People Say I Have Impeccable Taste—Here Are 15 New Yet Classic Pieces I Love Now
I was recently asked about the logistics of Paris Fashion Week, to which I nodded in agreement about the perplexity of the seasons. Despite being a fashion editor living in one of the most chicest capitals in the world, sometimes Fashion Month catches me off guard. That is, until it commences! t’s cyclical, of course, but Fashion Week arrives at a time when inspiration may be lacking due to the lacklustre forecast. Over the past week, the streets of Paris have been awash with fashion and spectacle, courtesy of Men’s Fashion Week and with Haute Couture following on, it’s served as a huge source of inspiration.
I've been inspired Haute Couture this month, such as the Schiaparelli Haute Couture SS25 show.
Like many fashion admirers, I’ve been hot on the tails of the exuberance of it all and this season, it’s done exactly what it says on the tin. That is, wet our whistle for fashion and reminded us of the power and poetry of fashion as a form of art in motion. Witnessing the genius and artistic licence of visionaries such as Schiaparelli reignites my fashion flame on a seasonal basis and more notable collections also include Dior, Jacquemus and Toteme —from clean lines to buttery leather and more. Roseberry’s "Icarus'" collection was blinding and did indeed fly a little too close to the sun like its inspired title, Chanel was a vision in froth and heavily embellished frocks and Dior drew inspiration from the whimsical world of Lewis Caroll's "Alice and Wonderland".
During the last few weeks, I've attended showrooms and previewed upcoming collections of independent designers which I’ll forever be inspired by. I’ve used the combined inspiration to comprise my capsule for the month ahead. Designer and high-street names have begun releasing tantalising iterations that even I, as a person who hardly shops, find hard to resist. Although I’m still bundled in layers aplenty, the time for elevated styles is on the periphery and I intend on adding a little flavour to my pre-existing collection. All whilst keeping my forever investments mantra in mind, of course. If you too are feeling inspired, or lacking even, keep scrolling to see my shopping edit for February. If you haven't already, I'd also encourage you to watch the Schiaparelli show and take note. Warning, after-effects may include wanting to wear a ball gown down the supermarket aisle but there's no judgment here.
Shop My Edit for February:
Your eyes do not deceive you. This is indeed courtesy of M&S with an exceptional price point to boot. It's the jacket I recommend as an entry-level introduction to suede outerwear.
Carrying on from last year, suede bags are one of the biggest accessory trends this season. Sure a smooth leather handbag is sleek, however, you can't dispute the feel of supple suede on the crock of your arm. The Hudson is new-in at our favourite accessory house. We have a feeling it'll prove popular with its customers.
Nour Hammour outerwear has become highly sought after and it's no wonder why. The svelt fit, fluffed trim and swing hem add to the allure. It's much easier to wear than your typical faux fur coat, which can sometimes feel bulky.
In 2024 we witnessed the rise in mesh flats and I knew 2025 would serve us some delightful styles. What I didn't expect was French fashion retailer Sézane to release its very own iteration. However, I'm so glad the mesh Mary-Jane has the French stamp of approval.
I'm a firm believer that you needn't shop high-end for the best quality and case in point is Jigsaw's foray into structured leather. Comprising 100% leather, a cutting-edge fusion technique and a heavy-weight boxy fit. You'll have this for life and pass it down generations.
This season, snake print is coming up trumps. In the coming months, you'll spot it on everything from apparel to footwear and accessories. It looks particularly chic peeping out of a pair of free-flowing jeans.
A grey pleated midi skirt is high on my wish list, especially after compiling this grey skirt edit. Truth is, ever eager-eyed about anti-trend fashion, it piqued my interest with Officine Generale and Prada making some of my favourites to date. Until now, that is. Uniform playful pleats paired with a timeless cool tone make this skirt one to challenge its high-end counterparts. It's a cool nod to a suited look, whilst still fresh enough for the spring days ahead. Where styling is concerned, I'm envisioning a burgundy-hued handbag (like the JM Davidson one in this edit), a crisp white shirt tucked in and a pair of heeled mules for my spring wardrobe.
Ghost is highly ranked by Fashion Editors as a slip specialist, with styles that caress the body in the most alluring way. I find its spring collections always include my favourite pieces. Last year, the brand ventured into an orchid yellow, with a long sleeve maxi dress and for 2025, a pale iteration of the aforementioned style has arrived, with a cap sleeve in its place. The Averie is one of my favourite dresses of this season and looks five times its price. I also appreciate the brand's use of viscose, which is of premium quality and ensures the price point can be kept affordable, compared to silk.
During Paris Fashion Week, I met with sister powerhouse duo Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg of Otiumberg. They led me through their considered arsenal of solid gold, gold vermeil & sterling silver jewellery. With a distinct identity for refinement and timeless jewellery for all generations. Plus, with surprise wildcards in the mix (the Domino ring, encasing mirrored quartz stones, for example), there's something for all. Smiling widely as they recalled encounters with their customers (some multigenerational), it's clear that the joy for these jewels is woven into the brand's fabric, from inception to wearer. As someone building a silver collection, the Pebble Drop has become a firm favourite of mine.
Step one foot on a high street in Paris and chances are you'll be greeted by a Jimmy Fairly store. They're in almost every arrondissement. It's a dominant high street optician and one reframing the experience. This month, I perused my local store for some of the latest styles and the Alina frame was a good fit for my face shape. The winged-out frame paired with a tortoiseshell feels timeless.
Conceived to follow the contours of a teardrop, the Dash handbag is a well-proportioned (and spacious) leather accessory in this season's most alluring berry hue. The latest hanbag in my collection, its already amassing plenty of wear.
Maker of delicate gemstones and elegant jewels, jewellery designer Laura Vann has now branched into a bolder, contemporary aesthetics. The Torque Choker is a delicate, yet statement piece that will pair particularly well with bandeau necklines.
A cashmere maxi dress is the thing of dreams, especially in the considered column fit. The warmth of cashmere paired with the spaghetti strap is the ultimate juxtaposition but somehow it works. For now, pair it with a figure-forming knit underneath.
It's a great day for fashion when two favourites collaborate and this month was the turn of Stripe & Stare X Rixo. Expect comfort, streamlined classics and a touch of vintage print. It is Rixo, after all. Ever the lover of neutrals, I was drawn to this fierce animal print.
There are myriad French brands I've been introduced to over the past year and Rosaé Paris is one. With a streamlined capsule of French-inspired classic pieces, it's a retailer I check on every season. This season, Rosaé released an elongated iteration of its suede jacket which proved extremely popular. This time, it's available in a free-flowing languid silhouette, making a nonchalant "throw over the top" coat.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.
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