NAMES TO KNOW

ISSEY MIYAKE

THE DESIGNER: A regular on the Paris Fashion Week calendar since the early 1970s, Issey Miyake is known for future-oriented design and architectural silhouettes.” Although the designer is no longer at the helm, his enduring philosophy to create new products through the power of human imagination that bring people joy and comfort remains. Now, headed up by designer Satoshi Kondo, the brand is enjoying renewed energy and innovation and is undergoing a resurgence in popularity.

KNOWN FOR: Miyake is synonymous with pleats. Inspired by a lightweight polyester-silk scarf folded in four and pleated at an angle, the designer invented a new pleating technique in the late 80s based on modern technology and engineering that gave way to many new forms of clothing. This new technique has resulted in pleating that allows both the flexibility of movement for the wearer as well as ease of care and production. The idea being, that this design is not to be seen as couture nor fashion, but just as clothes.

WHO WEARS IT: Solange, Meryl Streep, Mary-Kate Olsen, Rihanna, Doja Cat, Katy Perry.

THE KEY PIECE: The Chochin Pleated Dress. Diamond pleated and colour-blocked, it's cut to an A-line silhouette in an oversized fit with exaggerated flares on the hemline. The perfect dress up or dress down piece, it can be worn solo with a pair of chunky boots or elevated for evening with a pair of sandal mules.

ALBERTA FERRETTI

THE DESIGNER: Alberta Ferretti is an Italian fashion designer, she designs both the Alberta Ferretti and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti labels. The daughter of a tailor, Ferretti could cut fabric by the time she was 12. Ferretti opened her own boutique when she was only a teenager and created clothes to hang alongside those made by other soon-to-be-major Italian designers, including Giorgio Armani and Gianni Versace. She first showed her eponymous label in 1981, and soon became synonymous with an inimitably airy, soft femininity.

KNOWN FOR: Ferretti has been showing seasonal collections since 1981 and is known for her light hand with pretty party dresses, almost ethereal and romantic designs which are often delicately embellished with lace or beading.

WHO WEARS IT: Uma Thurman, Gigi Hadid, Jessica Biel, Angela Bassett, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Karen Gillan, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Wang, Ellie Golding, Greta Gerwig.

THE KEY PIECE: For AW21, Ferretti has brought her iconic romanticism design to structured silhouettes. Case in point: the Side Tied Wrap Blazer. Ferretti has brought femininity to this typical masculine silhouette with the self-tie detail at the side.

LOULOU STUDIO

THE DESIGNER: When former fashion consultant and Parisian influencer Chloé Harrouche couldn't find the perfect pieces she wanted, she made them herself and Loulou Studio was born. Consisting of neutral hues and classic shapes, the line is designed to feel incredibly comfortable and slip seamlessly into your wardrobe.

KNOWN FOR: Best known for her knitwear in general, it’s the now cult-favourite understated Bruzzi sweater that LouLou Studios is most famous for.

WHO WEARS IT: Pretty much every cool fashion ‘it’ girl with an Instagram account. Think Monikh, Thora Valdimars, Camille Charrière and Jeanette Madson.

THE KEY PIECE: While you can’t go wrong with the aforementioned Bruzzi sweater, this season it’s all about sweater vests. Woven from an ultra-soft blend of wool and cashmere to a cable knit, it's cut oversized with a deep V-neck and ribbed trims for comfort. Style yours with a pair of the brand's wide-leg trousers.

JACQUEMUS

THE DESIGNER: Self-taught French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus has brought a breath of fresh air to Paris Fashion Week, taking the industry by storm with his sunny yet unapologetic designs. His eponymous label is an ode to his late mother and has since its inception in 2009 (when Jacquemus was only 19 years old) established itself as a real fashion contender.

KNOWN FOR: The now-renowned ‘Le Chiquito’ bag. First appearing on two models in the designer’s fall 2017 ready-to-wear collection, the mini bag’s debut resulted in a social media phenomenon: fashion’s most in-the-know were wearing it and memes were even created. Since then, the petite top-handle style has been iterated with new materials, colourways, and styles, no doubt solidifying itself as Jacquemus’ most iconic style.

WHO WEARS IT: Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, Emily Ratajkowski, Beyoncé, Hailey Bieber, Olivia Culpo, Selena Gomez, Priyanka Chopra.

THE KEY PIECE: It’s still the ‘Le Chiquito’ bag, only chicer. Updated with a knot handle, it’s crafted in Spain from buttery leather to an envelope shape. Available in a range of colours, it’s this white edition that is catching the fashion pack’s eye. Carry yours with a tonal top handle or crossbody thanks to the detachable strap.

COPERNI

THE DESIGNER: French designers, Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant first met in 2009 while studying at Mod’Art International Paris. During their studies, the pair worked on numerous projects which led them to win major fashion awards such as Podium Jeune Styliste 2009 and first prize for Mod’Art International 2010. Following that, they both went in seperate directions working under major fashion houses before coming together in 2013 to launch Coperni, a womenswear label named after renaissance astronomer Nicoulas Copernicus.

KNOWN FOR: The cult-favourite ‘Swipe’ bag. Coperni's Swipe Bag has become a mainstay over the past few seasons, and with good reason. The sculptural, curved shape sets itself apart from other intricate silhouettes on the market.

WHO WEARS IT: Anyone with a liking for Parisian style. Think fashion influencers like María Bernad and Gitta Banko right up to A-List celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Maisie Williams and Kate Moss.

THE KEY PIECE: For AW21, Coperni is bringing the party. Their runway show featured sheer mini dresses, bold colours and this Fringe Hem Maxi Dress. The perfect excuse for a night out, its figure-hugging knit fabric ensures a bodycon fit while the minimalist style makes this a perfect partywear staple.

KOBI HALPERIN

THE DESIGNER: Born and raised in Israel, Kobi Halperin worked previously as the creative director of Elie Tahari for 13 years, before moving on to become creative director for Kenneth Cole. In 2015, he decided to launch his own eponymous label. Since its inception, it has been accredited for creating an aspirational yet accessible label that bridges the gap between timelessness and trend.

KNOWN FOR: Inspired by his heritage, Halperin’s collections are plentiful in pattern. As a label created to elevate the everyday, his pieces often feature a billowing silhouette to flatter every body.

WHO WEARS IT: Holly Willoughby, Lisa Kudrow, Connie Britton, Kristen Wig, Viola Davies, Sharon Osbourne, Linda Cardellini, Kate Hudson.

THE KEY PIECE: If there’s one garment Kobi Halperin does well - it’s blouses. This season, the standout blouse is, without doubt, the Annabelle Ruffled Blouse. Featuring dainty pintucks and ruffles, this is the kind of top you can wear to the office, out for drinks and even to special occasions thanks to its extralong cuffs and rows of shimmery sequins.

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