Looks That Last Forever

Words: Jabulile Qweshu-Dlamini | Photography: Jonathan Kope | Styling: Kelly Fung 

It’s tricky: you don’t enjoy the concept of following trends because it sounds like a waste of money, considering that there will be new rules to follow next season, so you find yourself saying things like, “I don’t follow trends”. The fact of the matter is, whether your motive is saving money or not coming across as a fashion sheep, that anything you buy is you buying into a trend (it’s just a question of whether it’s current or out of date). Ha!

A useful way for you to stretch your buck or avoid lying about being above trends is to go for the more classic waves of the moment.

Ziggy Stardust approved…

The essential for the extra girls – the fashion babes who leave no head unturned, believe that no heel is too high and no detail is too decadent. Despite fashion’s on-and-off relationship with them, platform shoes are forever. They've had a moment in every decade since possibly the beginning of time and David Bowie's footwear choices as Ziggy Stardust in the 70s is one of the most iconic throwbacks of our time.

There's no limit to the ways in which you can wear platforms. Jeans and a tee work just fine when you want to be low-key but still maintain the drama.

One side of the story…

A classic cut that has come in various iterations over the years, the gradual build-up of the asymmetrical neckline as must-have status began with Fall/Winter 2015 collections that brought sexy back, from Anthony Vacarello, Christopher Kane, Thierry Mugler, Rodarte and company. Cut to 2017 and the trend is having a full moment, and the better news is that the moment is going to last.

Here’s the thing: while exposed shoulders are most inclined to look their best when mixed with effortless-style vibes – like when they appear almost accidental with a deconstructed silhouette, yet exude a luxurious feel – the structured option allows you room to work it into more varied looks. Contrasted by an elevated ruched shoulder, this look is as effective in the office as it is on a night with a simple switch of earrings from studs to tassels. 

Polished in white…

In 1997, for Givenchy S/S Haute Couture, Alexander McQueen gave us white suiting like we had never seen it before. Double-breasted, cut-out at the back with gold detail and even the one with a twisted element – which Olivier Rousteing may or may not have copied for Balmain’s Spring 2015 collection. Well, either way, it’s back in style. You may have even seen how Raf Simons knocked the look straight out of the park at Calvin Klein’s SS18 runway offering.

Wearing white suits in real life may seem like a lot of work, though. You realise that you’ll have to swear off pigmented food, drinks (that may just be everything, so it’s a hunger strike then) and possibly all human contact to stay clean. Which sounds like a chore but the fact remains: very little else will have you looking as exquisite. So, suck it up, summon the spirit of Neo dodging bullets in The Matrix and slay like Bianca Jagger in the 70s killing the style game with every Studio 54 appearance.

Be sure to watch the short video below and then shop Superbalist for more trends to try.