CUBICLE is a modern take on digital storytelling by SHINI PARK. Energised by visual curiosity and a singular point of view that celebrates craftsmanaship, observation and humour, this is a collection of stories and objects carefully curated with a devotion to soulfulness amid tech. Read More
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Contemporary States

photography
Shini Park
styling
Simon Schmidt
production
Cube Collective
words
Zana Wilberforce
The tailored black-tie suit is perhaps the pinnacle of all formal garments, which can be traced back to court dressing in Britain in the 17th century. For women, the tailored suit came in the form of ‘riding habits’ in the 1600s, but ‘pantsuits’ for women were once illegal—which still admittedly sends stabbing signals down my spine in the form of hypothetical peacocks poking menacingly at my lumbar vertebrae each time the topic is brought to the fore.

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.

jacket & skirt JOSEPH  boots CHARLES & KEITH

Reworking the formal or office-appropriate look falls down to a willingness to transform the finer details.

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.

suit JOSEPH 
dress
 JOSHUA MILLARD 
boots BY FAR

dressEUDON CHOIjewellery CORNELIA WEBB

top & belt  JOSHUA MILLARD
trousers  JOSEPH
heels SENSO


FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
boots CHARLES & KEITH
bags
JOSEPH

coat ‘PIA’ EUDON CHOI trousers EUDON CHOI
dress EUDON CHOItrousers CELINE
boots CHLOE GOSSELIN, gloves RHANDERS, bag COACH

jumper JOSEPH trousers DEREK LAM  boots  MARQUES ALMEIDA

By adding an unexpected accessory to the foreground, your camel tones are unintentionally heightened in your classic cotton-canvas trench coat. A splash of orange matched with a pair of statement knee-length boots points to an innate sense of abundant energy that would otherwise be omitted from the final product.

jumper EUDON CHOI belt  JOSHUA MILLARD skirt JOSEPH
shoes BY FAR

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