SIDE BY SIDE: SHINE STATUS

When the ice cream season finally emerges, ankle-free soles are guaranteed a prime place in our shoe arsenal. It means we are officially breaking up with our winter boots and replacing them with bouncier & fresher styles. Nonetheless, the sneaker isn’t going anywhere – its indisputable versatility & instant coolness are not only #epic but also irreplaceable. Alongside our OG staples (already in heavy rotation), the espadrille is standing tall and proud in all of its braided glory. A little variation in our sole collection goes a long way, especially when the flatform number is giving our killer heels some serious competition. It’s hard to beat trendsetter status & ultimate comfort at the same time – just sayin’.

Often enough, flats can be overlooked as a feminine shoe option to add to both your airport getup as well as your drinks-with-the-girls look. In terms of flat-spiration, the Olsen twins never cease to amaze with über polished yet à la bohème outfit ideas featuring none other than the espadrille. For your jet-setting days, showcase metallic boho flatforms with cozy cropped pants & oversized sunglasses. Shiny flats like SMOLIN can take your outfit from the office to the swanky rooftop pool without missing your fave tune. Let these silvery espadrilles (combined with street style snaps of MK & A) teach you a thing or two about mastering the art of effortless bohemia.

CULTURE HACKS: SPRING SOCIAL

After the brutality that winter wreaks on our social lives, some of us emerge from hibernation feeling a little…uh…rusty.  Here’s 5 tricks we follow to get us back into tiptop shape. Or at least feeling somewhat human again.

ICE BREAKERS: Hi. I’m _________. A simple “Hello”  (and maybe a relevant follow-up question like “how do you know the bride” or “have you tried Kevin’s BBQ yet?”) is really all it takes.

SIGNATURE DRINK: Do you really need a spring water ice-cube and a sprig of fresh thyme imported from Greece? Ermmm, you’re holding the party up. Keep it simple, stud.

WINGMAN: We get it, you want a little back up. But beware the wingman relationship that holds you back. Sometimes striking out on your own is where the real adventure is.

EATING IN PUBLIC: Nobody cares if you know which fork to use, but if you’re at an event nice enough to wear closed-toe shoes, you may as well use those manners your mama taught you.

DANCE MOVES: Look, you do you. All we’re saying is, if you is a dancer who needs A LOT OF physical space to get down, try not to poke anyone’s eyeballs out.

Now get out into the world and enjoy!

DETAILS DETAILS: COLOUR KICK

So you picked up a poppy pair of kicks? First off, let us salute you for your good taste! Colourful sneakers are a great way to inject a bit of fun into your wardrobe. But now that you’ve got them home, are you wondering how exactly you’re going to incorporate a bright red, orange, turquoise coloured shoe into your look? Here’s a few tips to keep in mind:

WHITE T-SHIRTS ARE YOUR NEW BFF: As if it wasn’t already. The rock-steadiest of friends, a white t-shirt is a neutral that can literally go with anything. None in your immediate vicinity? A grey t-shirt will do the trick too.

KEEP YOUR BOTTOMS LIKE SWITZERLAND – NEUTRAL: As in, if you’ve got pants in bold colours, this is not the time to bust them out. Repeat after us: black, grey, white, navy, khaki, or cream.

PRINTS AND COLOUR? COULD IT BE? Yes! Think dark florals, plaid, gingham, or prints that introduce a minimum of new colours into your look.

WHEN IN DOUBT, REFER TO YOUR COLOR WHEEL: Remember the circle that showed red/green, violet/yellow, and blue/orange as opposites? It’s everything you need to know which colours work together.

KEEP THE ACCESSORIES SIMPLE: A pair of colourful shoes is already a statement, so don’t go overboard with the sunglasses, the headwear, the bags, the bracelet, the watch. One or two other details will suffice to mark your territory as a sartorial stud.

CULTURE HACKS: WEEKEND CHILL

How to squeeze out every last drop of summer!

It’s been hot for like, a minute, and you’ve already done the requisite summer activities: sat on a patio, gone to the beach. Have no fear. We’ve got a handful of DIY weekend projects to get you back in the summer saddle.

Take A Bike Trip

When was the last time you got on your bike and just rode around? Why not pack a bag with the essentials and hit the open road? With minimal planning you can find tons of great campsites, and staring up at a sky full of stars is well worth it.

Build Something

You’ve got hands? Why not use them to do DIY things! From DIY speakers out of paper cups to a wooden bottle opener to a hammock you can laze around in.

Create Your Own Obstacle Course

You could buy the schematics to build your own backyard obstacle course (like a devil ladder and curved wall) or you could just gather up a bunch of materials (like pool noodles, water balloons, old car tires and – why not? -a piñata) and get creative.

Throw A Killer BBQ

Ok, if you start right now, you can host the greatest barbeque of life tomorrow. Clear out some space, grab some dogs and burgers and ribs (tip: soak the ribs in cola for a few hours before cooking) plus a bevy of cold drinks and make a party playlist. Call the crew and get grillin’.

CULTURE HACKS: SUMMER FUN HUN

How to squeeze out every last drop of summer!
Remember plodding through the winter weather, yearning for the days when you could lounge around under the sun in sandaled feet with painted toes? Now the time has come, are you making the most of these warm summer days? Here’s five easy ways to make every weekend a mini vacation.

Build a backyard campsite
What, just because you’re not 12 anymore you’re too old for a slumber party? Poppycock! Rig up a tent with some string, bed sheets and tons of pillows. Then build your own outdoor theater with a white sheet, a projector, and plenty of popcorn.

Sew a Seed
Looking for something a little more contemplative? Try gardening. If you’re a newbie, start with mint – it’s inexpensive and easy. Plus, using the leaves for mojitos later will make you feel like a real pro.

Host a picnic
Host your own elegant alfresco meal! Gather some vintage blankets and pile your china high with cheese and grapes, and cucumber sandwiches. Oh, and definitely make these awesome candle holders for the event.

Get Your Vitamin D
So you’ve done it all? Before you start your next project take a minute to appreciate what you’ve got. Clear your schedule, grab something to read and a tall lemonade, and soak in the rays (with the requisite protection, of course!).

SIDE BY SIDE: FOOLPROOF FLIP-FLOPS

Flip-flops. As a casual footwear statement, they’re as decisive as it gets. When you slip on a pair of thong sandals, it’s a low-stress, low-stakes scenario. That in no way suggests, of course, that you have to completely let yourself go when you hit the beach or the pool. You can totally preserve your fashion cred with this downtime slip-on. Fact is, flip-flops have come a long way from those disposable, old school models you wore as a kid. And by the way, they’re not just for swimming lessons anymore.

Granted, unless your boss’s notion of Casual Friday is insanely chill, you’re probably not wearing flip-flops to the office. But outside the office? Different story. The latest styles of thong sandals match up with a wide range of summer looks. Tapered pants with sleek tees or untucked, short-sleeve button-down shirts complement flip-flops well; just substitute in place of your favorite sneakers or boat shoes. Other than that wedding or fancy cocktail there’s really no wrong play here. On a casual brunch date, at that new neighbourhood coffee shop, on a walk through the park; a sharp, well-made pair of sandals gets the job done. It’s summertime guys. Free up those feet, fashionably, with the right flip-flops.

DETAILS DETAILS: OUTTA SIGHT

015 by ALDO TEAM

Sunglasses are essential. Don’t blow it.

Sunglasses. The ultimate fashion necessity and accessory. A well-chosen pair can elevate your entire look and make a powerful statement. No need to squint, gentlemen. Spruce up your shades game with these four styles and get on with your summer with confidence.

Browline frames cut a bookish and sexy look. A retro style for narrower, more chiseled faces, these sunglasses sport a classic and assertive browline. The funky, animal print color scheme balances it out and sets a playful tone for fun times under the sun.

Trapezoidal frames, a revered and iconic style long-associated with dashing wayfarers, look sharp on almost any face shape. Make no mistake about it: this is a bold, no-nonsense eyewear choice guaranteed to turn heads.

Want to commemorate International Sunglasses Day (it’s a thing, believe it or not) on June 27 with a little youthful exuberance and panache? Throw on this blue tinted number to instantly spice up your casual summer looks.

Classic aviator sunglasses never go out of style. Ever. No matter what your face shape, wardrobe choice, or hair style, these shades have you covered. Versatile? You bet. Dress them up at a business lunch or play it cool on the weekend, no sweat.

DETAILS DETAILS: MADE IN THE SHADE

27, 2015 by ALDO TEAM

Pick up a fresh pair of frames—it’s International Sunglasses Day!

No summertime wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of shades, so in celebration of International Sunglasses Day, we’re helping you get your frame game on fleek with stylish shapes to suit every face.

SQUARE
The best choice for accentuating those cheekbones is an architectural frame in striking black and white. Another option working seamlessly with summer’s music-fest looks is the ever-cool wayfarer.

ROUND
A slim-framed round lens will also soften your strong, natural lines. You can just as easily create an elongated effect by making like a modern-day Maverick in aviators with a mirrored lens.

HEART-SHAPED
The most playful way to offset your angles while shielding those peepers has to be our heart-shaped specs. To flatter the feminine proportions of your face, look for frames that  that’ll take you from work lunches to weekend picnics, and a winged-tip cat-eyethat’s as classic as it is chic.

OVAL
Lucky you—you can pull off almost any pair, so embrace your inner A-lister in a glam set of oversized shades (Audrey Hepburn would approve!), or explore your funky side with a two-tone style that takes the form of a rounded square.

CARRY ON: CAN’T EVEN

“I prefer paying full price,” said no one, ever. Because who doesn’t love a good discount —especially when it means shopping styles on sale that you can start wearing stat? If that sounds like your sort of instant gratification, then you definitely don’t want to miss our mid-season sale, on now and featuring fresh summer finds. Bored with your basic summer shoes? Shake things up with a metallic-strap pool slide that’ll make grounding your summer looks both comfortable and chic. Bring on the baubles, you say? Our tassledchandelier earrings are the perfect match for summer’s boho tops and maxi dresses, while a bold plate necklace will pop against everything from tonal separates to splashy prints. Feeling fringe? Carry a swingy, exotic-skin clutch and work the trend in a snap. And for all you style chameleons, our statement watch comes with five interchangeable straps, so you refresh your wrist wear all season long.

Just be sure to act fast, because these in-season goodies will be gone faster than you can click “Add to shopping bag.”

INSPIRED BY SPORT: MEET DIRECTOR SANDRA WINTHER

Our new favorite Danish director on how to bring sport into the everyday

Copenhagen-born filmmaker Sandra Winther brought her chic Nordic sensibilities to New York about two years ago. After working with artist Quentin Jones, she struck out on her own and now spends her time directing visually arresting films for clients like Opening Ceremony, Kitty Cash, Miley Cyrus, and Vogue. And she’s one well-rounded lady, too. A lover of sport, Winther’s list of past athletics range from breakdancing and ballet to trampoline jump and gymnastics. Which is why it makes perfect sense that her personal look is equal parts sporty and chic.

How did you come to be living in NYC? 
I was studying film and media in Copenhagen and they had an exchange program. I did my last semester in film at Columbia and then just loved it here so much I decided to stay…I get very inspired by just the energy in New York. There’s this creative energy and there’s a lot of diversity.

How do you feel your work as a director influences your personal style?  
I’ve always really loved putting things together, and I think that’s what you do in film: you put different people together to create something. It’s kind of the same with styling. I think that a sports top can be worn to a fancy party if you just match it up with something that’s a little more dressed up. At the same time, because the way I work with my films is a bit of an artist’s approach and very analog, working with paint or ink and then putting that into After Effects, I need to wear stuff that I can move around in and it can get a little dirty without it mattering too much.

You also move around a lot outside of work. We hear you’re very active.
I’ve always been super active. One thing that I’ve always done is running. I have a lot of athletic clothes and sportswear that I mix with my own clothes. I also wear sneakers every day, because they’ve become a collector’s thing for me. Sport is very timeless; sporty clothes have such a utility. It seems like if you have a choice, it’s the most practical thing to wear, because you know you’ll be comfortable in it and it looks good.

Do your parents or your Danish heritage influence the way you dress?
I think the way my parents have influenced me, they’re very thoughtful on the items that they choose to spend money on. They’ve just always been very considerate about everything. Their aesthetic and their eye for detail and craftsmanship have inspired the way I think about it, too.

You mentioned 90’s R&B as something that inspires you, too.
In R&B or soul there are a lot of amazing women who really just sing from their heart and you can feel it in the music. In that sense I’m very inspired by female singers. And music is such a vibe creator. It sets a tone! I think sometimes just putting on some good music and moving around a little bit, it makes all outfits work out better.

INSPIRED BY TRAVEL: MEET DJ WILL POWER

It’s house music and house parties for this world traveller

Say hello to Will Power Smith. Sure, he’s got a rad name befitting a superhero, but his powers are decidedly musical: he learned how to DJ from his brother at the tender age of 9. Now this Londoner plays some of the most massive house parties in town and beyond. After spending his youth in the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, Power Smith spends his days traveling the world to play shows. And if his Insta’s any indication, this sneakerhead could teach us a thing or two about surf, soccer, cycling, seeing the world, and relaxing on the beach. So, you see, he uses his powers for good.

Tell us about how you got into making music.
I was DJing at an early age and then I actually got into playing the guitar; my focus changed from dance music to rock music. I was more into Nirvana and that. I was in bands and found myself trying to write all the parts for all the songs until I pissed everyone off.

What do you think changed?
I got this new first music software. You could plug your guitar into it and that would go into a USB on your computer, which would then record the guitar. So I started recording all the bits. I made the beats and stuff and it was so basic at the time but it was amazing, this freedom to be able to do all these things that I wanted to do myself. It wasn’t until a year or two before I went to uni that I got back into dance music and house music.

Now you tour a lot. Do you have any tips or philosophies when it comes to travel?
I travel as light as possible because I love nipping into shops to grab my basics. I’ve got a couple of my essential things. I have my USB’s, my headphones, my laptop.

What are some of the places you like to go to discover new musicians and new sounds in London?
London is really inspiring. And Shoreditch, similar to places like Berlin, there’s lots of new stars coming out all the time. The clubs are open really late. There’s always something going on, and all of my friends are there, too. There’s a handful of venues that we go to which always have cool new DJs, mostly in Shoreditch or Dalston. Places like The Nest, XOYO, Village Underground, Uruguay. I hang out a lot at Shoreditch House, and I’ve played a couple of nights there as well.

How does the nightlife influence the way you dress? Do you dress differently for day versus night?
During the day I’ll just wear a t-shirt and a skinny jean. I like to dress up at night: usually a black skinny jean, maybe a black or a white tee and a black jacket. Depends on where I’m going, what clubs I’m going to.

INSPIRED BY COLOR: MEET MODEL IRENE KIM

Korea’s most in-demand model on her personal style

Is Irene Kim personally responsible for the global uptick in rainbow hair hues? It’s seriously possible, given her fashion cred: this street style magnet has modeled for Stella McCartney and Chanel, among others. Not to mention her own massive following: she’s a contributing editor for fashion magazines in Korea, and hosts two fashion and beauty TV shows in Seoul. Born in Seattle, Washington Kim moved to Korea after middle school. A self-professed jewelry addict, she doesn’t go anywhere without a handful of rings – we’re talking 8 to 10, sometimes more. Her inspiration? She cites My Little Pony half-jokingly, and in all seriousness, color, in general.

How did your hair evolve into this glorious rainbow mane?
It was really organic…I started doing bleach ombré and then one day I just wanted to do color. Something different. Blue was first, and then I got into purple and then into pink, and then my hair stylist and I were like ‘Let’s do some crazy stuff, why not?’

When did you feel like you really established your personal style?
When I first dyed it blue, my agency in Korea freaked out. They were like ‘You are not going to get any work. You’re going to get dropped from all your jobs.’ And now I’m working more and it’s become my trademark. And it really shows that individuality is good! I have always loved expressing myself through the way I dress…I think it really went full-blown when I started coloring my hair.

Who are some of your fashion or style idols?
I really like Rihanna a lot, because she’s such a risk taker…she wears what she wants to wear, carries herself with confidence and I think that’s the most important. She’s awesome.

Does traveling between New York, Seoul, London, and Paris influence the way that you dress?
It definitely influences me. I get really inspired by my surroundings. London is really fun…I was really shocked when I went because last March was my first time, and it was so cool! Everyone there has rainbow hair, I fit in! I think I should live in London, because I didn’t really stand out there!

You’re friends with lots of K-Pop celebrities. Does the music scene in Seoul impact your style? K-Pop is just such a huge global phenomenon.
I didn’t realize that until I started coming back to the States more often and my non-Korean friends were singing K-Pop more than me! So I was very surprised. I think it plays a big role. I think the K-Pop scene definitely opened doors for Korean Fashion and beauty.

You mentioned going through your grandmother’s jewelry. What did she teach you about style? 
She’s amazing. She’s always put together: she always has pink lipstick on and blinged out glasses, grandma-style vintage. I think I’ve learned from her to always be presentable, and I think that’s important. I’m not saying that looks are the most important but if you’re going for an interview or a date or whatever, be your best self. She has this amazing leopard print mink coat that I stole from her. No, I mean borrowed! She hasn’t asked for it back yet, so…

SIDE BY SIDE: FRINGEFULL FALL

Swing into Fall with Transitional Sandals and a Fringed Vest

With its weekend-long music festivals, endless nights by the campfire and lazy days at the beach, summer is definitely the season to tap into your boho side. But that doesn’t mean you need to leave your inner free spirit behind come fall. A long, fringed vest or sweater is a signature piece in any bohemian-heavy wardrobe, and one that works best once the weather cools off (we’ve all tried to rock leather fringe on a hot summer day and, unless you’re Kate Bosworth, the results are rarely pretty).

As we kiss summer goodbye and move into fall, transition your look by pairing covered arms with bare legs. There’s something so fun about cozying up in your oversized sweater while still feeling the fresh air on your gams. Plus, being covered up makes showcasing your boho style entirely work-appropriate (strapless sundresses and office dress codes don’t always mix). Gladiator sandals are the key shoe to polish off this between-seasons style, and a boot-inspired version gives the illusion of coverage while still keeping things easy breezy and cool. Or, try a pair with mixed metallic straps for a more polished, city-ready take you can wear with a more conservative outfit. And even if you are dreaming of Coachella, no one will be the wiser.

FINAL TOUCH: BREAK THE MONOTONY

Suede oxfords and a grey suit? Yessir.

Clothes don’t make the man, they say. That is certainly true. But, by the same token, let’s not pretend appearances don’t matter. They most assuredly do. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to have a Savile Row tailor at your beck and call in order to make a good impression. Casual-wear, even artfully schlumpy-wear, can pack the right punch in the right hands. At the end of the day, a dynamic sense of personal style has to come from a sincere place. Intuitively knowing what to wear with what–and when–helps.

Take the quintessential light grey suit, for example. It’s one of those wardrobe stalwarts you don’t necessarily pay any mind to until you realize you need it. Fact is, a well-pressed light grey suit is brilliant come summer and fall–and always will be. When paired with blue-hued, and even lightly-patterned, dress shirts, its effect can be striking.

Footwear-wise you can go in a few different directions here but consider a brown suede oxford. The sharp hit of textural and tonal contrast this shoe provides is very simpatico. A light grey suit and brown dress lace-ups: a beautiful way to pump up your style game this season, at the office, and out on the town.

MEET THE CAST: SANDRA WINTHER – IRL

Video artist & director, Sandra Winther, can now add model to her resume – woot woot. As rad as they come, the tomboy-chic influencer knows how to work the camera, on & off duty. With a distinctive platinum mane & magnetic chill vibe, she is definitely not your average girl next door. Lucky for us, we had the chance to pretend to be as cool as her (for 1 day) while she took over our IG feed with snaps bound to inspire your summer-to-fall #ootds.

DETAILS DETAILS: HATS TO HAVE

Channeling that ‘70s vibe, the hats to have now.

There is a major 1970s revival under way on the international fashion runways this season. Quintessential items like flares, platforms, fringe and suede certainly dominated, but perhaps most ubiquitous to the mix was the fedora. Oh, how we love the look it reminisces! Think Brigitte Bardot and Bianca Jagger: two otherworldly icons from the decade who wore their wide-brimmed hats with aplomb and the requisite attitude to match. They looked effortlessly cool and not at all high-maintenance. ‘Tis true testimony on the power of fashion.

Fast forward to today and these chapeaus remain seriously au courant trumping the scarf trend and finding themselves on the heads of the famous like Nicole Richie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kim Kardashian. All have been snapped wearing a plethora of different styles and colours. Nicole favours classic and structured cuts in burgundy felt and matching ribbon while Mrs. West tends to keep it casual in slouchy, oversized versions in neutral shades. You too can take your look to next level status just as easily by staying equally as flexible. Pair your pencil-leg jeans and slouchy sweater with a starchy emerald green fedora that draws attention and aahs to your most beautiful asset, your face. Or, for the bohemian babe, take the oversized floppy hat in steely grey or black and perch it at the crown of your head to keep the look feminine and girly, especially when outfitted with your best floral maxi. The point in all of this is to stay optimistic and stay fearless: your style is your message, and the world is certainly interested in hearing it.

SIDE BY SIDE: LOOK SHARP LIVE SMART

Go from work to weekend–and back–with one shoe. 

Some shoes can do it all, within limits of course. May we submit the humble but valuable loafer? Or, in this case, if you so prefer, the driver or moccasin. In black, this classic is a wardrobe must. But you probably know that.

Still, say for argument’s sake you don’t. Just examine all the ways this shoe can complement work and weekend life. With dress socks, dark and tapered trousers, and a slim shirt and blazer, a black suede loafer cuts a killer profile. This is what well-groomed up-and-comers want at the office, on a business trip, or at a work engagement.

Which takes us to look number two. It is the weekend, or a weekday after work, you are off the clock, and you have a date, a dinner, a function–somewhere to be. That somewhere is not exactly informal, but far from tuxedo and top hat time. Find the middle ground. The black suede loafers can stay, naturally, but lose the socks. Chill the look out some more with earth tones–khaki chinos are a safe bet, and a casual dress shirt. Layer with a slim-fit jacket or blazer for good measure, and cuff the sleeves. Rock those moccasins well, gentlemen; they are, without doubt, a foundational piece of footwear.

RINGS AND THINGS: CAMEL BLACK

There’s something beautifully serene about the colour camel. Classic, but still on-trend it’s a calm neutral shade that evokes a luxurious, well-made sentiment no matter what the price point. Alexander Wang is a fan, so is Mulberry. Both have showcased polished camel toppers in their fall 2015 collections, and you would be remiss to scan any street style photos and not see the fashionable set snapped in this quintessential tone. It has become ubiquitous on the runway and the high street because it meshes with every other colour in the wheel but perhaps most alluring is when it’s paired with our beloved black. The fall season’s must-have combo, imagine a camel coat over a nubby black turtleneck and slim leather leggings or substitute this slick city look for a white tee, ripped jeans and a cozy (yet causal) black and camel-striped scarf  – quite perfect for those Sunday’s spent brunching.

Come Monday, change up your office attire routine by swapping out your tote for one of the bigger accessory trends to hit the market: the backpack. Once relegated to schoolyards and playgrounds, we love this grown-up leather version with oversized zipper detail. We imagine it for the busy sophisticate who needs her hands free to sip that cappuccino all the while looking so cool in her commute.

FINAL TOUCH: WEEKEND VIBES

It’s been a long week and you can pretty much sum it up like this: Work, more work, a little bit of work, plus some work. You’re even kind of shocked you managed to get any meals in there and you can kiss those dreams of being a green-thumbed gardener goodbye because your houseplant is not looking so hot right now. Sound familiar? We totally get it. When the weekend does come you consider staying under the covers and asking your roommate to hook you up to a coffee IV, but then you realize that it might actually feel good to get up and get some fresh air. Besides, real talk: you’re going to be running around all weekend to fit in all your chores.

Now you just need to find an outfit that feels as cozy as being wrapped up in a warm blanket yet looks effortlessly stylish all the same. For something like that layers, all-over neutral tones, and soft textures are definitely the way to go. A pair of cotton pants with a drawstring and a tapered leg always looks good with a black high top sneaker. It’s just kind of a rule of the universe, like the law of attraction (the attraction between a high top sneaker and an ankle jogger that is). Now throw a soft, oversized cardi over a plain white t-shirt, and finish the look with a structured mini-crossbody to elevate the whole look. Now you’re good to go (or veg out at your friends place in front of the TV with a slice of pizza in your hand…whatever the case may be

FANFARE: MISHA NONOO

How best to describe the Misha Nonoo girl? Perhaps like this: She’s someone you’d want as a seatmate on a long-haul flight. She’s a sparkling conversationalist, for one. She has an obvious passion for life, and she’s definitely able to give you tips about where to eat and drink. Of course, she’s wonderfully dressed: sophisticated but fun too, with an obvious eye and appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. To be fair, the Misha Nonoo girl and the designer herself may just be one and the same.

Bahrain born, and London raised, Misha Nonoo moved to New York City after business school in Paris, where she joined a small tailoring firm. It was there that she learned the tools of her trade. Years of hands-on experience paid off. She launched her own label offering jackets and coats, but by 2012 had expanded her range and begun to offer four collections a year. The premise: Classic silhouettes and tailored separates updated with modern details. Now, Misha Nonoo has been inducted into the CFDA, earned a prestigious nomination on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, and has amassed an impressive celebrity fan base, including Bella Hadid, Emma Watson and Gwyneth Paltrow. But what’s most important is the way her clothes make the wearer feel: like you could put them on and soar.

Love the collection? Find out more here. The collection will be available online and in select stores as of tomorrow, September 3rd.

Featuring: @mishanonoo

Clothing: mishanonoo.com

Photography: Aaron Ritcher

INSPIRED BY 70S: MEET STAZ LINDES

The Californian beauty on why the Seventies (still) rock 

Inciting cheekbone envy worldwide, model and musician Staz Lindes comes by her talent and beauty honestly – her mom was a model in the sixties and her dad a professional musician.  With that kind of pedigree, it’s no wonder she’s got big ambition: she wants her band to be the girl version of either the Stooges or the Velvet Underground. Born in London but raised in LA, these days Staz is back and forth between east and west. She keeps an apartment in LA and lives with two fashion designers when she’s in New York.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up in LA?

My mom was from the London scene in the sixties, so she was a total Beatles supporter. My dad was the same but he pushed Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. And I mean, when you’re in middle school, like junior high school, everybody starts getting into Nirvana and Sublime and all that West Coast stuff. I’ve seen X a bunch of times and they’re like an LA staple punk band, I’ve seen the New York Dolls, and Black Flag.

What do you think it is about the seventies that inspires you?

There was a whole later punk scene but it was just starting in the seventies. And even all the outfits at the time, like in Harlem, all those Puma shirts and the flares, all of that is so good. I feel like people took more risks then in a carefree way.

You said your mom was in London in the sixties and your dad’s a musician. Did they have really amazing style back then?

Yeah, so my mom was a model in the sixties and is really close friends with Twiggy since then. They used to go to all the parties together. She tells me that she used to go to Ringo’s parties and it all just sounds like a fantasy. Like I kind of hate hearing about it.  My dad was actually born in California. When he was twenty-one he left for London to pursue music and he actually ended up joining Dire Straits. He basically left with flowing seventies hair and flares and came back with a black leather jacket and everyone was like ‘Wow, you look different!’

How has living in New York influenced your style – aside from having to wear jackets in the winter?

Here’s a way it’s affected me: so many people wear black here or yoga outfits that it makes me want to wear something crazy. The other day I bought two pairs of eighties pantsuits in neon colors, just because I’d rather not look like everybody else. I’ve just always had that.

Having grown up in warm temperatures, how does the idea of winter inspire you? Do you feel like you get to dress a whole new way?

I’ve never really had to wear coats before. This winter I started wearing those really funny ski jackets that are neon colors. It’s bright pink and yellow and massive but it kept me so warm. And I’ve definitely developed a huge love for sweaters… striped sweaters and boots as well. It’s nice to have a challenge and change stuff up.

Thanks so much Staz.