Paul Smith S/S 2016
Mood board: Paul Smith is not a man to rest on his laurels and just as he has recently cut back some of his key menswear cash cows, the designer businessman seems to have taken a similarly punchy approach to womenswear for S/S 2016, opening with an array of fluid dresses interspersed with the odd example of his signature tailoring. In a burnt, Seventies colour palette of teal, amber, brick brown and crimson these sundresses were drawn long to the mid calf and spliced with organic colour blocked panels, creating uneven hems while allowing for movement without fullness. Voluminous culottes walked in a similar direction, while pencil skirts were straight until below the hip and then flared with flair as though Smith’s design team had been given the directive to experiment with shape above all.
Finishing touches: Platform beachcomber sandals offered a soft landing for each artsy look, while concertina clutches, just like old school filing systems, provided plenty of room to file away life's modern conveniences.
Best in show: Sir Smith may have notably cut back on suiting for this spring excursion, but his double-breasted blazers, drawn in at the waist with a leather rope belt, felt as fresh as ever in the season’s coastal colour palette. Ditto for his nectarine satin trench. Smith may not have wanted to push his tailoring might here, but there’s no escaping the formidable skill set.
INFORMATION
Photography: Jason Lloyd-Evans
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Bold and futuristic: new book explores the work of creative polymath Marc Newson
A weighty new tome celebrates the genius of creative polymath Marc Newson, chronicling evolution, experimentation and innovation in a career spanning four decades
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Famed steakhouse Beefbar opens an art deco-infused outpost in New York City
Beefbar’s first US location finds a home in an impressive 1920s Tribeca building, boasting interiors by Humbert & Poyet
By Dan Howarth Published
-
John Cage’s ‘now moments’ inspire Lismore Castle Arts’ group show
Lismore Castle Arts’ ‘Each now, is the time, the space’ takes its title from John Cage, and sees four artists embrace the moment through sculpture and found objects
By Amah-Rose Abrams Published
-
Get to know Issey Miyake’s innovative A-POC ABLE line as it arrives in the UK
As A-POC ABLE Issey Miyake launches in London this week, designer Yoshiyuki Miyamae gives Wallpaper* the lowdown on the experimental Issey Miyake offshoot
By Jack Moss Published
-
Margaret Howell London Fashion Week Women's S/S 2019
By Dal Chodha Published
-
London Fashion Week S/S 2023: Ahluwalia to Martine Rose
Though slimmed-down, London Fashion Week nonetheless provided the moments of creative expression the city is known for – from Ahluwalia’s ode to Africa to Martine Rose’s much-anticipated runway return
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
Discover these fashion brands at London Craft Week
During London Craft Week, fashion brands including Smythson, Bally and Serapian are hosting events across the capital
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Nicholas Daley's multicultural roots celebrated in London
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
V&A spotlights the sartorial and social significance of the kimono
For the latest endeavour of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk explores the evolution of the iconic Japanese garment
By Grace Cook Last updated
-
Erdem A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Christopher Kane A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated