‘Luxury’ – in a world of fast fashion and catwalk trends that sweep through your wardrobe so fast you barely learn how to master them, it’s a blessed relief that this is a word being embraced by more and more brands and high-street retailers. And luxury is joining forces with another L-word: ‘longevity’. We’re talking clothes with enduring appeal, versatile, modern classics that styled and accessorised the right way will last you years.
Quality fabrics, good design, the kind of stitching that isn’t shedding threads even as you pick it up off the rack… in the last couple of years there’s been a move towards slower fashion that appeals to a discerning consumer who chooses good design in every area of her life. She invests in her wardrobe and enjoys building on her style, rather than buying pieces that dictate it. This Thursday sees the launch of Modern Rarity at John Lewis. Two years in the making, it’s quite simply beautiful. Stylish pieces that boast a Scandi aesthetic, an uncomplicated palette and a quiet, yet exciting level of design.
Head of womenswear Jo Bennett says of the collection, “We set off with a mantra of ‘fewer, better pieces’, with the knowledge that our customers are wanting quality with design substance. We wanted to create a brand that could cater for everyday modern classics in a luxe way; pieces that are thoughtful, beautifully designed and crafted with care.”
It does what it says on the tin. When I dressed our model for this story, her natural reaction was to enjoy the comfort, the fit and flow of the pieces. These are coats that envelop, knits that hug, trousers that skim over the hip and flatter. Sure, the price points are higher, but you’re not buying into a fleeting fix of fashion, this is about a long-term love affair. Consider me in love.
Chunky knit polo neck jumper in pale grey £80 with Notch collar cashmere mix coat in grey £325.
Jumper and coat as before; fluid wide leg trousers in ivory, £110; cream mid wedge brogues £110, Kurt Geiger at John Lewis.
Central St Martins trained duo Levi Palmer and Matthew Harding, (palmer//harding) have created a limited edition offering of shirts within the Modern Rarity collection. Featuring asymmetric cuts and sweeping, tie-side fitted shirts. Palmer//Harding cotton side tie shirt in white, £120, cross front trousers in navy, £90, white leather trainers £98, Jigsaw at John Lewis.
Shirt as before, palmer//harding
Alpaca wool cocoon coat in soft pink, £360, grey V neck knit tunic dress £80, blush, mid-wedge brogues £110, Kurt Geiger at John Lewis.
Jumper and trainers as before, silk slip dress in navy, £90.
Boiled wool coatigan in ivory, £100, embellished sequin camisole in cream, £120, herringbone fluid wide trousers £120.
Palmer//Harding cotton asymmetric shirt, £120, tailored culottes in white, £100.
Notch collar cashmere mix coat, £325.
Coatigan in smokey grey £100, Palmer//Harding cape back shirt £120, white tailored culottes £100.
Grey Silk rectangle dress £200, trainers £98, Jigsaw at John Lewis.
The Stylish Stuff LOVES – chunky knit polo neck jumper in pale grey £80. Make up notes: Make up artist Karen Mason used the Dr Perricone MD No Make up Make up collection to create Martine’s look for this story. Available at John Lewis, the collection is cruelty free. For hair Karen used products from the Phyto range of products, also available at John Lewis.
Bags of Style… From left; Modern Rarity large shoulder bag in black, taupe tote with black detail and shoulder tote in taupe, all £149.
Oversized taupe clutch £89.
Fashion & Photography Shelly Vella
Assisted by Leah White
Hair & Make up by Karen Mason
Model Martine Lervick at Milk Model Management
Photographed on location on the John Lewis roof garden.
Big thank yous to Alicia O’Brien.