The second list is back with a new theme – Frieze London!
I pestered all of the New Wave team about what they would wear to Frieze. This time it wasn’t about trying to fit in or stand out as a “gatecrasher”, it was about how to strike the right balance between put together and effortless. Finding the middle ground between “I planned this down to my socks” and “I just threw on the first thing I saw” is important because whilst fashion makes a great impression wherever you go, the nature of this event requires facile glamour.
Roger Vivier Viv’ in The City D’Orsay Pumps
I was inclined towards Roger Vivier shoes for this because well everyone loves Roger Vivier. The “In the City” Pumps are just so perfect for anything. The sleek suede and the gorgeous buckle ace the assignment. I’ve been a big fan of Roger Vivier ever since I heard of him. Whilst feet would die walking around Frieze but hey what a great way to go in this rosy red pair!
Coach Drifter Shoulder Bag 31
There are two kinds of people at Frieze. Those who insist they’re “just having a look.” And those who leave carrying enough brochures, magazines and exhibition catalogues to start a small library! The “Drifter” – so aptly named – is gorgeous and can easily be stuffed with a bajillion cards and notes whilst still looking cute and adorable.
Massimo Dutti Double Breasted Trench Coat
I believe the trench coat to be the unofficial sponsor of every cultural event in London. There’s something about putting one on that immediately makes you feel more knowledgeable. Whether that’s about contemporary art, architecture, or simply which coffee shop serves the best flat white in Soho is entirely up to you. For Frieze, a trench works because it doesn’t really try too hard. It quietly does its job and then gets out of the way
Justine Clenquet Cara Earrings
Art fairs are one of the few places where jewellery can quietly do all the talking. These earrings strike that useful balance between polished and slightly undone. Exactly the sort of thing someone would describe as effortless despite spending twenty minutes deciding to wear them.
There is always somebody wearing sunglasses indoors. There is always somebody looking incredibly good whilst doing it. And there is always somebody else wishing they’d thought of it first.
Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Elixir
The thing about fragrance is that people rarely remember exactly what you were wearing. They do, however, remember how you smelled. Which feels like a useful thing to keep in mind when spending the day introducing yourself to strangers beside very expensive artwork
The larger the bag, the more serious people assume your day is. This Dior Toujours suggests somebody attending private previews, important meetings and perhaps lunch somewhere that requires a reservation made weeks in advance. The Raffia and Black Calfskin make it look London but in a very Parisian way, like the yin to the yang of Dior looking very Parisian but in a London way under our beloved Jonathan William Anderson.
Rimowa x Mykita MR007 Round Sunglasses
If the Saint Laurent pair belongs to the mysterious attendee, these belong to somebody everyone assumes works in architecture, interiors or styling. Whether that assumption is correct doesn’t really matter. What matters is that everyone knows you know what is the next trend and they’re trying to decipher it by trying to figure out where these glasses are from and what you’re hiding behind them in your eyes!
Stella McCartney SMC Crest Panel High-Neck Sweatshirt
Luxury knitwear has become one of the world’s greatest achievements. A sweatshirt manages to communicate comfort, taste and financial stability all at once. This one does exactly that. The colour blocking is reminiscent of Piet Mondrian and Barnett Newman. It creates the allure of everything found at the confluence of art and fashion.
Gucci Jetset GG Marmont Bag
An old favourite. Not every Frieze outfit needs to whisper. Occasionally it’s perfectly acceptable for an accessory to remind people that it’s there. We can’t all be dressing up “nonchalantly”; some of us are just meant to shine through with the hottest, newest and sexiest arm candy and Gucci will always follow through on that.
A practical choice. Possibly the most practical choice. Anyone who has spent an entire day wandering around Frieze understands that sensible footwear quickly becomes less of a fashion decision and more of a survival strategy. I have spent many a year working at art fairs pulling 16 hour workdays to know how a good walkable shoe in a sexy colour is the best outfit choice you can make.
Gant Wool Mouliné Blend Turtleneck Sweater
The turtleneck remains undefeated. Nobody has ever looked less intellectual while wearing one. Whether they actually are more intellectual is, of course, another matter entirely. But who am I to comment on intellectuality when I find myself attracted to turtleneck sweaters in all colours? This Gant piece has me mesmerised to the point I can hear a string quartet in the background. It will truly never go out of style – that is unless it gets too hot due to global warming to properly enjoy a sweater season!
Adidas Samba OG – Mercedes-Benz
At this point the Samba has become less of a trainer and more of a London resident. You can’t really go anywhere without encountering one. Resistance is futile so we might as well adapt and evolve by picking this fresh new beige pair in collaboration with Mercedes Benz. I like the occasional nude shades but rarely in shoes, however the colours of Frieze warrant this pick in my humble opinion. In a sea of red, black and blue sometimes a beige will shine true.
CultMia BAÉ Onyx Black Pants
The art world loves black. Black walls. Black clothing. Black coffee. Black trousers therefore feel less like a choice and more like an inevitability. What better than this wide-legged pair to make the silhouette of the wearer look strong, formal and classic.
