The pandemic gave us more than just escalating luxury fashion prices. It also drove the sloth-like look of baggy sweatsuits, wide-leg pants, and oversized raglan coats. It’s no wonder that, after years of paying a premium for designer versions of the slouchy, unisex silhouette, the female waist is being celebrated again on New York’s streets.

Far from simply a return to the styles of the past, in the middle of this chilly winter, stylish New Yorkers are now belting their puffer jackets, putting a fresh and modern spin on a centuries-old trend. Case in point: Harpers Bazaar recently reported that Jennifer Lawrence accessorized her cozy Dior coat perfectly by cinching it with a chic black leather belt for a more polished look.

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Adding a belt to your winter coat or a blazer for a more flattering silhouette can add some drama to your outfit. To amp up the drama, try a corset-inspired belt. Or go a little casual with a belt bag.

With its captivating exaggerated curves, for centuries, the hourglass silhouette has symbolized femininity. However, historically, this body type has also been associated with female oppression and disempowerment. Despite this, in recent years, the fashion industry has been resurrecting waist-centric designs, creating new takes on this age-old silhouette. And these new styles are more in tune with the modern woman, exploring volume and shape without sacrificing wearability.

With the rise of corset-inspired fashion, the hourglass silhouette is one of the key trends moving the fashion world out of the dark pandemic days. And, while we all love our sweatpants, isn’t it time we re-considered structure, style, and tailoring in our wardrobes? Based on what we’re seeing in New York, the answer to that question is a resounding ‘YES’.

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Interestingly, there is a new luxury travel trend of ultra-rich Asians visiting Mexico, so I will soon visit this fabulous country to learn more.

Speaking with my fellow travel advisors, here is my list of top luxury travel destinations with unforgettable landscapes, scrumptious gastronomic experiences, inspiring culture, and immersive history. 

I have visited most of these top luxury travel destinations listed below and they should be on your list as you begin planning your next vacation.

Amalfi Coast, Italy – A stunning coastline in southern Italy with colorful fishing villages, rugged cliffs, and luxury resorts.

Bali, Indonesia – A beautiful island with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and luxury resorts.

Dubai – Beautiful beaches, world-class attractions, and where the past comes alive.

Related story: Quiet luxury fashions of the ultra-rich

Maldives – A tropical paradise with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious overwater villas.

Paris, France – Known as the “City of Love,” Paris is a popular destination for luxury travelers who enjoy fine dining, shopping, and art.

Santorini, Greece – An idyllic island in the Aegean Sea with white-washed houses, blue domed churches, and breathtaking views.

Seychelles – A group of islands in the Indian Ocean known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts.

Swiss Alps – A world-renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts and luxury travelers seeking natural beauty, privacy, and relaxation.

Tokyo, Japan – A vibrant city that offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern technology, with some of the world’s finest restaurants, shopping, and luxury hotels.

New York City, USA – A global center of culture, entertainment, and luxury, with some of the world’s best hotels, restaurants, and shopping.

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Dame Mary was one of the most noteworthy fashion designers of the 20^th Century and is held in the same admiration as Dior and Chanel.

Her thigh-skimming super-short hemlines was a world-wide fashion phenomenon which stretched across from London, New York to Tokyo, and which we have not seen since in modern day fashion history.

In 1955 she opened a small boutique Bazaar which sold clothes and accessories and soon became a hot spot for young people and artists. Located in London’s Chelsea district, it soon attracted celebrities such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn.

Some say she freed women’s legs as it also was a time when young women no longer wanted to dress like their mothers and with more young women working, they had money to spend for themselves.

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It has been reported that she used a 12-inch ruler for her early miniskirt lengths and said it was a “feeling of freedom and liberation.” As her miniskirt designs allowed young women to move, jump and just have fun.

As a fashion designer, she introduced us to polka dots, geometric designs, and contrasting colours and new fabrics such as PVC, and stretch textiles for a modern and playful vibe.

She showcased her designs with models in provocative window displays overlooking Kings Road which became a live runway show that drew thousands of young British women and became the source of images for international audiences such as American TIME magazine.

In her 1966 Book Quant by Quant, she recalled that city gents in bowler hats beat on her windows with their umbrella while shouting ‘immoral’ and ‘disgusting’ at the look of tights over miniskirts. Even Coco Chanel dismissed the mini skirt as ‘just awful’ as exposed knees was un-lady like.

Dame Mary Quant fashion legend took her designs from the catwalk to the street with stylish, fun and affordable clothes. She challenged the European designer establishment by creating a liberating fashion trend for women across the globe.

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After a couple of seasons, Miu Miu look of the tiniest short skirts and shorts has resonated with the younger set with lots of layered shirting and knitwear.

Versace, the party girl animal showed off demin on demin, betting on comfort as we head for the outdoor beach cafes and roof top bars.

Designers have focused on spring colours such as fuchsia, hunter green and butter yellow. There is a lot of green in our fashion boutiques this week, but predict these trend colours to be more popular with accessories such as shoes and handbags.

Another favourite spring summer look is all-white which has luxury vide which originated back in the early 1900’s.

All white look has always caught my eye as it was the look of leisure back in New York during their hot summers. Wearing white in the summers months was how the ultra-wealthy to self-identify as separate from the common people who wore black year-round.

The European spring luxury fashion trends have offered up a new style passion to celebrate the return to life outside. So, let’s get out there with your new summer look for 2022.

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For fall, several European and American fashion designers gave us bright and lively colours. But black is classic and was one of their most popular looks with their autumn winter collections.

We can thank Coco Chanel for her original little black dress which gave us a silhouette that became a fashion icon without necessarily focusing on the neckline or short hems.

Mystery and seduction

Fashion designers know that a black dress with sheer fabrics can play on our imagination and create that aura of mystery and seduction. 

The return of all black fashion look was highlighted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Met Gala, where Kim Kardashian wore a Balenciaga all-black skin-tight suit covering her from head to toe. Only her ponytail was exposed by her opaque head covering followed by trains of black fabric behind her.

The monotony of black can enhance your body by unbuttoning your jacket, cardigan or vest without a top to capture attention.

Related Story: Luxury fall coats are long, elegant and cozy

Luxury fashion vibe

Adding a touch of lingerie offers a vibrant texture to your look that can peak out from under necklines with an all black lace bustier and Persian stocking that perfectly cover your legs. 

For a luxury fashion vibe, consider enhancing your outfit with bright colour shoes, metallic accessories or maxi jewels.

All black fashions for fall are back. Imagine New York style.

Home page photo | Colour of Turkey Unspash

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Fashion history tells us that social disruptions such as political and economic events like the great depression and World War II have had far greater influence on fashion than seasonal trends.

During World War II, everything from food to steel to fabrics was rationed for the war effort so our parents recycled old clothes and even curtains to make new things for their children.

Christian Dior’s New Look

The post-war years gave birth to Christian Dior’s extravagant New Look which was defined by long skirts with corset waists. This type of extreme European elegance would not have been politically acceptable during the war.

Above Photo: Duomo of Milan | Daniil Vnoutchkov on Unsplash

Luxury retail therapy is real

Today, Athleisure may encourage more people to adopt the same look in public regardless of what activity they’re engaged in, day in and day out. But for the wealthy, luxury retail therapy is very real. WWD reports that upon reopening, the Hermes boutique in Guangzhou, China brought in sales of US $2.7M in one day. While many of you continue to lounge in your leggings, the luxury sector is more resilient than most people realize.

We are all eager to return to normality – to get outside, connect with family and friends, travel beyond the borders Covid-19 has imposed upon us. Doubtless, a revival of personal style will be part of this journey. 

Australians take out the bin

Consider some of the ways that Covid-19 has already influenced fashion. In Australia, for example, women are dressing up in their wedding gowns to take out the garbage. The pictures they’re posting on Instagram – hauling trash cans to the curb in swathes of white silk, satin and chiffon – are a cheeky reminder that, these days, your bin goes out more than you do. We all have to create our own opportunities to dress up.

New York street photography evolves

Meanwhile in New York, street fashion photography has been replaced by demure images of Kate Middleton-style looks taken at home and posted each Sunday on Instagram. Though the content may have shifted to a more reserved aesthetic, even in the middle of a pandemic, many still crave those ‘likes’. 

So, fashion is still part of our lives, a way to express our moods and identities even during the most challenging of times. We will survive Covid-19 and it will change the face of fashion. 

Together, we will celebrate life and personal style once this has passed. I, for one, can’t wait to see what the next stage of fashion history will look like.

Be kind, stay home and stay safe!

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The history of style’s oldest myth

Back in the early 20^thCentury, American society dressed according to an unwritten code. When venturing outside the home, people were properly attired. Women of all ages wore mid-calf length skirts and shirts with high necklines while men donned dark suits with white shirts, ties and hats. Civilized people did not walk around in t-shirts or ripped jeans in public.

Not only did social mores dictate what was considered acceptable dress. They also determined what each social class ought to wear. What you wore told people who you were on the social hierarchy: rich, middle class or working poor. 

No whites after Labour Day

History tells us that ‘no whites after Labour Day’ had more to do with wearing white before the first Monday in September than not wearing it afterwards and that class and status factored heavily into the rule.

Having a summer wardrobe of white dresses or dinner jackets was more than a way to keep cool. It signaled one’s social standing. During the early years of the 20th century, New York, along with several other northeastern cities in the US, were heavily polluted due to surrounding industries. 

During the summer months, the moneyed class fled the heat by vacationing in the Hamptons, enjoying the clean beaches and cool ocean breezes while the masses toiled away in the smoky, dirty cities. Wearing white at the seaside was a way to distance oneself from the dreary, gritty urban life of those less fortunate. 

Old money vs. nouveau riche

While the above history is accepted by many fashion historians, others believe that the rule regarding whites after Labour Day originated with the growth of the middle class in the 1950’s. According to this theory, it was driven by the establishment of old money families who wished to keep the nouveau riche out of their exclusive social circles. 

Those not properly attired in white at summer parties would be embarrassed and publicly ridiculed. The message here was that if you did not know the implicit fashion rules, you did not belong and were not welcome.

Interestingly, these types of style guidelines were promoted to middle-class America by women’s magazines such as Vogue and Time Life. According to these trusted publications, white was to be worn only between Memorial Day and Labour Day, no exceptions.

Be part of the moneyed class

Of course, this rule did not always apply to luxury fashion designers such as CoCo Chanel who wore white yearlong during the 1920’s. Mavericks like Chanel made their names by breaking the rules, including ‘no whites after Labour Day’, and it is to these style icons that we owe today’s more laissez faire interpretation of fashion’s oldest traditions.

Today, fashion continues to evolve and very few rules remain. A well-executed all-white look can be a stylish statement in fall and winter so don’t pack away your white trousers or sheaths just yet. White conveys confidence, class and above all, even after all these years, a certain above-it-all aloofness that might just make people think you’re part of the moneyed class.

Photo: Kuna Photography

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I began observing the rise of Champion as a fashion trend for young people several years ago. Currently owned by Hanes Brands, Inc., Champion began as basic gym wear but is now anything but.

Combining the luxury fashion logo craze with the throwback street style favoured by American teens and young adults, Champion’s resurgence is powered by youth. 

The silhouette is still loose but the brand is now offering seasonal colors, floral prints for women, cut-off sweatshirts and larger-than-life logos. The line is promoted on social media by Rihanna and the Kardashians making the re-energized Champion retro-cool for all generations.

As Champion turns 100, it now has a narrative that attracts luxury-minded consumers who appreciate long histories and classic logos. Fila, a sporting goods brand from Italy, and American sportswear giant Russell Athletic are also gaining popularity with millennials, proving that everything old is truly new again.

While the main label can be found on the racks at Neiman Marcus and London department store Selfridges – not to mention most campus college bookstores which usually sell standard grey hoodies for $50 USD – Champion is experimenting with some more high-end projects.

Sold on Mr. Porter, Champion’s recent collaboration with American fashion designer Todd Snyder, offering limited edition pieces at a mere $300 USD, has truly propelled the brand into the luxury fashion stratosphere.

Recently Champion opened their first standalone store in Los Angeles, a natural choice given its status as a centre of sports, arts and culture as well as its association with skateboarding, hip hop and youth. This location was followed by shops in New York, Boston and Chicago.

Back in the 90’s, Champion was a key part of the uniform of every jock, skateboarder and soccer player in North America. Now, with a new makeover, it’s once again a sign of style and street cred for hip-hop heads, fashion fans and A-list celebrities.

With one hundred years behind it, Champion is decidedly cool again. Only this time around, that classic logo now comes with a luxury cachet. 

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However, while some may grumble, others celebrate American luxe sportswear’s turn towards minimalism. While Paris Fashion Week is about sophistication and Milan Fashion Week is about stylishness, New York Fashion Week is defined by subtlety and restraint. 

Luxury fashion brands will always emphasize quality and exclusivity, but labels are now taking a backseat as a more sophisticated clientele – one that knows personal style is more important than any logo – takes centre stage. American fashion designers are now focused on individuality, allowing their customer to be the star.

Ralph Lauren’s A/W 2019 collection is a perfect example of New York’s understated luxury. In particular, an all-black ensemble with a sleek metallic gold coat is pure opulence for any woman at any age.

In his couture-like collection, Marc Jacobs presented a leopard print cape, worn over a muted printed blouse in and simple brown striped trousers, which would make any woman look and feel like a movie star fleeing the paparazzi.  

Deveaux gave us modern luxury for real life with sharp but not restrictive tailoring, including comfortable and absolutely effortless jackets for New Yorkers.

Designers at New York fashion week brought a ‘less is more’ attitude to the season, shifting their focus from gaudy decorative details to understated shapes and subdued palettes. 

Gone are the complicated and messy layered looks, athleisure wear and exorbitantly priced sneakers of past seasons. This season we are seeing more timeless looks, quality tailoring and monochrome palettes and fewer busy prints and fussy patterns.

Viewing these collections brings me back to a time during my youth when my parents referred to our neighbours, who were never flashy and never talked about their wealth, as ‘old money’.

The clientele that NYFW designers are catering to with their A/W collections is the old money crowd and those that choose to emulate them. To put it more simply, these are clothes for those that understand that while money talks, wealth whispers.

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Chanel’s spring/summer 2019 show presented us with a very chic black and white swimsuit paired with low slung denim which a Parisian woman could wear anywhere – not just to the beach. 

Maryam Nassir Zadeh layered bike shorts over a stylish striped crochet maillot while an Hermes model’s one-piece swimsuit was matched with a high waisted skirt. 

Prabal Gurund paired a saturated coral bikini top with casual urban pants which would not look out of place on Santa Monica beach.

Related article: Recent Survey Shows Staggering Results for the Most Popular Bikini Tops and Bottoms

This summer’s hottest looks may be exemplified by young women wearing their maillots with simple cardigans on the beachfront boardwalks of LA. For New Yorkers, it may be bikini tops paired with 80s power blazers for a touch of urban sophistication. If the trend on the catwalk translates to real life, your bather could soon be part of your everyday look. 

Designers have always included swimwear with their collections but this may be the season where it actually becomes streetwear. Remember back in the 80’s when Madonna took lingerie out of the bedroom and wore it outside? Something similar is happening with the bathing suit.

Could wearing a bikini top on the street perhaps tell the world that your life is spontaneous and exciting? It all speaks to today’s luxury lifestyle trends of international women who travel the world on a whim.

Watch this space to see if the bikini street style look trends this summer.

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