Veronica Beard – Spring 2020

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Source: Vogue.com

Source: Vogue.com

A few weeks ago I was talking with a colleague about how much the world has changed over the past ten years. It’s gotten increasingly chaotic — there are less and less unifying elements that define a generation. People are enjoying more freedoms, more opportunities to express themselves and pursue different tastes. The world is becoming more tribal; it holds just as true in the political world as it does in the fashion world.

Still, some things endure. Their strength lies in their unwavering commitment to the form despite the winds of the masses. The winds that call for constant change for the sake of novel thrills.

A great artist understands this pull and responds to it without being swept away. It’s a defiant, romantic embrace; to know what works, what resonates with their audience, and to abide by it firmly no matter what.

Designers face a great deal of criticism — some subtle, some overt. They’re asked “why did you do that?” by the critics, critics who really mean to ask, “why didn’t you do this?” The response is also the same. It’s the one that endures: artists aren’t here to serve the critics.

Brooks Brothers - Spring 2019

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Source: Vogue.com

Source: Vogue.com

I’m at that point in life where I start to see and appreciate things that never go out of style. Some might call it conservative, but to be honest, I see it so rarely, it feels more modern than any so-called trends that roll down the runway.

BCBG Max Azria - Summer 2018

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SHOP: BCBG

SHOP: BCBG

I was really surprised to hear that BCBG asked for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection back in 2017. It didn't seem possible to me — it was loved by customers and editors alike.

Of course, making a killer party dress isn't proof of a good underlying business. Especially when retail competition is growing ever more cutthroat with new players who don't need brick and mortar stores.

Fortunately BCBG's bankruptcy plan worked: the company shed debt and gained capital by cutting staff and stores, finding a new owner, and striking a licensing deal. The new BCBG also pushed the founding family aside, so it's BCBG Max Azria in name only. All the drama aside, it seems lighter on the balance books and confident as ever.

Halston Heritage - Fall 2018

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Source: Vogue.com

Source: Vogue.com

So Marie Mazelis is the Creative Director of Halston. But she was also the head designer at BCBG and Hervé Leger, which, now that I think about it, makes complete sense: it's a never ending party at all of these labels and Mazelis knows how to keep the music going.

 

The St. John Hansh Sequin Knit Dress

Here's a master class of elegance in a single photo.

The perpetually chic Julia Stegner aside, this knee length dress from St. John has the right amount of sparkle and texture. It's cut perfectly along the body — revealing and reserved.

Capped with a pair of ankle strap silver heels, I can't imagine anyone who could turn away from such harmony.