Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Elie Saab, and Prada embrace utilitarian styles. Explore the shift towards practical and stylish clothing choices in the modern wardrobe
The next fashion season has heralded a significant shift in the industry, making workwear chic, well chic. Some of the most renowned fashion houses, including Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Elie Saab, and Prada, reimagine the concept of luxury by embracing utilitarian wear, becoming the forefront of this trend. They redefine fashion for a post-pandemic world, making you want to play and work. In the Philippines, we can start as early as now.
RELATED: A Parisian Reverie: Paris Fashion Week and Its Artistic Triumphs
The prominence of workwear in these collections can be attributed to the global experience of staying home during the pandemic. This period of isolation and reflection has led to a collective reevaluation of what constitutes essential in our lives. Comfort, practicality, and versatility have become paramount, and fashion has evolved to meet these demands.
Saint Laurent: Natural neutrals
Anthony Vaccarello of Saint Laurent has long been synonymous with elegant evening wear. However, the new collection saw a surprising departure from this tradition. Vaccarello unveiled a collection that was fresh, bold, and undeniably functional. He rekindled the spirit of the 80s by reintroducing the neutral, offering a new interpretation of daytime separates. It commenced with utility-style jumpsuits that boasted crisp contours and cinched waists. Unbuttoned shirts, casually billowing like windsocks on a windy runway, contributed an air of effortless allure. Streamlined and functional cargo pants, stripped of excess, summoned the essence of practicality and readiness associated with the aviator mindset. The palette, reminiscent of a safari adventure, was a nod to the changing needs of the modern, aeronautical world. This pivot towards utilitarian styles by Saint Laurent suggests that luxury doesn’t need to sacrifice functionality.
Louis Vuitton: Utility travel
Louis Vuitton has long been a brand synonymous with luxury and travel, and the new collection showed just that. Within the entirety of the collection, the theme of air influencing the core of style was evident without a doubt. Jackets featured hems that gave the impression of floating clouds. Easygoing leather bombers and skirts that hugged the hips, with their unconventional and audacious lines, disrupted the traditional harmony of fashion, mirroring the playful dance of a balloon caught in the unpredictable wind. These functional garments were showcased as an essential part of everyday life. While our notions of luxury and necessity have evolved, Louis Vuitton’s emphasis on utility and travel resonates with a population that has reevaluated its priorities and is embracing a more pragmatic approach to fashion.
Elie Saab: Dressed-down elegance
Elie Saab, known for his couture creations, took a similar turn towards utilitarian wear for Spring 2024. The collection presented a more dressed-down approach, signifying the brand’s expansion into the lifestyle space. While the pieces may seem contemporary and functional, they still bring out the Elie Saab feel: embellished jackets, jumpsuits in teal, and belted bright pink minisets. This shift underscores the changing dynamics of the fashion industry, where comfort and functionality have become paramount. As we continue to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, Elie Saab’s collection embodies the need for adaptable and versatile clothing.
Prada: A pragmatic approach
Miuccia Prada has always been a pioneer in marrying fashion and function. For the new collection, she continued to lead the way in practical luxury. Prada’s looks featured utility vests that captured the essence of the post-pandemic world. In the wake of a global health crisis, the focus on comfort and practicality has never been more relevant. Prada’s utilitarian vests exude a sense of preparedness, reflecting the need for versatility and adaptability in our day-to-day lives.
In the Philippines, the fashion scene has always been vibrant and dynamic, mirroring global trends while adding a unique local flavor. The concept of embracing utilitarian wear, as exemplified by these fashion houses, holds particular relevance in the Filipino context. In a tropical country, fashion is not merely an aesthetic choice, but also a matter of staying cool, comfortable, and well-prepared for the ever-changing weather. Workwear, with its focus on functional design and versatility, aligns perfectly with the Filipino need for clothing that can seamlessly transition from outdoor activities to indoor gatherings.
The collections from Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Elie Saab, and Prada not only represent a departure from traditional luxury, but also a reflection of the times we live in. These brands have redefined elegance through workwear demonstrating that fashion can be both stylish and practical, catering to the evolving needs of the modern consumer.
Featured Image: PRADA (via Instagram)
