Contemporary States

In 1870, Sarah Bernhardt wore a custom-made Worth pantsuit, which she referred to as her “boys clothes,” sending Paris and much of the globe into a state of “WTF” at such a scandalous affair. Approximately 40 years down the line, Coco Chanel designed her first suit – a fur-trimmed jacket with a matching ankle-length skirt.

The simple grey suit in Hitchcock’s Vertigo acts as an indicator between Kim Novak’s multiple characters, Madeleine and Judy. Somber and sophisticated, the two-piece, single-breasted suit has become an iconic piece in cinema fashion conjuring an unprecedented desire to use not only as a sartorial statement, but to slip into my own alter ego.

Resist appeals to—in fashion-speak— ‘‘stock up’ on ‘basics’ that are neither designed to delight nor made to last. Instead, aim to build an enduring wardrobe, piece by piece. Find your fall and winter foundation in six refined elements distinguished by their character, craftsmanship, and versatility. Each component unlocks inventive ways to lay foundation to the woman the day ahead summons. 

The position of formal dressing has transformed largely over the years, recently becoming energised by a distinct desire for personal expression in the workspace. 
Shoulder pads have been swapped for sharp lines and a distinct cut, revealing the  changing shapes of the traditional silhouette break forth. The modern woman in a suit isn’t archetypically formal in the traditional sense of the word, almost in rejection of the polished and reserved black suit.