August New In: From A High Street Marant Dupe to Reformation’s New Collab
The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, brings you another edition of Fashion Heroes for August. Expect a too-good-to-miss high-street summer dress, a collab between two fashion heavyweights and the eco-indie brand worth investing in. Plus, 12 pieces currently living rent-free in Astrid’s online shopping basket…
1. The High Street Find – H&M’s Summer Dress
It’s hard not to gatekeep this one, but equally, it’s just too good not to share. H&M’s lace-trimmed cotton dress is all I want to wear for the rest of the summer, paired with ballet flats and a basket bag, knee-length cowboy boots; or tie-ankle leather sandals for heatwave days. Available in black and white, the devil is in the detail with 100% cotton, intricate smocked lace, an oversized shape and a little ruffled, buttoned collar. It’s giving Isabel Marant for 65 quid… you’re welcome.
2. The Instagrammer To Follow – Mafalda Patricio
If you’re looking for fresh style inspiration, may I suggest Portugal-based influencer, Mafalda Patrício. I’ve been following her for about six months and her style taps into that carefree, fun and full-of-colour aesthetic many of the Iberian influencers are known for.
From quilted jackets to crochet co-ords, full-skirted floral print dresses to a cornucopia of mega accessories, there doesn’t seem to be a Mafalda look I don’t go weak at the knees for. A great source of inspo, a killer on the bank account.
For more of the same eclectic style check out our round-up of Lisbon style influencers on Instagram.
A wardrobe made up of quilted jackets, crochet co-ords, floral print and full-skirted dresses, and a cornucopia of mega accessories.
Follow Mafalda at instagram.com/mafaldapatricio
3. The Fashion Read – Prada Archive 1998-2022.
Wardour Street’s iconic indie bookstore IDEA is without doubt one of London’s coolest bookshops. They are also a publisher and have joined forces with legendary photographer Norbert Schoerner to put together a stunning archival book of Prada imagery. Schoerner has worked closely with the fashion house for decades and this tome looks at their work from 1998-2002, titled Prada Archive 1998-2022.
The first run has sold out – there were only 100 copies printed – but you can sign up on their website to be the first to get your hands on the next. One for the coffee table if you want to impress any tastemaking guests you may have.
Sign up for the next run of PRADA ARCHIVE 1998-2002 at ideanow.online
4. The Fashion Collab – Reformation X Laura Vassar
Sustainable fashion brand, Reformation, has teamed up with Brock Collection’s Laura Vassar, for a second capsule line, entitled, The Collection. The edit is full of sexy, sophisticated pieces that will become heroes of your wardrobe, from fluid silk dresses in prints from historic Italian print house Ratti S.p.A. to evening tops inspired by corsetry and inky denim for the everyday.
From fluid silk dresses in Italian prints tto evening tops inspired by corsetry and inky denim for the everyday.
The partnership stays true to Reformation’s sustainable values by using archival deadstock fabrics and their signature sustainable materials like linen and Naia Renew satin. Top of my wish list is the super-flattering, cap-sleeved bodice dress in the prettiest pansy print I’ve ever seen.
Shop the full collection at thereformation.com
5. The Sustainable Indie Brand – By Søren
Henny Clarke’s life has always been peppered with fashion. From her inspirational Granny, who worked as a seamstress for Laura Ashley, to her career in retail and her love for vintage embroidered linens, it was only a matter of time before she created her own label. That is By Søren and it is quite possibly one of the loveliest and most charming indie fashion brands I’ve seen in years.
The collection is small and slow, creating small batch lines with a pre-order model, the fabrics they use are kind and thoughtful – recycled, natural or organic – and they use an all-female collective of creators and makers to produce the pieces, handmade in the UK by female fabric houses, embroiderers and button-makers.
And the pieces? Think pretty pastel blouses, summer-perfect linen waistcoats and pretty co-ords as comfy as pyjamas. I think the whole collection is so reasonably priced for the love and thoughtfulness that goes into it – a blouse is under £300 and a waistcoat under £200 – and they are pieces you will treasure forever – timeless, practical, ageless and charming.
Shop the full collection at bysoren.com
Plus, 12 Pieces Currently Sitting In My Online Basket…
From shell-inspired jewellery to the best striped trousers I’ve ever seen, pretty white dresses to a new spin on my trusty Gazelles.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
