As the leaves transform into brilliant autumnal shades and Halloween draws ever closer, we’re inevitably forced into the transition between balmy, moderate weather and the cold, dark depths of winter. However, designers from Alexander Wang to Haider Ackermann to Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy are making the dark side all the more alluring this season. At New York Fashion Week, Wang presented an homage to black, embodying the gothic cultures for which the dark shade is a way of life. Naturally, the clothes were pared down, but retained an edgy aesthetic with their daring silhouettes, generous use of leather and metal accessories. On the other hand, Haider Ackermann delved in a more outlandish use of the shade by, in a surprising change, experimenting with monochromatic prints that added a whimsical but graphic touch.
This Fashionista, a student from the University of Pennsylvania, deftly merges the aesthetics of Wang and Ackermann in a look that is both sombre but playful in its use of black. Her simple halter top is appropriate for both day and night and will take her from a casual brunch straight to a formal date night. For more elaborate occasions, this Fashionista could accessorize with a statement metallic necklace à la Alexander Wang that would bring the spotlight onto her outfit. Her square-patterned skirt adds linearity and order to the ensemble, intriguing with its optical illusion-inducing print and the daring slit on the side. Finally, her platform sandals add a youthful edge to the outfit, taking black to a new level of cool.
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “I love to play up monochromatic shades with stripes and checks that refresh my all-black outfits”
