Fashion news: September 2020

The return of jeans

I love jeans: dressed up, dressed down, I live in denim. At least I did. In the early days of lockdown I was one of the legions of legging wearers, swapping to floaty skirts and smock dresses when the heatwave hit.

But now it's September and I'm yearning to get back into my jeans again. But alas my ride or die pair is dead. So I'm particularly excited to check out the new range from Cos, which is part of an ongoing programme to bring sustainability to the mainstream (Cos Resell has just been announced, check out further details here.)

Women's jeans are made from 100% organic cotton while men's styles are made from recycled surplus denim, organic cotton and recycled polyester thread.

The design-driven collection boasts high-rise flares (the super-flattering style has returned once again) and reimagined skinnies, but it's the tapered-leg 'mom' styles that I'll personally be adding to my basket.

Creative collaborations

The start of the new fashion season always brings with it an influx of designer collaborations, and this month is no different. Parisian designer Vanessa Seward continues her partnership with La Redoute with a 70s-inspired collection of smart casual pieces. I'm loving the boxy blazer and pussy-bow blouse in particular.

The return of J, Jil Sander's collection for Uniqlo, is momentous news for those who subscribe to a minimal maxim. The first drop is due in October and items will no doubt sell out fast. Find out more here.

A wholly new type of partnership is set to debut later this month: the first Prada collection designed by both Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, who was appointed co-creative director of the Italian brand in April. The collection will be shown in Milan on 24 September, and as both designers are known for their ability to astound with originality it's sure to get people talking.

All gold

As something of a magpie I've loved visiting the Goldsmiths Fair, the annual event which brings together an array of jewellers and makers whose talent with precious metals and gems is dazzling.

This year the event is going fully digital, splitting into virtual zones with a schedule of expert talks on trends in jewellery now and through history, a virtual exhibition of brooches, and a commissioning portal designed to demystify the process and connect potential customers with makers. (Going bespoke can be more affordable than you might think, by the way, and well worth exploring should you be in the market for a new piece.)

There's also a shop with over 1,000 pieces, but the part I am perhaps most excited about is the makers' zone. I can't wait to join some of the virtual studio tours, where you can watch any of the 136 selected makers at work in order to better understand the creative process and the artisan behind the art. And if you're intrigued you can connect with makers directly with talks, tours and open studios across the country, enabled by social media.

At a time when the impact of our spending has never felt more significant, I love this innovative way of supporting and connecting with talented, creative artists.

Photo: earrings by Gearry Suen

Get in Aligne

Fashion retail has been under significant threat from the pandemic's impact on how we dress, shop and spend. So it's cheering that new brands are still launching, especially when they're offering something as well considered as Aligne.

The newest brand on the block, Aligne offers contemporary womenswear with ambitious commitments to sustainability and transparency at an affordable price.

The collections are on-trend but still timeless enough to pass muster for years to come while classics such as cashmere turtlenecks and crew-neck sweatshirts have enough design detail to mark them out from the everyday.

With prices starting at £32 for a T-shirt to £180 for outerwear, this could be a significant step in a sustainable direction.

Popping back up

Pre-pandemic, fashion pop-ups were an integral part of London life, and as the capital slowly wakes from its enforced slumber they too have been returning.

Since 2016 The Maiyet Collective has been making waves in the luxury industry for its pursuit of sustainability and slow fashion and beauty. This autumn it will host a four-month pop-up in Mayfair, showcasing 60 conscious brands across fashion, beauty, accessories and jewellery.

Highlights of the first brands on the roster include: Arkitaip, a mother-daughter duo creating timeless linen wear sustainably crafted in Europe; Caes, a new Dutch label championing minimal slow fashion and Pama London's high-performance activewear made from plant-based fibres.

As well as showcasing new and established brands who share an ethical ethos and love of collaboration, there will be a schedule of weekly events including panel discussions, private shopping events, interactive craft and wellness workshops and art installations. 17 South Molton Street, London W1K 5QT, Monday - Saturday 11am - 7pm.

On the other side of the park, designer boutique Joseph – long a trusty spot for a sophisticated take on the trends – has just launched a pop-up outlet in its Notting Hill store with up to 80% off past-season pieces. 184 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London W11 2RH, Monday to Saturday 11am - 6pm, Sundays 12pm - 6pm until Monday 30 November.

Best foot forward

I've been putting off the seasonal switch-over of my wardrobe in hopes of a prolonged summer, but I'm truly excited about embracing autumn dressing once again.

Rounding up some of the key trends recently was a fun way to reacquaint myself with the designs we saw back in February (another lifetime) as well as getting started on my own personal shopping list.

And while I'm looking forward to wearing jeans again I won't be retiring my skirts and dresses entirely: one of my favourite autumn combinations is a floaty skirt with suitable stompy boots and a cosy knit. On that note, I'll be scouting for the best cardigans for all budgets soon – watch this space.

For the last few years I've favoured hiking boots, and I'll no doubt return to my trusty J.W. Anderson pair, but I'm in the market for something new too. I'm particularly taken with the lug-sole Chelsea boots that are currently everywhere, just the trend injection my wardrobe needs right now.

Stella's solution

Buying less to wear it more gets an interesting update this season courtesy of Stella McCartney whose new Stellawear capsule is designed for multiple uses: lingerie, swimwear, ready-to-wear.

The body-sculpting pieces are made from breathable, chlorine-resistant – and sustainable – materials and dry super-fast meaning they spend less time in the laundry.

Currently available to pre-order, I love the bodysuit in pink to wear with jeans and a blazer now, and as swimwear next summer.