Get the in summer travel mood with these great leather additions!
As the world reopens and trips to warmer climates are back in the diary, a fresh summer shop can be tricky as the end of year retail turns to winter trade in the northern hemisphere. Instead of sorting through the jammed sale racks and braving crowds of winter shoppers, take a look at these chic, light and bright leather finds and upcycle your summer wardrobe staples by adding the perfect leather piece. It’s time to step into that summer Yay-cay we all deserve!
The Bag:
We all have that great leather bag that we love and cherish on repeat. But if it’s ‘refreshed’ you’re after, adding a new bag can be the simplest way to complete a look—and one which you can reuse and recycle going forward! Stepping out in style doesn’t mean a head-to-toe runway look – summer basics (tank, short, swim) can be dressed up with the final touch of a great bag. Whether a rattan, tote, cross body, pouch or cassette, here are some of my favourite lightest and brightest designer leather bags that include Jacquemus, Bottega, JW Andersen, Proenza Schouler and Balenciaga!
ANYA HINDMARCH, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, STAUD
The Shoe:
It makes fashion sense that a great bag pairs with a great shoe—it’s a rule of thumb that I always work by with my clients. As more established brands and young designers branch into footwear, collections experiment with height, shape, embellishment and design. Even the basic school sandal is now elevated in design. Take a look at some of the best examples from Jimmy Choo, Acne, Loewe, Khaite, Louboutin, The Row, Tom Ford and Yume Yume. Birkenstock and Dr Martens receive a Rick Owens treatment and at Vivienne Westwood, a reproduction of her iconic 1988 sandal is oh-so summer accessible.
Gabriela Hearst, Acne Studios, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta
A Skirt or a Short:
If your summer wardrobe is denim heavy and flashing some skin is your travel vibe, adding some leather shorts or skirts can maximise wear and keep your packing light. Style with a bikini, tank or crop top – leather additions turn daywear into glam by simply adding a heel, shirt or jacket. With leather naturally tanned in endless colours, these citrus, plum, metallic, earth and black finds from Givenchy, Saint Lauren, The Attico, Red Valentino and Pinko are a sure starting point.
Blanca Vita, Isabel Marant, Helmut Lang, Alberta Ferretti
A Crop or a Bralette:
I’ve always loved a crop top and the surge in designer bralettes over the past few years has hugely expanded this space! Leather bottoms (and top) not only have a natural pairing for a killer full leather look—but an elevated leather crop has created a smart, modern and forward summer staple. Leather’s style and support is another great advantage. My ultimate leather piece in this feature is Ludovic De Saint Sernin’s lace up leather bralette in an adorable citrus green!
Manokhi, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Petar Petrov, Loewe
x Mike