My absolute fave A/W 2021 looks

Originally published in March 2021

Yes, there are absolutely far more pressing things to be talking about right now, but I just wanna indulge myself in fashion for a hot minute. Not that I need a particular reason why, but right now these virtual fashion shows have been a wonderful escape into a bold and creative world when everything around us feels a bit drab. Also without saying the dreaded C word, the situation that has affected the world over the past year has meant that fashion houses have had to adapt, be intuitive, and present their collection of ready-to-wear offerings virtually; meaning that everyone gets the same show experience. You don't have to be Anna Wintour to get the best seat in the house, we are all sitting on the FROW now.

So without further ado, let's get stuck right in: Givenchy

Okay, I have two schools of thought about this look. Hear me out. Initially, I thought "this is supposed to be READY-TO-WEAR, who on earth is buying this off the rack and wearing it out to brunch? Who honestly thought, I like jumpsuits, but what they really need are giant holes wear the tits are, a la Mean Girls". The second thought I had was, "well it's 2021, it's about damn time we free the nipple - also very practical for nursing children". I haven't decided where I've landed on this pressing issue just yet. Dolce & Gabbana

I swear to god if I don't have a snow leopard puffer jacket by winter I will SCREAM!!! This look, I truly believe, was made for me. Can we just appreciate this. CAN WE JUST. The visor style glasses with a big ol' logo in the middle of your forehead, reflective snow leopard print up and down paired with a white t-shirt. This is how you do a winter ready-to-wear look. Do I dare look at the price of this jacket? *Googles* Okay thank christ I couldn't find it because I don't think I could've coped with the pain right now.

Rick Owens

I want this look, mainly to stomp down my local high street (ideally in those coveted Prada boots (you know the ones), puffer cape flowing in the breeze and putting the fear of god into the local townsfolk. I might hem those trousers so I don't absolutely stack it, as I think that would slightly mar the illusion. Givenchy (again)

I watched the full Givenchy A/W 21 show and when this came on my little iPhone screen, I actually gasped. Never have I wanted to be wrapped up in rope more. Of course, I'd have to think about the underwear situation, and no I would not wear the fur mittens, but this rope dress is an example of powerful and intuitive design - very strong, I approve. Chanel

Yes, yes and yes. Fuchsia dungarees emblazoned with the Chanel logo so everyone can see very clearly who you're wearing? Here for it. I'm not 100% on the material, only because I had a coat with the same chevron pattern and it was very scratchy. But what do I know, I'm not the head of a world-renowned fashion house and I'm sure the material would be a slight cut above a £20 coat from a charity shop. It has to be. Christian Dior

Now one thing about Christian Dior is that they are gonna give you a silhouette. I love anything retro, so this nod to their classic signature style while giving me Claire Foy in The Crown is much appreciated. Plus the rich floral pattern is giving me real Richard Quinn vibes, so I'm sold. Balmain

Listen, when humans inevitably wreck the Earth and we all book our flights to ruin another planet, I am gonna be READY in my Balmain spacesuit dress. Popped collar, flourish of orange (with the monogrammed bag) - aliens are gonna be gagged. All jokes aside, I would literally walk out of the store with this on. I love it. Well done Olivièr.

Christian Dior

Bright colour - check. Tulle - check. Sweetheart neckline (get it?) - check. I love this Viktor & Rolf style gown for Christian Dior's ready-to-wear collection. It's simple, it's sweet, it's a classic waistline, but this dress is a solid yes from me. Plus I love the grunge styling, I hope there are some chunky shoes lurking underneath there.

Versace

Okay, so this outfit might not be re-inventing the wheel here, but this is a nod to classic Versace and I really need to talk about these shoes. This picture doesn't do it justice, but these fuchsia bad boys stomping down the runway brought me a lot of joy, so I'm going to need these heels as a matter of urgency. I really could go on, and particularly the looks that I wasn't fully sold on, but as star of Season 2 of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK Tayce always says, "that is a story for another day".