SS25 is awash with inspiration, rife with colour and fashion is commanding attention like never before. This month we've witnessed monumental shifts in the industry, including Anna Wintour's shock departure, our very own Editor in Chief's Hannah Almassi's new directoral role announcement (congratulations, Hannah!), Jonathan Anderson's inauguration at Dior and last but not least, the triumph of Paris Fashion Week Menswear Edition. Of which, a huge takeaway was Huron, Willie Chavarria's spectacular and defiant show, demonstrating the intersectionality of politics and fashion.
Today concludes the final days of Paris Men's Fashion Week, and during this period, Independent womenswear brands flock to Paris for the buying season to procure new clients and it serves as an opportunity to exhibit new season and evergreen classics to industry experts, so they welcome Editors and fashion insiders.
Avalon Afriyie wears PAIGE Eva Gaucho Jorts, Ninety Percent Lui Top and Ancient Greek Sandals Kansiz Leather Sandals
Showcasing independent brands is the cornerstone of my work, and this season I was introduced to Marlie's Grace—an energetically lead brand, rooted in vintage-led design flirting with classic lines and playful styles, as well as a firm favourite at Who What Wear, Manu Atelier, whose Le Cambon design single-handedly thrust the belted bag silhoutte into the limelight. And because you can't have fashion without presenting a dose of reality, I'm currently sitting out a 37-degree heatwave in my boyfriend's garms, having (naturally) concluded that none of my clothes will concur, so truly, there's no better time to evaluate my summer wish list and the pieces I'd love to welcome into my midst (read; linen, cotton and more linen). Continue reading to see the pieces I'm coveting this month and the reasons why. Please indulge me whilst I cool down.
Avalon Afriyie wears the Ilride dress by Faithfull.
Shop My Edit of Things I'm Loving This Month:
1. Tops and Outerwear:
I spotted this darling vest on fellow Who What Wear columnist Monikh and haven't stopped thinking about it since. As someone with a wardrobe based on refined silhouettes and muted colour palettes (although I am trying with pops of colour, courtesy of Faithfull), I tend to gravitate to unique shapes to refresh my capsule wardrobe. This is particularly special as it comprises 100% linen, which is often used in a column straight-cut. I'd style this top with the matching Syna wide-leg trousers, heeled sandals (like the style in this edit) and statement earrings.
Speaking of elevated basics, Black to Grey's Iphi top features a slash neckline and barely there fabric with a hint of a yellow undertone. It's much more interesting than your average crew neck t-shirt.
Having spent the majority of my life living in the Northern Hemisphere, I'm familiar with weather fluctuations (I'm the Brit who always carries an umbrella), so even on the hottest days, I'm considering outerwear. Aligne's Scooped Neck Blazer will work particularly well for the season as it comprises linen. Where styling is concerned, add capri pants and a fine heel for a sophisticated look.
2. Dresses
I've coined 2025 the year of the mini. I spent the majority of my twenties steering clear, and now, mid-thirties, I'm feeling emboldened as I welcome shrunken iterations into my wardrobe. I was immediately drawn to this Vince Handkerchief dress as it touches on my typical minimal aesthetic, albeit with a daring touch of red and playful tie detailing.
From evening parties to balmy summer days, you'll span plenty of wear out of Arkitaip's latest release number. It's the type of dress you'll buy now and wear for a lifetime.
I've studied the most flattering red hues on my skin tone for a considerable amount of time and have concluded that this exact shade is incredibly sophisticated. It's been coaxing me (a neutral clothes wearer) to it, as you can see in the leading image.
3. Skirts & Trousers
I'm lacking knee-length midi skirts, and I've decided that a dotty motif is just the pattern I need (more specifically, miniature dots as I find them more contemporary). Polka dots are one of this season's most celebrated patterns, and although trend-led designs are emerging thick and fast in reaction to the runway, it's a style I consider worthy of investment for its versatility and timeless factor. I'm particularly excited by the styling opportunities this one piece will present—from day outfits to elevated eveningwear.
With the holiday season underway, I've set my sights on convertible fabrics, and this sarong is appealing due to its lightweight fabrication of rayon and pale blue hue. I'm no stranger to wearing styles like this in the heat. Having grown up in a British-African household, we're well known for taking squared-off cuts of fabric and fashioning them into halterneck dresses, skirts and tops!
The Park is set to be one of the season's most celebrated brands for refined and high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time, and it's now easily accessible on Net A Porter. Take note of the skirt overlay, which is bound to refresh your A/W arsenal.
4. Shoes
These are the exact heels that I'm missing in my wardrobe. Wearable, timeless and suitable for daily wear, I have no doubt the cost per wear will whittle down as soon as I purchase them.
Lookie Atelier hones in on thoughtful, intentionally produced footwear, and the results are pure magic. Case in point—the Ingrid mesh shoes, featuring a slim velvet trim and concave heel, all awash with a contemporary brown.
For those mid-twenties plus, cast your mind back to the noughties and the iconic jelly sandals that (chances are) you would have sacrificed your lunch money for. For SS25, Jelly shoes and this time for adults. As a nostalgia seeker, this pair has ignited the flame for long-lost memories.
5. Handbags
While we all fell head over heels for Manu Atelier's Le Cambon in its varied iterations, this summer, the brand is stepping up with its newly launched Cambon Cabas silhouette. This design features the coveted belt feature to break up the texture, and it comprises a few leather pieces, lending the design a flexible and contemporary feel. Lovers of oversized handbags will also be pleased to know this style is equally as functional as it is elegant in design.
ROOP handbags have become synonymous with occasion wear. The versatility will work whether you're a bride, part of the party or an attendee. I wore mine to a friend's wedding recently.
It's always a good day when I make a new brand discovery, and I was fortunate to be invited to the Marlies Grace showroom this season. Its entire collection is swoonworthy; however, what struck me most was this unique clutch. This hardened accessory boasts mango wood, a free-flowing tassel and silver hardware, playing on various fabrications and compositions.
6. Jewellery & Accessories
Missoma's spiral earrings are just the type of playful jewels I gravitate to in the summer. Honouring nature's form, the organic spiral mimics a shell and it's finished with a freshwater Baroque Pearl. This style also bears a unique convertible feature, as you can remove and add the pearl!
French girl favourite Sézane is becoming my go-to destination for accessories—from its iconic rattan handbags to playful earrings, and it doesn't stop there. You can also find resin hair accessories —a nod to the resin bangle trend, albeit more subtle. I'm sure Sézane would agree that every moment is an accessorising opportunity.
As the brand name would suggest, Heavenly London jewels are just that, Heavenly. The Era collection (led by geometry and glamour pertaining to the Art Deco age) features the Chip Ring—a 1.5ct oval Moissanite, on a side slant set on a fine gold band. I haven't felt this way about a ring in a while.
