It's a victory for classic fashion on the Loves stream this week, with the most loved item being this polka-dot Junya Watanabe dress, available from Net-a-Porter, and chosen by AnOther's fashion director Katie Shillingford...
It's a victory for classic fashion on the Loves stream this week, with the most loved item being this polka-dot Junya Watanabe dress, available from Net-a-Porter, and chosen by AnOther's fashion director Katie Shillingford. Japanese born, Watanabe rose to prominence as the protégé of Commes des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo, who nurtured his talent and, in 1992, offered him the chance to create his own line under the Commes des Garcons umbrella. Dubbed 'techno-couture', his creations are innovative, unpredictable and cerebral: clothes vibrant with energy that push sportswear and streetwear into new and luxurious directions.
Here we speak to long time fan of the brand Shillingford about what made her Love this dress, have a reminisce about her favourite Junya Watanabe collections, and consider who would wear this gown on celluloid.
Why did you choose to Love this dress?
I'm a big Junya fan and I love this velvet spotty dress. I like that it's unexpected at the back and a little bit like a hospital gown – quite open and attached with elastic straps! It's very sexy because it's sheer.
Where would you wear it and what with?
I'm not very good when it comes to wearing things for the right occasions – if I love something then I'll just wear it where ever because it makes me happy. It's something I get very annoyed at myself about because I wear things until they fall apart! I'd wear this every day when really it should be something kept for special occasions! But because it's sheer maybe I'd wear it over trousers or over a simple slip dress.
If this was worn as a costume in a film, which film would it be, and which character would it be worn by?
Maybe Lydia (Winona Ryder) in Beetlejuice.... but maybe I'm saying that because Halloween is around the corner. It's a great dress because the colour, although quite bright, is quite gothic and dark but the spots are fun. I love the heavy dramatic velvet against the sexy sheer chiffon.
What's your favourite Junya Watanabe collection?
The new S/S13 collection was incredible – I loved the sophisticated sporty look. It was such an exciting show to attend – the mirrored Sonic the Hedgehog hats, intense music, the constant flow of high-tech sportswear. It felt really modern and very cool.
What do you like most about Junya?
You never know what to expect but you always know it's going to be great. I think there's always something in the collection I want to buy from season to season.
Which pattern reigns supreme in your wardrobe - spots, stripes or prints?
It's probably a battle between stripes and spots. I get a bit scared by prints on me.
Who are your style icons?
There are so many and they change constantly – old Hollywood film stars, pop stars I grew up listening to, girls I see on the bus in Hackney. I really like masculinity in womenswear too. I think that's why I like a lot of different things and don't ever match things. I don't like to think about it too much; I think the best looks are the things you just throw together in a rush.
What are you looking forward to about autumn?
Having my baby and hopefully being able to dress a thinner body! Dressing to accommodate a bump is a real challenge – although I've really enjoyed it and managed to avoid awful maternity wear! I love A/W because you can layer up and wear big coats – often it doesn't matter what you wear underneath. If you have a great coat and great shoes, it's okay!
What was the last thing you bought?
The Balenciaga 'Special Presentation' T-shirt in a very large bump friendly men's size!
