Harper's Bazaar UK October 2015

Welcome to the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar, which is filled with beautiful fashion stories, brilliant writing, beguiling photography and authoritative beauty coverage. One of the pleasures of editing Bazaar is that this is a magazine that has always been able to encompass literature and art as well as interpreting style and trends; hence the remarkable breadth and depth of its heritage. (Speaking of which, I’ve been absorbed in the original version of Evelyn Waugh’s novel A Handful of Dust, which first appeared as five installments in Bazaar in 1934.) This month – as always – we remain true to that literary legacy, with an evocative travel memoir by one of my favourite authors, Margaret Atwood, who has journeyed to the far north (page 324); and a sparkling appreciation of…

Margaret Atwood With over 50 books to her name – including The Handmaid’s Tale, Cat’s Eye, and The Blind Assassin – the Booker Prize-winning Canadian writer is back with her brilliant new novel The Heart Goes Last, published this month by Bloomsbury. She talks exclusively to Bazaar’s literary editor Erica Wagner (page 200), and sends a travel memoir from her homeland (page 324). When do you feel most beautiful? ‘In about 1972.’ The world would be a more beautiful place if… ‘…people would pay attention to Pope Francis’ encyclical and do the things he said.’ How do you power-dress? ‘You learn what suits you; and you wear those things.’ Many Beard A lifelong love of shoes led the classical scholar to collaborate with Manolo Blahnik on his new book Fleeting Gestures and Obsessions (page 196). As Professor…

In association with NYETIMBER On 22 October, join Bazaar for a private view of Chanel’s ‘Mademoiselle Privé’ exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. Discover the origins of Chanel’s iconic creations and inspirations, including the 1932 Bijoux de Diamants collection and Chanel No 5. Tickets cost £50 and include a drinks reception, a talk by Bazaar’s editor-in-chief Justine Picardie, a goodie bag and a year’s subscription to Harper’s Bazaar. PRINTS CHARMING On 15 October, the Fashion and Textile Museum will host a private view of its ‘Liberty in Fashion’ exhibition, which explores the store’s impact on British style. Tickets cost £50, and include a subscription, a goodie bag and Nyetimber drinks. MAKE-UP MARVEL Join the Nars UK make-up artist ambassador Andrew Gallimore at 19 Greek Street on 20 October for a beauty evening hosted by Bazaar’s Sophie…

1 THE NEW SUIT This season, the suit gets a reboot. Whether masculine and minimal, softly tailored and fluid or modern and modish, your two-piece is no longer only office-appropriate. Tweed jacket, £2,350; matching trousers, £1,100; vinyl boots, £1,100, all Dior. Cashmere jumper, £425 Bally. Suede bag, £575 Jimmy Choo 2 SLOUCHY TROUSERS There’s nothing more flattering than trousers that sweep dramatically to the floor, skimming and elongating the silhouette. Beware of wet weather and stairs. Wool trousers, £675; calf-leather belt, £425, both Loewe. Python and calf-leather bag, £1,050 Victoria Beckham 3 STATEMENT FLATS In a season when opulence is everything, bring feminine charm to your footwear with decorative fabrics. For the minimally inclined, it’s an easy nod to a tricky trend. Mesh and crystal trainers, £740 Dior 4 THE TWEED COAT Heritage fabrics get a sophisticated update for A/W 15: this…

Julie de Libran found the inspiration for her second collection as the artistic director of Sonia Rykiel in reflected images. Drawing on Rykiel’s own fascination with mirrors, the designer used innovative fabric and texture combinations for A/W 15. ‘This collection plays with light in many fascinating ways,’ says De Libran. ‘I experimented with fabrics, using embellishment and metallic leather to create a reflection.’ The designer reworked the striped jumper – perhaps the most iconic garment in the brand’s history – with chainmail and sequins, while metallic snakeskin dresses were inspired by an image of Bette Midler in a gold turban. A velvet jumpsuit was emblazoned with an archive floral print from Liberty, and the closing looks featured adorned floor-length striped dresses. ‘These were inspired by the work of the artist…

A disused office block on the Strand seems an unlikely place to discover the creative inspiration of Nicolas Ghesquière. But from 21 September, this Brutalist building will be home to an interactive display of his work for Louis Vuitton, bringing together heritage, craft and formidable design talent – as well as totally covetable accessories. Ghesquière is one of the industry’s gamechangers, and his appointment as creative director in 2013 marked the start of an exciting new era for the house. Louis Vuitton has chosen to celebrate it by hosting a series of exhibitions that coincide with the arrival of his collections in store. The first was held in Shanghai and Tokyo, the second in LA, Beijing, Seoul and Rome. This third instalment, titled ‘Louis Vuitton Series 3 – Past, Present,…