Whether it’s hoodies and bags that are imbued with an ultra-luxe identity or a fitting fall-winter designer collection that’s anchored by cutting-edge, future ready style, this season is all about upward and onward

by ARCHANA AITHAL ROSE

MORE IS MORE
Dolce and Gabbana is hardly a brand that shies away from pomp and circumstance. Season after season, Italian designer duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have dreamed up collections that have defined the adage “less is more,” instead embracing all the fun that’s associated with fashion. For their men’s Fall-Winter 2021 collection, the co-CDs seem to have doubled down on their maximalist aesthetic inspired by the social-media loving Gen Z. Recontextualizing design details from the brand’s past with a definitive new spin, the collection is a heady mix of styles. From chromatic, disco lamé pants and leopard suits to rainbow-hued cardigans and pin striped patch work overcoats, it’s a thoroughfare of ostentatious sartorial statements. The collection combines Italian tailoring expertise with a very urban attitude and dare we say sense of humor. Even the accessories, including metallic red sneakers and over-sized gold totes, tied into the optimistic theme. dolceandgabbana.com

BELT IT OUT
A safe space for your entourage of essentials keys, mask, cellphone, credit cards, and airpods belt bags have become fashion’s must have accessory of this decade. This fall, designers have revitalized these pouches of perfection with some hard-to-ignore details and contemporary touches. In bold logo prints, artistic abstracts, or travel inducing sceneries, there’s one for every mood.

Hermès Cityslide Endless Road Belt Bag
A thrill seekers-approved belt bag in swift calfskin and taurillon clemence leather features an open road scene in different shades of blue. This standout piece comes with an H canvas strap, zipped front, and main pockets. $8,150, hermes.com

Fendi Multicolor Nylon and Leather Belt Bag
An emblematic piece from Fendi, this regenerated nylon and Cuoio Romano leather number features an uber cool abstract print by artist Noel Fielding, 3-D effect Fendi lettering, an adjustable belt, and palladium finish metal ware. $1,690, fendi.com

Alexander McQueen Biker Skull Urban Belt Bag in Black/Lust Red
For all the goth gods, McQueen’s nylon belt bag flaunts the atelier’s signature skull pattern in jacquard with a zipped compartment, card slot, and adjustable webbed tonal strap carrying the logo. $770, alexandermcqueen.com

ALL GOOD IN THE HOOD
We’d probably all collectively agree that, while we were hiding in our own little pandemic pods, fashion underwent a palpable shift, and one of the most notable has been the reinvention of the hoodie. Moving from the realms of casual attire and slick street wear, the humble hoodie is now having a high-fashion moment. From Celine to Dior, Givenchy to Gucci, the highly embellished and luxe treatments to this must-have layering wardrobe staple add conclusive proof that never before has the hoodie been viewed through the lens of couture. Combined with directional styling and refined accessories, you too can rock this season’s statement hoodies.

Givenchy Oversized Hoodie with Studs
Even with its visible punk rock verve, couture-level attention has been given to Givenchy’s matte black hoodie in brushed felpa, from the meticulously embroidered crystals and metal studs in gold and silver to black 4G embroidery on the back. $2,725, givenchy.com

Valentino Men’s Logo Garden Print Anorak Hoodie
Injecting the transitional months with some exceptional cheer, an audacious garden print with a logo across the chest gives the classic hoodie some serious street cred. Equipped with a kangaroo pouch, this multicolored aair is the epitome of standout style. $2,390, neimanmarcus.com

Diesel S-ubber A1
Diesel’s dapper version of the revered hoodie is fashioned with layered sleeves that pack visual appeal and features fleece backing on the hood and pockets. The hood can be fastened with a drawstring bearing a 3-D Mohawk toggle. $136, shop.diesel.com