Funky accessory collabs o¬ set newly minted cult classics, plus a revolutionary approach from a famed fashion house: ‘tis the season for a grand recharge and reboot
by ARCHANA AITHAL ROSE
SUPERHERO STILETTOS
From Jimmy Choo’s Sailor Moon collection to the LOEWE and Studio Ghibli collab, the world of high fashion has long intersected with action figures and animated heroes, resulting in showy, limited-edition pieces that appeal to both comic lovers and pop art aficionados. This season, luxury French designer Christian Louboutin best known for his identifiable red-soled stilettos is joining forces with Marvel Comics to drop a collection of shoes, bags, hats, and more. Influenced by famous Marvel personas like Namor, Moon Knight, and others, the collection presents a modern approach to costuming and accessorizing. Statement stilettos get the vinyl, jewel-encrusted treatment in shimmering metallics while the iconic Louboutin spike is reborn as the Namor spike with scale-like gems in an exceptional lineup that feels at once nostalgic and futuristic, perfectly aligning with Marvel’s mystical universe. christianlouboutin.com
NEW POINT OF VIEW
In September 2023, the house of Gucci underwent a seismic shift as longtime head designer Alessandro Michelle stepped down. Gucci’s first collection with creative director Sabato De Sarno at the helm serves as an homage to the label’s Tom Ford era. Reimagining Ford’s signature high glam aesthetic through a contemporary lens, the collection is a journey through silk, tweed, and embellishments. Extraordinary craftsmanship shines throughout the entire lineup of sleekly tailored separates, including faux fur jackets in pops of purple and green, slashed trousers, fringed silver coats, and striped shirting. Formal dresses receive the party treatment with raindrop-shaped accents while bedazzled bralettes and rhinestone-encrusted mesh dresses herald a return to the disco era. The house also maintains its reputation as an accessory connoisseur, pairing ski boots with short dresses, distressed kitten heels with mini skirts, and the newly revised versions of Gucci’s Jackie bag with baggy jeans for an eternal state of cool. gucci.com
SNUG AS A BUG
Hours after the minimalist Stockhol-based fashion brand Totême released its ingenious scarf jacket, the internet went crazy (TikTok alone garnered 5.9 million views). Skim through any social media platform and you’re bound to find influencers and celebs devouring this haute new trend. A fluid take on the brand’s obsession with luxurious utility, the look combines a coat with a sewn-in scarf for a blanket-like silhouette that takes the fuss out of winter dressing. Peruse our cherry-picked favorites to incorporate this slice of easy elegance into your winter wardrobe.
Totême Embroidered Scarf Jacket Dark Grey Melange Purists will love this OG version of the scarf jacket, crafted in a warm wool blend and finished with front flap pockets and white detailing on the attached scarf. Rock it with your favorite balloon jeans and winter boots. $1,130, toteme.com
Ted Baker Jilliya Oversized Twill Knit Scarf Coat Ted Baker’s take on the cult item of the year is a graphic long-style coat in a chunky twill knit. A shawl neckline features a fringed trim to be draped over the shoulders, cocooning the wearer in instant warmth. $575, tedbaker.com
Free People Scarf Jacket In Vintage Plaid Wrap yourself in the comfort of this standout topper, featuring a bold vintage-style checkered print with an exaggerated neck scarf, side pockets, and defined trim for that e¬ffortless cool-girl vibe. $537, freepeople.com
