Kate. Courtney. Wellingtons. Tiaras. Hedi Slimane is pretty much the master of the universe when it comes to appropriating iconic youth movements, witling out of them familiar clothes and recasting them as essential Saint Laurent merchandise. This season it was Glastonbury and Grunge.
Herewith, the ‘Saint Laurent Skin Collection XX’ and the merch that matters…
THE TRENCH COAT
You may have a beige mac, you may have many beige macs, but you don’t have THIS beige mac: simple, perfectly proportioned, just the right shade of beige. As ever, it’s all about how you wear it: faded jeans, wellies and tiara. Job done.
THE SLIP DRESS
We may have seen 678,000 slip dresses on the runways this season, but Hedi’s are a recurring theme that began with his 2013 Grunge collection (perhaps it was he who kicked off the trend in the first place?). They were glamourous in long silver lamé slashed up to there, or transparent and knicker-skimming and worn with oversized men’s tailoring or leather jackets.
THE WILDLIFE
Another big trend gets Hedi’s rubber stamp. How many times have we seen an image of a tiger snarling this season? Many. Embroidered on bomber jackets, printed on sharp, slim coats. His sweatshirt in graphic monochrome will be the speedy seller.
THE FOOTWEAR
Two styles, wildly different: the Saint Laurent ‘Festival Boot’ (slimline wellies) and the pin-thin-heeled sandal. We predict the wellie will outsell the sandal.
GRUNGE LUXE
It’s not the first time Saint Laurent has produced a big sloppy cardie, and it won’t be the last.
These, in leopard print or gold sequins, the essence of Grunge with a luxury sheer beaded slip beneath or floor-skimming florals.
