press, paws, play

A love of feline-inspired fashion only scratches the surface of our current maximalist obsession.

It’s no coincidence that fashion is currently undergoing an obsession with the household cat – Stella Mccartney, Dolce & Gabbana, Loewe and more have all put kitty in the spotlight lately with purrfect prints (sorry!) and tribute accessories. Strong, smart, independent, dignified, playful on our own terms: in 2016, we like to think we, as modern women, share more than just a few qualities with our feline friends. There’s the no small matter of our preoccupation with shiny, pretty things, for instance. Yes, we can be commanding a boardroom, cracking a complex code with laser-like focus or stoically wiping spaghetti from the walls while conference-calling with the Europe office, but dangle a Zimmermann Chantilly lace shirt dress in our eyeline and we’re anyone’s. It’s pure curiosity. Our inquiring minds are wired to investigate a rich texture, flashing colour or intriguing detail. And we, as intelligent women who understand it’s important to appreciate the beautiful, lighthearted, happyinducing things in life, are unrepentant about it. Correct?

But there is, we understand, a time and a place for this sartorial indulgence. The silver slingbacks, the lavender floral day coat, the feathered bell skirt – they may not get a look-in most days when practicality is key and “monochrome dressing” means you’re just grateful for a white shirt that doesn’t still have last week’s wasabi stain on it. But come spring racing season (and the champagneassisted slide into Christmas), all bets are off. Or is that on? Either way, it’s a time to fulfil our wildest wardrobe dreams. Indulge in popping brights, embrace pattern, flip some ruffles. Because unlike your trusted tabby, you only live once.

This season, all-out pattern, texture and colour set us a breed apart