September 2013: Letter from the editor

Can we timeshare that outfit?

I was touring the Prada fall collection the day after the show in Milan, and a colleague and I were both ogling the same tweedy two-piece.

Since then, the skirt suit has emerged as the breakout star of the season. And for good reason. A quick poll of the FASHION editorial team revealed that no one—no one—owns a skirt suit. How’s that for guaranteed retail gold? Before hitting the stores, spend time with David Livingstone’s eloquent essay on the return of the skirt (“Skirting Around,” page 66). And see how photographer Gabor Jurina and contributing stylist George Antonopoulos interpreted the trend on the streets of Toronto (“Public Enemy,” page 180).

The aqua Carven suit on that story’s opening page is a perfect example of a major movement in materials—things aren’t always what they seem. The bulky pieces were cut from a puckered fabric with an egg carton-like finish, and assistant fashion editor Eliza Grossman was sure she would need two hands to hoist them off a hanger. In fact, the silk/nylon suit is lighter than air. And the rubbery Pedro Lourenço “feathers” on page 167 are gabardine and organza…but feel like fine neoprene.

Such innovations are the one constant in our business, which sparked an idea for a Predictions spread in our Beauty section. We had so much fun compiling this four-page foldout (blue eyebrows for all!), I will be tucking a copy away to see which forecasts come true down the road.

And finally, we welcome a new monthly feature by Tommy Ton, the Canadian whose street coverage for Style.com is viewed by millions. Tommy will be sharing his favourite images and explaining why he took each picture. Interestingly, his first subject for “Snapped” (page 88) is remarkably low-key, revealing some of what goes through Tommy’s mind as he aims his lens on the fashion world.

New looks, fabrics, voices and ideas—please let us know what you think of our September Trend issue at letters@fashionmagazine.com.

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