton was starring in her hit reality show The Simple Life, Destiny’s Child was still together, and, most notably, the micro-mini skirt was a staple in every It Girl’s wardrobe. Italian fashion house Miu Miu teleported us back to that very Y2K era with the runway show for their Spring/Summer 2022 collection on October 5. In their presentation at the Palais d’Iéna in Paris, the brand made a clear statement: the low-rise mini skirt is officially back.
Before we go on, abandon all preconceived notions of what a “skirt” is. Covering your behind is no longer a requirement — we’re talking so short that the pocket linings poke out from the bottom. Miu Miu’s runway was filled with micro-mini skirts that put wearers’ belly buttons, hipbones and upper thighs on display. The boundary-pushing pieces are so teeny that they could almost be mistaken for belts rather than stand-alone items of clothing.
Thanks to Miuccia Prada, the skin-bearing style is no longer just for club-goers or early aughts red carpets. The collection — titled “Basic Instincts” — is Miu Miu’s take on reimagined professional attire with low-waisted and high-cropped office wear. It features khaki midi and mini skirts that have fraying bottoms that look like they’ve been haphazardly fringed with scissors. The collection’s bottoms varied from leather skirts to full-length trousers — all low-waisted, of course. They were paired with cropped (and some full-length) wool sweaters, button-up dress tops and zip-up jackets. Embroidered mini and midi evening dresses also had the rigidly cropped look, with stringy edges.
“Trousers are cut into abbreviated skirts, sweaters and shirts carved out to reveal the body. Edges are left raw, elements of construction exposed in commemoration of the spontaneity of these actions,” explains the brand in a statement. The result is a distressed prep-school vibe that we’re totally into.
Those of us who’ve lived through the OG micro-mini skirt days can recall the fatphobia and “thinspiration” that also dominated the fashion narrative back then. As a result, some are not too thrilled about the return of the 2000s trend and its body-shaming discourse. And unfortunately, Miu Miu’s recent runway show missed an opportunity to show off the revisited low-rise looks on larger bodies, consequently reverting to the untrue idea that only thin people can sport a skin-bearing wardrobe.
Fashion’s current revival of Y2K trends coincides with increased body diversity among media and designers, but we’re still lacking representation on many high-fashion runways. We’d love to see a runway with low-rise and cropped pieces on bigger bodies. Just imagine all the iconic early aughts styles without any of the body-image anxiety. We’ll take that over 2003 any day.
For those whose routines are picking up speed with back-to-school, back-to-the-office and back-to-the-gym plans, there are plenty of exciting new October 2021 beauty launches to help your hair and makeup keep up. Whether you’re simply on the go or heading out for your first weekend away in quite some time, these formulas will streamline your life (and your bag).
Everist Waterless Body Wash Concentrate
Photography Courtesy of Everist
After the runaway success of its waterless shampoo and conditioner, Canadian brand Everist, which aims to “make eco easy,” is taking the next obvious step toward making your daily showers as sustainable as possible with Waterless Body Wash. As with the company’s hair products, the 100% plant-based formula is packed in a 100-millilitre, zero-waste tube (which is particularly perfect for travel) as opposed to the typical single-use plastic bottles of shower gel, which usually contain around 70% water. For even more ease, Everist also released a natural and compostable konjac sponge, which can help a little body wash go an extra long way.
Alterna My Hair. My Canvas. Meltaway No-Rinse Micellar Cleanser
Like a magic makeup wipe for your hair, Alterna’s new no-rinse micellar cleanser is a new solution for extending the life of your strands between washes. While typical dry shampoo sprays and powders can by drying and dull your hair’s shine, this cream-to-powder formula absorbs oil, sweat and other product build-up while maintaining moisture, shine and manageability, all without leaving any weird residue behind. It’s a gym bag no-brainer.
This new hair iron is as versatile as it gets and can help you straighten or add waves or curls to your look with its three quarter inch tourmaline and ceramic coated plates for extra smooth and shiny results. The iron features an LED display and heats up to 400°F. It’s also cordless — it comes with a USB charging cable — with up to 30 minutes of usage time. With its heat-proof case, it’s perfect to take to the gym, on a night away or to events that require some last-minute touch-ups.
Building a curly hair routine for your hair type and curl pattern is an art form that’s usually achieved via trial and error, and can take months (if not years) to perfect. Or so we once thought. Time-consuming product curation not your thing? Enter the Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream collection, a line of nourishing, manuka-honey-infused products — shampoo, conditioning mask, moisturizing cream, lightweight gel and finishing oil — that has your entire wash and style routine covered, from start to finish. – Souzan Michael Galway
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette in Sunset Dreamscape
Photography Courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury
This all-in-one palette is a must-have among beauty-philes for its expertly coordinated shades, finishes and pan sizes that promise the perfect “five-minute face.” Sunset Dreamscape is the just-launched colourway which features warm, rich shades that practically scream autumnal fantasy (apple picking, anyone?) While anxiety may creep up at the thought of leaving all of your other makeup palettes behind, we swear this gorgeous compact is a one-stop-shop, perfectly suited to an overnighter or fuss-free weekend away.
Tatcha Limited Edition The Kissu Lip Mask
Photography Courtesy of Tatcha
After launching its original Kissu Lip Mask last year, inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Japanese women using momo or the Japanese white peach to help repair their lips, the brand is dropping a new, limited-edition red mask this month. An ode to the striking red camellia flowers which bloom during Japanese winters, the subtly tinted, smoothing and plumping mask contains all of the nourishing ingredients of the original, including hydrating squalene, peach extract and camellia oil, which is rich in vitamins and omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids. While you can still use the non-sticky mask like a pumped-up lip balm at home and before bed, this tinted version is ideal for getting a subtle red lip for heading out (or hopping on Zoom) without the drying effects of a regular lipstick.
Nars Unwrapped Velvet Matte Pencil Duo
Photography Courtesy of Nars
These Nars pencils are a forever favourite since they pack major colour punch with a no-fuss application, and barely move once applied. These two best-selling shades, including Dragon Girl (an epic red that Taylor Swift has crowned a favourite) and Dolce Vita, a perfect-for-everyday rosy hue, are packaged together in full-size as part of the brand’s holiday offerings. The best part you ask? You can squirrel away both for the usual price of one.
Revlon xMegan Thee Stallion Big Bad Beauty Looks
Photography Courtesy of Revlon
Award-winning rapper and Revlon brand ambassador Megan Thee Stallion has curated five everyday, makeup-bag must-haves which will undoubtedly make your fall look a lot more music-video-worthy. The collection includes four eyeliners, including two metallic liquid liners, and two mascara formulas. The knock-out item is undoubtedly the Big Bad Palette, a compact featuring ten wet-to-dry cool and warm shades, including two Grammy-esque gold hues that can be used on both eyes and cheeks as highlighter. It’s a palette for any possible frame of mind — sassy, moody or nasty.
Graydon Moon Boost Serum
Photography Courtesy of Graydon
Great for “thirsty” skin with nutrient-dense superfood oils and extracts — including seasonal pumpkin — this multipurpose serum has seven different vitamins to nourish your skin and give it a healthy glow. Add the benefits of shiitake mushrooms, blueberries and prickly pear, it’s basically a salad for your face.
If you haven’t yet watched Squid Game, chances are you’ve heard all about it from friends, family or social media over the past few weeks. The South Korean drama survival show has been dominating the internet — it’s even on track to become the most-watched show in Netflix history. With Squid Game’s exponential rise in popularity, it’s no surprise that one of its stars, model HoYeon Jung, just announced a huge new deal, as the new face of Louis Vuitton.
The fashion house on October 6 shared the news that she would be joining as global house ambassador for fashion, watches and jewelry.
Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game is Jung’s first-ever acting gig. The eerie and suspenseful thriller follows a group of characters whose worlds are overcome by poverty and crippling debt. In efforts to turn their lives around, they enter a competition in a remote location where contestants play traditional Korean children’s games to win a cash prize. Hundreds of people enter, but only one person can win. And when eliminated, players pay the price with their lives. The show is a poignant critique of class inequality, privilege and capitalism, all while highlighting the nuances of human desperation and greed. (Content warning: it’s also very graphic.) Squid Game is a widely agreed-upon masterpiece — with plot points that resonate among viewers all over the world.
Jung has become a clear-fan favourite. The 27-year-old plays contestant no. 067, Kang Sae-byeok, a sly, quick-witted pickpocket who fled North Korea. Her money motives all centre around her family: she’s trying to get her little brother out of an orphanage and reunite with her mother, who’s still stuck in the North. Aside from her captivating screen presence (she’s got that cool-girl aura), Kang is adored by fans for her smarts and genuineness despite the horror of the games. And with Louis Vuitton’s new recruit of the actor, her super-stardom has been even further solidified.
Photography Courtesy of YOUNGKYU PARK/Netflix
Jung is not at all new to the fashion world. In 2013, she came in second on Korea’s Next Top Model when she was just 19 years old. Three years later, she walked in her first major runway show with Louis Vuitton, sporting a standout look of fiery red hair. Throughout her modelling career, she’s walked for other luxury fashion houses such as Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, Chanel and Miu Miu, as reported by Teen Vogue. And now, she’s in one of the most coveted positions that fashion houses have to offer. That’s what we call a full-circle moment.
#HoYeonJung for #LouisVuitton. Perfectly embodying the independent Louis Vuitton woman, the actress and new Global House Ambassador for Fashion, Watches, and Jewelry continues this journey with the Maison after gracing the runway in 2017. pic.twitter.com/l1Ucby01L6
“It is an honour to start my acting career with Louis Vuitton, the brand I have modelled for. I look forward to all the moments with Louis Vuitton as a global ambassador,” says Jung in a statement. Louis Vuitton has made it a habit of scouting international superstars. In April, the fashion house announced K-pop group (and worldwide sensation) BTS would be global brand ambassadors. Nicolas Ghesquière, the brand’s Women’s Artistic Director, says he “immediately fell in love” with Jung’s talent and personality. “I am looking forward to starting this new chapter of the journey we started at Louis Vuitton a few years ago,” he adds.
It’s safe to say we all collectively have a crush on HoYeon Jung, who has reportedly become the most followed South Korean actress on Instagram. We cannot wait to see what comes from her role as global ambassador with Louis Vuitton.
It is a privilege to walk on a Paris runway. So to watch the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2022 show video and see two protesters amid the models sparked several thoughts — the main one being, “Where is security?” The fact that the interlopers made it all the way to the finale was even more disheartening.
Decades ago, Linda Evangelista complained to a reporter, “Someone could come backstage with a gun and shoot us all,” or something along those lines. Whatever her exact words were, the sentiment was 100% accurate: fashion shows can be a target for people who want attention and sometimes security can be breached. Back in the day, it was by anti-fur protesters. This time a banner was carried onto the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2022 runway with a message about over-consumption. They needn’t have bothered. We all know the environmental impact of clothing. But saving up to buy one piece of Louis Vuitton that will be cherished forever rather than blowing the budget on piles of fast fashion that will be tossed into landfill soon after is actually the more sustainable choice. So, protestors, pick your runway wisely next time.
The transgression didn’t take away from the power of the procession under a row of glittering chandeliers at the Louvre. The theme of the collection was the idea that time is of no consequence and there was a lot of blurring of day and night, sport and dress-up. Think a pretty lace skirt with wide hip panniers anchored by a wrestling-type boot and you’ve got the gist.
Time was much more specific earlier in the day at Chanel where designer Virginie Viard recreated an ’80s-style runway with photographers standing in deep trenches in front of the first row. This was before autofocus technology had been perfected, later allowing photographers to shoot from the back of the room with long lenses. Aiming up at the models produced awful angles, which you will immediately see looking at show images from that period. But Viard was simply setting a mood. “I used to love the sound of flashbulbs going off at the shows in the ‘80s, when the models were on a raised runway. I wanted to recapture that emotion,” she said in a press release. Her smiling models and denim suits, fishnet skirts and butterfly prints definitely stirred up memories of an easier, breezier time.
Clothing is more than what you wear, it’s a way to express yourself artistically, says activist Janaya Future Khan. It involves experimentation and making yourself uncomfortable. But when you find what makes you happy, you cultivate a power that becomes present in all other aspects of your life.
Khan is a storyteller, among other things. As co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto and an international ambassador for the Black Lives Matter Network, they’re no stranger to hard conversations. Last year, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Toronto-born advocate began using their Instagram as a space to talk about complex issues. Their weekly live streams, dubbed “Sunday Sermons,” range from more personal topics like self-worth and anxiety to commentary on pop culture and political discourse. And during an undoubtedly isolating time, Khan has nurtured an online community dedicated to growth, self-discovery and multi-faceted activism.
As in-person events have picked up again, Khan’s influential presence has manifested itself in physical spaces, too. Take London-based contemporary brand COS, which enlisted Khan for its Fall/Winter 2021 campaign and runway show. In keeping with the brand’s laidback aesthetic, the collection highlights loosely-fitted, layered styles. In an official release, COS states its latest collection is also crafted toward sustainability and circularity, using repurposed materials and recycled fabrics. Khan’s collaboration with the clothing brand makes sense — as they tell me, fashion is a mode for activism, and COS’s relaxed fits represent the space and possibility needed to advance the fashion world in a sustainable direction.
Photography courtesy of COS
As a non-binary person in the fashion industry — which has historically enforced the gender binary — Khan is helping to break down traditional barriers surrounding clothing. When asked if they ever deal with imposter syndrome, Khan responds, “I decided to step out of the story I was born into and write my own.” Below, FASHION speaks with Janaya Future Khan about the intersection of fashion and activism, dressing as a means for empowerment, and the future of sustainability.
How has your work in fashion connected to your role as an activist?
Fashion is art, and any artistic expression can be activist in nature. The society we live in requires an adherence to a mythical norm that dictates everything from haircuts to clothes to jewelry and shoes. But fashion pushes against the limits of our imagination and invites us to pursue authentic expression that transcends limits and embodies the liminal. Growing up, I never fit in. There were times when it didn’t even feel like my body was my own because I was so policed by the world around me. Fashion provided the creative space to build agency, and agency is about choice. Choice is infectious, and this newfound power informs every aspect of my life, especially activism.
How does COS’s collection align with your personal style?
COS is fluid. Streamlined, elegant and durable. I can be at a protest, in a studio, or on a stage in anything COS makes, and this is perfectly aligned with my personal style.
The COS collection embraces fluidity through draped, layered styles and oversized fits. Do you feel that this type of fluidity in clothing is where the fashion world is headed?
Fashion works in the delicate balance of being in tune with where the world is now and futurists in where the world will be, often acting as the curator of culture and taste along the way. Much like the rest of the world, we are grappling with the tension between creativity and capitalism, glamour and global despair, dreams and dystopia. Fashion will recycle and upcycle material. It will digitize as our lives become more intertwined with technology. We will have to move beyond fast fashion and build accessibility alongside sustainability. Oversized fits and layering are a metaphor for space and possibility, and that is precisely where I see fashion headed. COS is about fluidity, and that word, like the water it implies, is essential.
Photography Courtesy of COS
In your last Sunday Sermon, you spoke about existentialism and cynicism, specifically brought on by climate change. The fashion industry is notorious for its negative environmental impact. How do you think people can partake in fashion while combating this feeling of angst surrounding climate change?
To live in a society such as ours, and to believe in justice or art, is to be in almost perpetual conflict with the capitalist machine that moves us all. As I mentioned previously, upcycled and recycled materials, digitizing fashion, and wedding the worlds of accessibility and sustainability are necessary, and so are having some personal guidelines. What has helped me combat the consumption bug that fuels angst is asking myself questions before I use shopping cart therapy. Will this elevate my wardrobe? Do I see myself wearing this five years from now? Do I already have anything like this? What fits does it currently work with?
Asking questions helps to build intention and joy to push back against the angst. This cannot work alone. We need to work with brands to build better infrastructure and policies around environmental impact, and luckily there are many out there ready to do just that.
What advice do you have for people who are struggling to find clothes that empower them?
Investing time to locate what kind of expression gives you joy is not frivolous. When I stopped thinking of it as simply “clothes” and more as artistic expression, I gave myself permission to explore joy and possibility. It can be hard when you don’t see yourself out there, so look for clues. There will never be the one perfect form of style that speaks to you, because there is only one of you. You’re special. So take the little pieces of the things you like best whenever you are moved and collect them. Before you know it, you’ll have created a work of art uniquely your own. Go into the spaces that scare you. As a non-binary person who is very drawn to masculine expression, I found myself wearing a Dries silver sequined skirt the other day that felt like chainmail. At some point, you let go of the masculine and feminine and instead get to see the whole.
