Hi & Welcome to OBSE$$IONS!
A little hello, an honest look at the Lyst Index, couture shows and items stuck in my shopping cart.
I’ve come full circle.
If you know anything about my lore, then you’d know that I actually started off with a fashion blog. Thankfully, I’ve erased all evidence of it’s existence from the web. I don’t remember too much about it, except for one overly passionate ode to Alexander McQueen after I went to the Savage Beauty exhibition in London (though can one be overly passionate about McQueen, maybe that’s the appropriate amount?). Anyway, I inevitably became bored with it and complained to my boyfriend (now husband, ew) who suggested I try creating video content, which eventually led me into my second career. I’m a full-time content creator/YouTuber/failed podcast host/influencer/baby Substacker.
I suppose this is me closing the loop and getting back into writing again.
So what is this newsletter going to be about? Luxury fashion mainly, I’ll share some themed product recommendations, or interesting pieces, that have caught my eye recently, review fashion shows throughout fashion month, rant about odd trends or changes in the industry, as well as, share thoughts on my personal style or whatever nonsense that’s fashion-related that pops into this head *taps noggin*.
Nii (the aforementioned husband), always says that you should just put something out and then perfect it as you go, so bear with me as I figure out yet another new platform and get into the flow of it all.
The Starter 🍤
Ah yes, the Lyst index! It’s released every quarter and lets us know the ‘hottest’ fashion brands and products of the previous quarter, according to their algorithm.
I urge you to have a read yourself to get into the nitty-gritty, but here are my thoughts:
Miu Miu continues to be the brand on everyones’ lips, topping the chart of Hottest Brands and I can’t say this surprised me at all. Through a mix of in-store/IRL events and pop ups, wearable (but also viral) pieces and their bags being priced relatively cheaper than competing designer brands, Miu Miu has been twirling in the spotlight solidly for the last year.
Saint Laurent wasn’t far behind in spot #2 and I’m happy to see Alaïa knocking around in the top 10. The biggest success story was Coach climbing up 10 spots, in large part due to the popularity of the Brooklyn bag (#1 on the Hottest Products list, thank you Bella Hadid), and I’m sure the Empire bag had a hand in it too. Coach has particularly struck a cord with Gen Z, providing the 90’s/Y2K nostalgia with a level of quality at a price that seems doable.
The hot products section is where I can get a little riled up - the Wardrobe.NYC X Rosie Huntington-Whitely blazer dress was at #6, which gives corporate Barbie (I love). The Coach cherry bag charm and Charlotte Simone coat are the only other pieces with a sliver of personality on the list - the rest you could wear on a dog walk.
The Main Course 🍔
Here are all the items that I’ve been flirting with by adding to cart, and then staring at them whilst I remind myself I have a wedding to pay for.
The Attico Passeggiata Bag - I like those Attico girls and of course their version of a shoulder tote isn’t boring; because let’s be honest, most of them are. Released in a grained leather (not great imo), embossed croc (fine) and suede (perfection), available in three sizes, sadly sold out in a lot of the good colours but there’s: chocolate, navy and smooth black leather.
Paris Texas Jessica Boots - Paris Texas knows how to make a good, comfortable boot, but the curved collar of the Jessica gives this one, in particular, a subtle sexiness. Will this contain my calves is the real question here…
Self Portrait X Christopher Kane Skirt - this whole collection is very reminiscent of 2012 (when I personally peaked), which is slightly horrifying and nostalgic - I was surprised by how many pieces I liked. I can’t resist a bandage midi skirt, I think it makes everyone look good and the frill is just a bit of fun.
Massimo Dutti Satin Bomber - forgive me, Massimo Dutti, I was not familiar with your game.
TWP Beaded Topper - how dare they describe this as something so unassuming as a “topper”, as though it’s on a similar level of excitement to a mattress topper. I would like to propose the new name of: shoulder chandelier. This is wonderful! I love how random and cool this accessory is and how it can quite literally jazz up whatever basic lives underneath it. Your t-shirts, shirts and other basic tops have been upgraded to something evening-appropriate with a shimmy of this little shoulder chandelier. Whilst we’re here…HER.
16Arlington Ada Jacket - sorry to be super annoying (because as of posting, this is sold out in most sizes), but she’s too good not to mention. Since this is a trunk show piece, it’s on pre-order, which means you pay half now and half when it arrives - which in girl math, feels somehow on sale and somehow also free!
Felt Short Moon Boots - it has been COLD in NYC and as a happy owner of the tall moon boots, I’ve been considering the shorter version. I just so happened to have slipped and clicked onto this grey felt pair that I think exudes the coziness we all wish to wallow in when it’s 0°C - I’m sorry I know I’ve moved to the US, but I can’t understand the fahrenheit of it all.
Khaite Judo Dress - I love the sculptural aspect of this dress, and if money was no object then *swipe the damn card* BUT in the meantime, I envisage all The Row-loving mothers, living on the Upper East Side who do Tracy Anderson Method 5 days a week will be lining up (or paying someone to line up) to buy this dress.
Elleme Trousse Bag - a subscriber messaged me about this one and thought it was so good I had to share. Thank you!
Alaïa Le Coeur Bag - don’t act surprised that I love the leopard pony hair variation, also she is deceptively roomy.
Sadly, I fully expected to love the Louboutin Miss Z, especially in the incredibly delicious molton gold, but I found it too snouty and not that sexy tbh…maybe it’s my feet, maybe I’m the problem.
The Side 🥗
I would hate to be the other designers on the Couture week schedule because Schiaparelli kicked it off…and that is the toughest act to follow. Daniel Roseberry can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes - he whipped up yet another delectable show, filled with pieces I can only dream of being in the same room with. This season Roseberry leant on the elaborate details and more mind-bending techniques to push what we know as modern designs, he said:
“I’m so tired of everyone constantly equating modernity with simplicity: Can’t the new also be worked, be baroque, be extravagant?”
Don’t make me choose my favourite piece…
Alessandro Michele, patron saint of Maximalism, showed his first couture collection for Valentino and he did not disappoint. If there is one thing Michele is going to do, he is going to be heavy-handed on the drama, on the details, embellishments, embroidery etc etc. Are the pieces a lot? Yes, but that’s the fun part. In the show notes Michele shared that this collection was about lists:
“As if every dress evoked, through association, a plurality of interconnected worlds: a feverish and incessant stratification of references that makes its uniqueness explode.”
Word of the day: stratification!
Say what you want about it being over the top, at least his couture looks like the 10s/100s of thousands of euros that those pieces will be. Art.
Oh, to be a couture client 🥲
I am SO happy that people are talking about the ICONIC DSquared2 Skate Moss shoes again.
I have a deep appreciation for the ridiculously cool, shouldn’t-work-but-somehow-do designer shoes, and the Skate Moss may just be the final boss. These debuted as part of the FW2011 show and oh my gosh will they just re-release them already?!
“Where are you wearing them to?” you mutter to the screen. At this point in time, I do not know, nor do I care, these are the kinds of designer pieces I would happily mount on a plinth and smile at them when they catch my eye. I love them and they’re painfully cool.
The Dessert… 🧁
What I’ve been…
Listening to: Remy Ma - Conceited, Fashion Neurosis with Jonathan Anderson
Reading: Fashion’s issue with over-gifting, everyone is still buying Cartier and Van Cleef, Timothee Chalamet is the latest to jump on the TBE (tiny bag energy) train, the dark lord of fashion did a collaboration with Rimowa, I continue to only have the utmost respect for Mike Amiri and Backpacks are back.
Watching: Severance on AppleTV, RHONY and this live version of Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls that gives me goosebumps every time.
Buying: Dr Dennis Gross Peel Pads (my 3rd re-purchase) in the normal/regular strength. Honestly, most days I don’t wash my face in the mornings and use these instead. I started off with the ultra gentle and then worked my way up to these. I truly think this has been the biggest game changer to my skin in recent months.
Monami 153 pen - stunning and writes like a dream.
I’m a self-proclaimed connoisseur of easy-but-statement-y eye make up products and this is the softest, most pigmented eye liner…ever! I bought Cinnamon, Cocoa and Sour Apple.
16Arlington Ada Jacket - hehe, she made it out of the cart and onto my Amex statement.
Doing: I didn’t expect to be at the Whitney Museum’s Art Party on Tuesday night but I’m not mad about it. The theme was ‘Disco’ so my Rainbow Fish boots had to come out and play. It was a last minute decision to add the infamous (because I haven’t worn them in at least five years) fingerless gloves and I’m glad I did. I’ve shaken the fear that they should only go with blue tops - that’s called growth, my friends.
I’m very new to this and your feedback means a lot, so please do let me know what you’d like to see more/less of, or if you have any topics to suggest.
Love,
Ca$$ie
P.S. I would really appreciate an Anthony Claydon restock.
Absolutely LOVING this receipt / 5 course meal theme. 10/10 Cassie! 😍
Cassie this was absolutely fab. You are an amazing writer (can’t say I’m surprised) and I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for us. 🫶🏽