The Trophy Pieces Words

While classic is always a worthy investment, sometimes it’s those more maximalist pieces that just have us at first sight. Dial-up on detailing, unexpected embellishments and super-splashy finishes in unapologetically exhibitionist, notice-me style, and take home the sartorial trophy this season…

Individuality and all its idiosyncrasies are at the crux of many of the more standout runway trends right now, and accessories are the perfect playground for fun, unabashed, even ostentatious elements to run free. Toying with this message for some time now, take Alessandro Michele at Gucci, for example, layering his rainbow of pearls, flowers, metallics, animals, graffiti and logos on just about any surface that will take them. And kicking glitter in the face of pared-down uniformity, many designers have been reinventing their classics as super-statement pieces – think the Valentino Rockstud Lock bag, Mark Cross’Grace Box bag, the TOM FORD Natalia and J.W.Anderson’s Pierce, to name a few. Meanwhile, other designers such as Dolce &Gabbana offer an array of trophy options across their collections from the top handle and Sicily bags to the Lucia family.

Then there are the shoe designers, rebelling against classic courts in a flurry of adornments, silhouettes and chic showboating. For whimsical and dreamy shoes Sophia Webster is the go-to, with her signature butterfly-winged heels and floral-embellished boots, while editors’ favorite Malone Souliers with her signature orbital straps and metallic finishes are now a firm fixture on the front row. Balenciaga remains top prize with its knife heels, while Dolce & Gabbana’s fairytale pumps evolve each season to mesmerizing effect.

Go big, go loud, no rules apply; just mix and match your own riot of anything-goes style this season and find your happy place.