Written by Guest Blogger: Sara Kinnunen
The fashion capitals of the world each have their own interesting personality, just like the people living in them. I’ve been lucky enough to visit three of the major fashion hubs this Spring/Summer season. Paris, New York and London all ended up as my travel destination for different reasons and naturally, the fashion student that I am, I took note of some trends going on in each city. Living in Edinburgh I could already guess what London’s street wear style would be like, it’s the easiest to identify from any other city by far. No amount of studs, crosses and skulls is too much for a full-fledged Londoner, this is partly due to the 90s Revival trend as well as Punk being big for the season.. Galaxy prints, disco pants, crop tops and creepers are your ticket into the cool kids crowd. House of Holland, Alexander McQueen, Jeffrey Campbell and TopShop are your shopping destination if you desire to look like a somebody in London town. Bond Street is great for spotting designer handbags by the way, I created a game out of it myself. Chanel and Prada dominated.
The monochrome clad, Marlboro smoking creative individuals hiding behind their Ray-Bans are my people. NYC is quality over quantity. A few well crafted pieces will get you a long way in the city. A well tailored dress is the uniform of choice for many a New Yorker. Your color of choice is most likely black, though textures vary largely. Silk, leather, velvet or suede? Waxed, quilted, panelled or shredded? Take your pick, anything goes for as long as it’s black. Unless you’re going for print on print, in which case no combination is too out there. Saint Laurent, Band of Outsiders, Rag & Bone and BLK DNM is a mix of brands from which you’ll be able to create your own of-the-moment NYC look in no time. Be your niche tailored monochrome, post-hipster print on print or leathered out grunge, these brands will get you there.
Paris was elegant as ever. I really don’t know how they do it. At this point I should point out that I’m originally from Helsinki, Finland, and am therefore used to simple, sleek Scandinavian style. Parisian chic is simple, but in a completely different, effortlessly impeccable way compared to Helsinki. Or the rest of the world for that matter. Classic, easy to mix colors and pieces are de rigueur in Paris. You will definitely not see any of that London stud-business in the rues of Paris, Chloe, Chanel, Dior and Sonia Rykiel are the key tastemakers for the street stylistas. If you’re looking to fit in with the fashionable crowd, a classic Burberry trench won’t hurt either.
Personally I go by the motto: “When in doubt, whip your vintage out.” Because it is near impossible for an average Jane to have a wardrobe of contemporary designer pieces fit for any one of these cities, but in case you’re a globetrotter like yours truly, it is even more difficult to attain. So I opt for some classic, reasonably priced vintage pieces , and the occasional trendy item here and there. At the moment that is my beloved overalls. Prop tip: Even though overalls in NYC aren’t an unusual sight, unless you’re very comfortable with your style do not wear overalls in suburbia. People will ask you, depending on their age “Did you wake up this morning and think this was the 90s/70s? “
London
New York
Paris
Photo credit: style.com