Item of the Week news and archive

Item of the week: the cargo pants

What it is: Cargo pants come as part of a slew of military-inspired fashion trends beginning to make their way back into fashion’s hotspot. In terms of fashion, cargo pants typically refer to loose-fitting trousers, often made in a cotton-based material, which come with patched pockets down the side of the legs and, usually, finish with an...

30 Nov 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the tie dye top

What it is: The term ‘tie dye’ refers to a range of dying techniques that can be incorporated into a garment to achieve a dynamic dyed finish. The process could involve folding, twisting and crumpling a fabric, before tying it up with string and applying dye. The look was prominent in the 70s as a style that was typically adopted by members of...

23 Nov 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the fringe hemline

What it is: A fringe, or tasselled, hemline can be sported on just about any garment, from tops and blouses to skirts and dresses. The technique usually refers to loose fibres around a hemline, which have been tied or cut into separate strands to bring a bit more life and a new silhouette to a standard item, offering somewhat of a unique texture...

16 Nov 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the retro sweatpants

What it is: Sweatpants gained popularity during the 1980s, a decade that is often defined by the sudden fitness craze that took hold of shoppers. Vintage styles typically come in high-waisted, baggy fits, with loose materials around the legs and elasticated ankles. Many iterations also utilise bold colour palettes, which are often in blocked...

9 Nov 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the mesh top

What it is: Mesh tops were all over the runways this year, with designers looking to experiment with shape and form using delicate, and often printed, spring/summer materials. The style can be seen in cropped tops, t-shirts and button up blouses, in both colourful prints and blocked hues, or with intricate embroidery throughout the design. Some...

2 Nov 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the waistcoat

What it is: ‘Waistcoat’ typically refers to a sleeveless, button-up garment, often seen worn over a formal shirt and necktie. However, as trends collide for the upcoming season, the usually formal workwear piece has taken on a new form, seeing it become popular among the fashion-forward crowd as a trendy outfit addition. Brands and retailers...

26 Oct 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the statement tie

What it is: As traditional workplace attire is becoming less common, the tie seems to be a slightly out-of-place trend to be making rounds. However, for both AW22 and SS23 it has arguably become ‘the’ accessory of choice on both runways and in street style. It was the statement tie in particular that had a hold on fashion leaders, each of which...

19 Oct 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the metallic tone

What it is: Metallic pieces were a popular addition to spring/summer 2023 runways for the fashion week month. From tailored suits to structured gowns, there was plenty of experimentation in the exploration of this trend. Metallic materials themselves are inorganic substances, usually utilising combinations of metal and non-metal elements. The...

12 Oct 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the crochet knit

What it is: Crochet’s roots are fairly unclear, with some research suggesting the technique could have derived from ancient Chinese needlework, while others claim it originated in Arabia or indigenous tribes in South America, and eventually spread to Mediterranean countries. Its initial place in fashion, however, was most prominent in the 60s...

5 Oct 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the cowboy shirt

What it is: The cowboy shirt is a notable staple that comes with a long, complex background. While many reference the shirt to originate from ‘Western’ cowboys, mostly seen in films and television, the shirt is actually the result of a cultural mix, mostly inspired by traditional Mexican shirts worn by livestock herders. Adaptation over time,...

28 Sept 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the two-piece knit

What it is: Two-piece knit outfits were a big part of the AW22 runway season and were spotted in the collections of a number of notable designers, including JW Anderson, Gucci and Chanel. In many cases, the look was used for womenswear lines, either in sets with skirts or floor length trousers, often complete with varying knit techniques and...

21 Sept 2022

Fashion

Item of the week: the corset

What it is: Corsets in fashion have likely come as an offset to the ‘lingerie as outerwear’ trend, however their original purpose was as a supportive undergarment for women. Since its origins, its meaning has changed over time, and while, oftentimes, it is still used for festishistic and burlesque practices, it has also become a staple wardrobe...

14 Sept 2022