August was a whirlwind month in the world of fashion and celebrity, marked by bold style statements, significant collaborations, and the return of red carpet glamour. The summer heat didn’t stop the fashion scene from sizzling with excitement, as celebrities, and even politicians, pushed the boundaries of style.
On the other hand, the arrival of September signals the beginning of autumn. As always, the stars will set the tone for what’s in vogue, blending classic autumnal staples with contemporary flair. Meanwhile, here’s a catch up on what made headlines in August…
Emily in Paris: Oui! Or ouch!
It’s season 4 for Netflix’s Emily in Paris. While Emily in Paris offers a romanticised portrayal of the expat experience, it’s hard to overlook how effortlessly the characters resolve life’s challenges. Problems are sorted out in mere minutes, relationship issues are easily smoothed over, and clients miraculously agree to brand pitches without a hint of resistance. It’s a clear departure from reality—an invitation to indulge in a world of delightful(?) delusion. And just like the show’s plot, the unique, often polarising wardrobe choices of Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, reflect this sense of escapism. However, whether her bold fashion sense is daring or just questionable remains up for debate.
Emily’s wardrobe is still a riot of colours and textures, full of playful experimentation. Her choices can seem garish or over-the-top to the seasoned eye. This season, she even dons a black-and-white ensemble to a masquerade ball in its playful excess. It’s a look that’s as audacious as it is questionable! Every day, she struts to work in sky-high heels, boldly mixing brightly coloured prints and patterns with reckless abandon.
And when it comes to accessorising, Emily never holds back—tiny, whimsical handbags and fantastical hats are her signature. If there’s one style maxim that Emily lives by, it’s that more is more. By now, it’s clear that the show satirises French culture or good designs for our entertainment. As Chef Gabriel tells us in one episode to abandon reality for just one night and lose in the fantasy—well, that’s how it should be when we watch Emily in Paris.
Sylvie does better!
Sylvie Grateau, the no-nonsense, impeccably dressed marketing executive from Emily in Paris, has become an unexpected style icon since the show’s debut. At 59, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu has become an embodiment of the mythical allure often attributed to French women, particularly those of a certain age. There’s a timeless quality to her beauty and style that transcends trends and fads. The fashion press has been effusive in its admiration of Ms. Leroy-Beaulieu, praising her ability to look both commanding and utterly at ease in her skin. This combination of confidence and nonchalance is what gives Sylvie her unique edge.
Since the show’s promotion, Sylvie Grateau has quietly become the darling of the fashion crowd. There’s a subtlety to her style that speaks to those who appreciate the nuances of fashion—the importance of a well-tailored blazer, the impact of a perfectly chosen accessory, and the elegance of simplicity. She may favour structured, sharp silhouettes, but there’s always a hint of softness—whether it’s a delicate silk scarf draped around her neck or a pair of understated, elegant earrings.
Her appearance at the Netflix Emily in Paris Season 4 Part 1 premiere at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood was no exception. She wore the iconic Schiaparelli, reminiscent of the brand’s architectural designs. The gown was adorned with tonal sequins and freehand shapes, featuring Schiaparelli’s signature codes in tonal black velvet.
For those who have grown weary of the fast-paced, ever-changing world of fashion, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu offers a refreshing alternative.
Suiting up!
As America’s Vice President Kamala Harris continues her campaign trail, her wardrobe has become a point of discussion—her choice of suits is a strategic blend of professionalism, sophistication, and subtle messaging. Ms. Harris wearing anything other than the classic two-piece suits that have defined her official wardrobe might detract from the gravity of her role. Her suits often feature clean lines and classic cuts, exuding a timeless elegance that is both approachable and authoritative.
The use of bold monochrome suits reflects a confidence and presence that commands attention without overshadowing her message. According to Telegraph UK, Robin Givhan, The Washington Post’s Pulitzer Prize-winning senior critic-at-large, says that wearing anything else other than pantsuits would be deeply jarring and out of character. “Part of telling the story of who you are is trying to be as clear and consistent in the story that you’re telling, and part of telling that is projected by what you wear,” she notes.
Ms. Harris opts for minimalism that complements her outfits without detracting from her overall look. This approach underscores a focus on the issues at hand, rather than on fashion for its own sake. Perhaps the most noticeable shift in her wardrobe since her presidential run announcement is her choice of footwear. The Hollywood Reporter notes that her once-ubiquitous Converse Chuck Taylors have largely been replaced by chic Manolo Blahnik pumps. “Harris’ Chucks undeniably exude a cool-girl vibe—and the veep’s fans have noticed, as Retail Brew reports that the sneaker brand and style enjoyed a 4,500% increase in online interest between July and early August—but a polished pump is decidedly more presidential.” Ultimately, she leverages fashion to suit her position, rather than letting her position be dictated by fashion.
VP Harris has long favoured brands from New York and Los Angeles, including a standout purple coat and matching dress by Christopher John Rogers for the 2021 inauguration. In recent years, she has also worn designs by Prabal Gurung, Joseph Altuzarra, Christian Siriano, and Tom Ford. As she continues to embrace the jacket-and-trousers combo, her choices are helping to revive the phrase, ‘power suit’. The structured blazers and high-waisted trousers still emphasise a powerful silhouette while allowing for ease of movement—an essential consideration for the demanding schedule for a woman of today’s time.
Girly pop or distorted narrative?
Known for her impeccable style, Blake Lively has been the reigning queen of sartorial splendour. Ms. Lively’s recent looks for It Ends With Us had her embracing a palette of vibrant florals that infused glamour into the otherwise heavy subject matter of the film.
The actress has been turning heads with her sartorial choices, crafted to reflect her character, Lily Bloom, a florist in It Ends With Us. Among the floral-themed outfits, one standout moment was when Ms. Lively donned a sequinned Versace dress from the brand’s autumn/winter 2002 collection—an iconic piece originally worn by Britney Spears. While such red carpet theme-dressing typically garners widespread admiration, Ms. Lively’s bold choices have sparked mixed reactions. The Cut noted that the internet had plenty to say about her outfits, with some calling her style “wack”, and others suggesting she might need a stylist.
Perhaps these choices reflect Ms. Lively’s genuine taste, or maybe she’s deliberately opting for unconventional pieces to stir up conversation and capture the media’s attention.
However, this is no light-hearted romance—It Ends With Us confronts the darkness head-on, exploring the complexities of love, pain, and survival. The movie is adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel and delves into the harrowing realities of an abusive relationship. Instead of the frothy escapism of a chick flick or rom-com, this film plunges into the grim depths of an abusive relationship. It shows realities that are far removed from the dreamy desires the marketing might suggest. It Ends With Us isn’t the next instalment in the Barbie saga, where flashy, fashionable clothes reign supreme. Instead, this is a deeply serious film, rich with sensitive themes. The stark contrast between the movie’s grave subject matter and the glitzy, upbeat promotional tone leaves one wondering if the gravity of the story has been overshadowed by the allure of style and spectacle.
And while we are talking about this, Jenna Ortega’s theme-dressing for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is turning heads as well. She, or her stylist, have been picking cues from Beetlejuice (1988), and crafting a wardrobe that is as nostalgic as imaginative as stylish. Admire her red Dior gown (inspired by Winona Ryder’s wedding dress in Beetlejuice); her Harris Reed wallpaper gown (pointing to a sculpture made by Catherine O’Hara’s character in Beetlejuice); and a stylish, black pinstriped Dolce & Gabbana suit dress (as an overall nod to Beetlejuice’s costumes).
Theme dressing does seem to be the new promotion strategy.
