Lead ImageJess is wearing a collared light cotton ajour knit top by Bottega Veneta, latex knickers by House of Harlot, tights by Falke
A distinct 1980s influence has been palpable on the runway for several seasons now. It began to creep back into recent shows with J.W. Anderson’s A/W15 New Wave-inspired collection and has continued to be seen in the likes of Hedi Slimane’s A/W16 swan song at Saint Laurent, with the decade also readily embraced by successor Anthony Vaccarello. And lest we forget Demna Gvasalia’s new vision for Balenciaga, where all things 80s form one of his signature marks upon the brand. S/S17 proved that the trend remains steadfast, not least in the emergence of clashing shades of pink and red, which have become one of the most coveted colour palettes for our wardrobes.
No longer a sartorial abomination, wearing pink and red simultaneously offers the perfect antidote to the saccharine sweetness of rosy hues, the addition of seductive red offering a fierce edge to any ensemble. And depending on your individual preference, it doesn’t have to feel gaudy in the slightest; combine hues, from the deepest maroon paired with a subtle bubblegum to acrid cherry combined with candyfloss. Here, we present our own guide to making it work.
1. Dancewear (above)
A showcase of how maroon and bubblegum work beautifully together. Wear these shades in comfortable dancewear-inspired shapes – latex knickers optional.
April is wearing a fringed viscose jersey dress and patent calfskin leather lace-heels by Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, tights by Fogal
2. Nightclub
Channel the spirit of London’s Blitz Club by pulling on a pair of magenta tights, patent red court shoes and a fringed pink viscose dress to shimmy the night away.
April is wearing a frayed viscose coat and cotton slip by Forte Forte, long-sleeved tulle T-shirt by Bror August
3. Texture
Lessen the load of deep cherry and marshmallow by doubling up on lightweight fabrications to layer up your look.
Jess is wearing a silk spilt dress and spandex pantshoes by Balenciaga
4. Gaudy
For when you really want to go for it, pair a surreal Spandex boot with a silk floaty dress for a the gaudiest of combinations.
Jess is wearing PVC trench coat by Diesel, nappa leather gloves by Jane Carr, tights by Fogal
5. Dominatrix
Subvert the shade of pink with a fierce PVC trench coat. Men: watch out for the red leather gloves.
Jess is wearing a stretch lambskin leather dress by Jitrois, cotton triangle bra by Araks, nappa leather gloves by Jane Carr
6. Underwear
Powder pink underwear peeping out of an off-the-shoulder red dress is an alluring sight.
Jess is wearing a puff-sleeved leather jacket with box detail and leather pencil skirt by Gucci
7. Leather
Biker meets secretary in a double leather ensemble.
Jess is wearing a long-sleeved bodysuit by Wolford, perforated polyester and viscose pleated skirt by Sfizio, latex stockings by House of Harlot, suede heels by Manolo Blahnik
8. Office
A pair of pastel suede Manolos, a prim and proper skirt and latex stockings form the basis for ideal office attire.
Hair Naoki Komiya at Julien Watson Agency; Make-up Nami Yoshida at Bryant Artists using Chanel; Models Jess PW at Storm, April Alexander at W Model Management; Casting Noah Shelley at AM Casting; Set design Janina Pedan at The Magnet Agency.
