Suitable Occasions

Behind the scenes at SA ELLE's March 2013 Suit Yourself story shot by Ulrich Knoblauch.
Fashion editor: Poppy Evans. Photograph by Daniël Geldenhuys. Click to see the full story. 

The trouser suit is back. And there's one for everyone. 

Back in January when I was interning at ELLE, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to intern on the trouser suit story. This fall, trouser suits are making a huge comeback, so it’s no surprise that ELLE shot the best ones for their workwear issue.

A personal favourite as far as trends go, trouser suits are the epitome of feminine power and (when work correctly) sensuality. It was a fantastic shoot which showcased the masculine mood of the trouser suits for the new season.

As Mz Wintour famously claimed, fashion is about looking forward. The spring 2013 collections (and the fall collections after that) proved that the trouser suit was not a one-season-wonder. It was here to stay.

Designers took the trend to the next level – interpreting the suit in a far more liberal way. Where the fall 2012 collections (the moods of which are now hitting SA shores) showcased a more masculine trouser suit, the seasons that followed provided something for absolutely everyone.

I see this as an ideal opportunity to look at the best suits of the spring collections (yes, we are looking ahead) and relate them to some current affairs.

Gucci Spring 2013. Click to see full collection. 

So. Ladies. Which suit would you wear if you were… 

The new boss of the SABC?

The chairperson of the SABC board and his deputy have resigned. But that doesn’t just mean they can pack up and go. The final decision, it seems, lies with President Jacob Zuma. Who knew he had to approve the resignation of the head of a television station? This would never happen at M-Net. Read the full story HERE.

If Zuma gives gives them the mzanzi for sure, the SABC will be in the market for a new leader. It goes without saying that this is a job for a woman in a trouser suit. This bold monotone statement from Gucci (if it wasn’t stolen from the store) would be the perfect thing to wear on the first day to work. It says power. It says confidence. It says style.

Miu Miu Spring 2013. Click to see full collection.

Soaking up local culture?

The public arts festival known as Infecting The City is on in Cape Town until 16 March. This Wednesday and Friday a thousand paper planes will be launched off the rooftop of a building in the city centre – and that just one of the many exciting events to look forward to. More information and that the rest of the festival HERE.

But what to wear? As usual, Miucca Prada solves every style-related problem with a brilliant creation which combines fashion and function. The spring skirt suit from Miu Miu has a formal air about it – contrasted by the fact that it’s denim. The bra top gives the look a casual ease. Perfect for the public art scene. 

Giorgio Armani Spring 2013. Click to see the full collection. 

Covering the pope?

Today the Roman Catholics from Rome are getting ready to roam around the Vatican City and chose a new Pope. The city is atwitter not only with excited locals but with 5600 journalists who are covering the event on site. As they wait in anticipation for the smoke which will signify the result of it all, (read the full story HERE) I say we talk wardrobe.

I say we go a little more formal on this one. Whether you’re one of the reporters in Roam, or just in a studio or newsroom getting ready to spread the news, a sharp Giorgio Armani suit should suit the occasion just fine. It’s conservative, yes, but those manly brogues and eastern collar make it modern. 

Now back to the waiting...

Givenchy Spring 2013. Click to see the full collection. 

Receiving an award?

The Flaur du Cap theatre awards are on 17^thMarch. Known as the SA version of the Tony Awards, this is where the who’s who of theatre and dramatic society go to receive accolade for their work and watch their colleagues perform the best of the best. Last year there was some controversy surrounding racial representation in the performers and award winners – you never know what might go down this time. More info and tickets HERE.

This is the kind of event where you want to come off looking smart and tasteful – not just another woman in an ugly Martic ball-esque gown. Enter Givenchy. Ricardo Tisci’s deconstructed tuxedo in crisp white with metallic and sheer finishes will make you the most elegant person in the room. This trouser suit is always a winner.    

Dior Spring 2013. Click to see the full collection. 

Living the future?

There are some pretty revolutionary advances happening in technology today. The bionic eye (yes, it’s real) can help the blind see shape, colours and movement. And while Google glasses may still be under development, a prototype was used to record the entire backstage experience at Diane von Furstenberg’s Spring 2013 show. Read all about the latest techno innovations HERE.

Whatever happens in the future, and no matter what happens to the trouser suit, a simple black number will always be in style. Raf Simons’ trouser suit for Dior will slot into any of the scenarios mentioned here. This one has been beautifully romanticised with a neck scarf – proof of how something small can change the feel of the outfit completely. And with all the combinations you can make with this suit, who needs a little black dress?

Me carefully hanging the precious Mary Katrantzou trousers on the ELLE shoot, photographed by Trevor Stuurman. Click to see the full story. 

Click on image to see source.