ELLE April 2021

earth first

the life aquatic

WHEN DONATELLA VERSACE CHOSE to resurrect the vibrant coral- and shell-printed silks from Versace’s spring 1992 Trésor de la Mer collection, she tapped right into spring 2021’s mini-mania for undersea motifs. London labels 16Arlington and Rixo got in on the act as well, with, respectively, shell mini-purses complete with chunky chain accents and a mermaid-themed collection presented against a backdrop of illustrated shells. The trend has found its way into our homes, too—from Éloge Paris’s eminently Instagrammable vintage shell lamps, with their pearl-like bulbs, to the marble catchalls hand-carved by Bloc Studios. Feeling inspired? Why not grab a paintbrush and a set of Bristle & Brush watercolors, with their natural pigments cleverly housed in shells? And don’t fret if you happen to be landlocked: Cole & Son’s Acquario wallpaper is…

super power

I remember exactly when I first got to know Hailey Bieber, who graces our cover this month. The time: 2018. The place: Il Buco, the cozy, tin-ceilinged Italian restaurant where we were holding an ELLE dinner. I had seen Hailey the supermodel on the runway countless times, but that night was the first time I really sat down with her and got to know Hailey the person. Yes, we talked about fashion and her aspirations—but mostly, we spoke about our lives, in a way that went leagues deeper than your typical fashion-party banter. She told me how much she wanted to get married and have children. Most celebrities on the rise will say they want to build an empire. Her aspirations were a little less grandiose, but no less important:…

latin quarter

FASHION TRUST ARABIA THE FOUR COLOMBIAN FINALISTS LATIN AMERICAN DESIGNERS have always been a driving force in fashion, from Carolina Herrera and Gabriela Hearst to Johanna Ortiz and Silvia Tcherassi (the latter two hail from my home country of Colombia). They are each role models for a younger generation of designers who are dedicated to craftsmanship, originality, and sustainability. I love supporting these talents—yes, because of my background, but mostly because I have seen their impact on fashion firsthand. They bring a refreshing perspective that is rooted in creativity. They are also adept at incorporating Latin America’s natural resources, whether it be alpaca from Peru, silver from Mexico, or toquilla straw from Ecuador. I’m always on the lookout for up-and-coming Latin American fashion talent, and I’m especially excited that Colombia and its most…

new arrivals

1 The SHOE The humble clog was anointed as this season’s surprise runway darling, complete with haute trimmings. Roger Vivier’s take features party-ready Swarovski strass buckles. Clog, Roger Vivier, $1,200, Roger Vivier, NYC. 2 The BAG Two of spring’s biggest trends—logo-mania and cottagecore whimsy—come together in Dior’s petite basket bag. Bucket bag, Dior, $5,100, Dior boutiques nationwide. 3 The RING Pearls don’t have to be prim. Buccellati’s bold, zigzagging rows of yellow and white gold and pavé diamonds lend a welcome edge to a classic. Ring, Buccellati, buccellati.com.…

the big reveal

Lisa Aiken, the fashion and buying director of Moda Operandi, is reminiscing about the party that followed the Jacquemus resort 2020 show—thehighlyInstagrammable one, set in the lavender fields of Provence during the golden hour. “So many of the attendees were in dresses that were sheer or had cutouts,” she recalls. Looking at the crowd, she says, “I was like, ‘Wow, you [all] look amazing.’” On that breezy summer day, she began to feel a sea change toward a new kind of effortlessly sexy dressing—“jersey [fabrics], skinny rib knits, silk slipdresses.” Of course, by the time the collection became available, the masses had already entered the year of the sweatpant. But as we now look to a life post-lockdown and start emerging from our chrysalises, there’s a chance we’ll want to show…