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PRISCILLA DRESS, ANNA QUAN, SHOP SIMILAR. AEROBIC BODYSUIT, ERES, SHOP SIMILAR. JUNE HOOPS, PETITE GRAND, SHOP NOW. DIAMOND TILDA FLATS, JIMMY CHOO, SHOP SIMILAR
A style aesthetic can come in many forms. Lately, I’ve been taking fashion cues from South Korea, particularly from K-Pop groups like Blackpink, Twice and Red Velvet, who are fast becoming global guru fashion idols when it comes to mixing luxury with street style. Not exactly all sugary and sweet like you might think. Through their stage outfits and music videos which, yes, are generally bright and shimmery, K-Pop is defining a new fashion outlook that even has luxury giants like Dior, Celine, Saint Laurent and Chanel signing up Blackpink members.
LOOK 1
RED DRESS, MICHAEL LO SORDO, SHOP SIMILAR. HORN BRA, KOURH, SHOP SIMILAR. ALICE HOOPS, PETITE GRAND, SHOP NOW. OPAL OVERLAY DAITH HOOPS, SHOP NOW, NYMPH OVAL NECKLACE, SHOP NOW, SUSPENSE PEAR BRACELET, SHOP NOW, NYMPH DIAMOND BRACELET, SHOP NOW, SARAH AND SEBASTIAN. HEELS, GIVENCHY, SHOP SIMILAR
While the K-Pop style outcome is more about mixing genres or mismatched looks, feel free to fuse floor-length gowns with cut-out bra tops like this shocking red silk sheer dress by Michael Lo Sorda teamed with a Khorh bra. Team with Mary Jane or combat boots for street appeal. You’ll still command attention.
LOOK 2 & 3
LEFT: WOOL KNIT, SHOP SIMILAR, ROCKET BOOTS, SHOP SIMILAR, LARGE HOP BAG, SHOP SIMILAR, BOTTEGA VENETARIGHT: VELVET JACKET, GIORGIO ARMANI, SHOP SIMILAR. GLITTER MESH TOP, CUE, SHOP SIMILAR. 90S STRAPLESS SHEER KNIT MIDI GALAXY DRESS (WORN AS SKIRT), ST AGNI, SHOP NOW. DIAMOND TILDA FLATS, JIMMY CHOO, SHOP SIMILAR. CRYSTAL EAR CUFF, ZIMMERMANN, SHOP SIMILAR
Take the long and the short of it, even if it means “head to handbag” matching. Level up streetwear staples through monochrome luxury, like this season’s pastel shade of whipped butter, seen here with Bottega Veneta’s large hop bag and matching turtleneck. Put your own spin on pencil skirts, the revival of the 90s silhouette we’re seeing plenty of. A knitwear option offers the versatility to dress up or down especially when in all black. Though borrowed from the stars, this deceptively simple styling hack ensures an elevated, everyday look worthy of a spotlight.
FASHION: WOOL KNIT, SHOP SIMILAR, ROCKET BOOTS, SHOP SIMILAR, LARGE HOP BAG, SHOP SIMILAR, BOTTEGA VENETABEAUTY: LIP CHEAT, CHARLOTTE TILBURY, SHOP NOW. JOLI ROUGE SHINE, CLARINS, SHOP NOW. LIP2CHEEK, RMS BEAUTY, SHOP NOW
When it comes to beauty, Koreans lead the way, especially in skincare. Double cleansing is an important step in K-Beauty. An oil cleanser followed by a foaming cleanser is an essential part of the skin regime, along with face masks. Check out Innisfree Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam and Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask.
WOOL KNIT, BOTTEGA VENETA, SHOP SIMILAR
Lips stains, particularly shades of berry and pink are popular, along with jelly lip balms. “A key trend is to only stain the middle of the mouth and diffuse the product into the outer edges softly so there are no harsh lines”, notes fashion stylist Kelly Harty who worked with me on this shoot and is of Korean descent.
LOOK 4
PORSHA DRESS, MARIAM SEDDIQ, SHOP NOW. NYMPH OVAL NECKLACE, SARAH AND SEBASTIAN, SHOP NOW. LEATHER GLOVES, MAX MARA, SHOP SIMILAR. PSYCH ANKLE BOOTS, JIMMY CHOO, SHOP SIMILAR
Snow white and light, a bride-to-be or maybe you just love the idea of meringue? Look no further than this genius Mariam Seddiq mini dress. Add Girl-power status with the finishing touches of black leather elbow-length gloves and stiletto sock boots by Jimmy Choo.
LOOK 5
FASHION: BLUSH DIAMANTÉ JERSEY ORCHID DRESS, YOUSEF AKBAR, SHOP SIMILARBEAUTY: STAY VULNERABLE MELTING BLUSH, RARE BEAUTY, SHOP NOW. OFF DUTY BLUSH STICK, MECCA MAX, SHOP NOW
Combine wearable art and fashion fantasy and you have designer Yousef Akbar whose fascination with how draping the body defies convention. The result is pure theatrics worthy of gracing the red carpet or that special event.
Make up artist Claire Thompson who did the work here, believes in revisiting blush. “New sheer formulas make it easier than ever to make blush be the focus of your look. Don’t be afraid to experiment, layering and building up the colour. Explore taking it further up the cheekbone and closer to the eye”.
LOOK 6
TOP, SHOP SIMILAR, BELT, SHOP SIMILAR, SKIRT, SHOP SIMILAR, MAX MARA. COUNTERACT CRYSTAL BRA, CAROLINE REZNIK, SHOP SIMILAR. PUMPS, SPORTMAX, SHOP SIMILAR
Let’s not forget a good neo-noir thriller, something Korea has been leading the pack long before Squid Games. Escape into a femme fatale and futuristic vision by way of bejewelled accessories, metallics and shiny severe black leather. Reinvent goth with a galactic edge. Your world may just take on new meaning.
LEFT: PRISCILLA DRESS, ANNA QUAN, SHOP SIMILAR. AEROBIC BODYSUIT, ERES, SHOP SIMILAR. JUNE HOOPS, PETITE GRAND, SHOP NOW. DIAMOND TILDA FLATS, JIMMY CHOO, SHOP SIMILAR
RIGHT: WOOL KNIT, BOTTEGA VENETA, SHOP SIMILAR
Demure details aren’t typically known for their on-stage gravitas, but when played with in abundance they make a stellar impact. An archetype of K-Pop dressing suggests pairing feminine staples with edgy silhouettes. This body-conscious lace dress from Anna Quan is the epitome of this “tough girl” aesthetic, with romantic accents underscored by grit.
Photography: Sean Slattery
Fashion Director: Aileen Marr
Hair: Darren Summers
Makeup: Claire Thompson
Fashion Assistant: Kelly Harty
Model: Seshni / Kult
LOOKS WE LOVE:
FLAME CROP TOP, AJE, $295, SHOP NOW
GROUNDED HALTER DRESS, SUNSET LOVER, $850, SHOP NOW
AUGUSTINE PEARL EARRINGS, ALLEGRA ALLURE, $360, SHOP NOW
SOFT PINCH LIQUID BLUSH, RARE BEAUTY, $41, SHOP NOW
HYPER SMOOTH DARK SPOT HYDROGEL FACE MASK, LOOPS, FROM $11, SHOP NOW
SNEAKER, ASICS, SHOP SIMILAR
ELLIE METALLIC LEATHER TOP HANDLE BAG, KATE SPADE, $458, SHOP NOW
AVELINE 100 BOW-EMBELLISHED GROSGRAIN SANDALS, JIMMY CHOO, $1,550, SHOP NOW
