02. The return of personal style.
Reflections on creativity and individual choices in the age of the algorithm.
We find ourselves in the middle of a shift in fashion. After years of quiet luxury blandness, subtle sophistication and safe reiterations of what already exists, personal style is making a comeback. The SS25 Prada show made it very clear that creativity is yet again prime status – the unexpected and individual. Just a few days after Meta announced new settings and features for Instagram back in September, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons showed a collection that very much made a comment on the time we live in – the age of the algorithm – a world that is edited for us depending on previous interactions. Where spontaneity and chance is lost and unexpected awe is limited. I’m sure you have felt it too, Instagram seeming… rather boring lately? Well you’re in good company, for so has Prada. The SS25 collection started a conversation about just that. Of “the idea of choice” said Mrs Prada. “Of unpredictability as a measure of human creativity”.
In a disruptive way, model after model were sent down the runway in what seemed to be a total lack of red thread. Mixing references from old collections, the looks were put together to create contrast and adapted to really fit the wearer, like couture. Even the order of the looks was orchestrated to create as much contradiction and confusion as possible – to do the opposite of the algorithm.
So what to take from the Prada show? Because let’s be frank, most people won’t pair an embellished silver dress with a yellow windbreaker and UFO-shaped straw visor… Well, I would say the urge to choose for yourself and to be more playful when expressing your individual style. Have fun. Be creative with the pieces you have in your wardrobe, mix and match. And let’s, through it, create a more diverse and inspiring social media universe.
Muses
Personal style is just that – personal – so it might seem like a contradiction to look to others for inspiration. Yet, just like the Prada show, one can be encouraged by the spirit of individuality and confident choices, translating that into one’s own expression. Here are a few favourites of mine – go follow for more inspiration.
Hanna Eklund always follows her own drumbeat in the most inspiring way. She seamlessly mixes vintage with high-end fashion, market finds, bold colours and textures in an unexpected way.
Yumi Shin is the Chief Merchandising Officer at Bergdorf Goodman, so impeccable taste comes as no surprise. I love her take on contemporary tailoring, amazing layering and accessorising.
Leandra Medine Cohen is probably no stranger to you. Her playful and inventive approach to fashion puts her at the top of influential dressing and individual style.
Melissa Jane Tarling has a way to create a very poetic and personal aesthetic universe, weaving together inspiration, lifestyle and looks. She makes neutrals interesting, plus her hat-game is simply splendid.
Objects of desire
What makes my heart beat a little extra atm: a selection of things crucial to my own style; put-together yet playful – a mix of materials and colours, art, silhouettes with a point of view, jewellery, and accessories. I like how the tailored shirt contrasts the delicacy of the printed silk skirt, how the lengths of both the garments and necklaces playfully meet, how the black accessories adds sharpness and how the mesh bag adds an unexpected sporty touch. Also – grey and orange simply is a killer colour combo, and no, I don’t care if I mix silver and gold – I actually prefer it that way.
ARTWORK Print Robert Mangold, Untitled (for Artists Space), 1995. BOOK Notes to John, by Joan Didion. Just got my copy and can’t wait to get started. BAG Symmetry Pochette mesh bag, by Savette. A new icon is born. PEN My Grandpa’s old gold one. NOTEBOOK The one and only, in sky blue, from Smythson. NAIL POLISH Chanel. GLASSES In cobalt, Duralex. STOOLS Vintage ALVAR AALTO stools that I just lost in an online auction the other week… well, the search goes on... FACE CREAM The one I swear by, Cicaplast by La Roche Posay. I use it every night. EARRINGS Pre-loved gems, CÉLINE by Phoebe Philo via Vestiaire Collective. HAND CREAM De Los Santos by Byredo – my favourite scent. SHIRT Pre-Fall 2017 CÉLINE by Phoebe Philo via Vestiaire Collective. SKIRT Spring Summer 2023 Prada via Vestiaire Collective. NECKLACE Silver collier by Rune Tennesmed via fave vintage dealer Nordlings. NECKLACE Castanet from Lemaire. Managed to snatch one during their latest restock. SCULPTURE Shapes of metal wire, by Ruth Asawa. Really wish I was in San Fransisco for her retrospective at SFMOMA, on until September if you get the chance. BAG CHARM Carven. LIP BALM Hermes. SCENTED CANDLE Favourite one, La Chambre by Colekt. RING vintage onyx & pearl ring, sourced by ever so inspiring Re-Collection. SHOES Spring Summer 2002 Prada suede heels via Vestiaire Collective, that I managed to get a hold of after months of hunting for them online. In love. PACKING BAGS The best ones in mesh, ARKET.
With that, I wish you a restorative and inspirational weekend. Until next Saturday,
X Alina