Isabel Marant puts a Parisian twist on party dressing

ISABEL MARANT puts a Parisian twist on party dressing

During the 1990s, Parisian native ISABEL MARANT redefined so-called ‘French style’ with her effortless esthetic. This season, the eternal cool-girl turns her Midas touch to partywear, with a new capsule created exclusively for NET-A-PORTER

Even under normal circumstances, perfecting the art of party dressing can be a tough task to master. Not unlike shopping for a wedding dress, it can be easy to lose your sense of self and personal style when you’re faced with such a strong idea of what a party look ought to be. However, in 2020 the challenge is even greater. An unprecedented year calls for an unprecedented holiday season – one where office parties and large-scale celebrations are firmly off the agenda in favor of intimate gatherings and online festivities. However, a revised schedule is no reason to deny yourself the joy of dressing up – especially at a time when it feels like reasons to be cheerful are in short supply – it just requires a subtle calibration of your usual party look. Enter Isabel Marant…

During the 1990s, the Parisian designer redefined so-called ‘French style’ with her irreverent, effortless but always elegant esthetic; and she has been fashion’s eternal cool-girl ever since. French design had always been held up as the sartorial gold standard, but Marant pioneered a different vision – one defined by ease, which is the secret to getting party season right in 2020.

The exuberance of the 1980s, particularly the music scene, has long been a source of inspiration for Marant, and this exclusive party capsule is no exception. The designer called on the brand’s signature pieces and motifs, creating a kind of greatest-hits collection in the process. For Marant, silver – whether it’s rendered in lamé, velvet or silk – is the pinnacle of after-dark dressing; so, it should come as no surprise that this iridescent HUE runs throughout the collection. Shimmering metallic dresses, complete with power shoulders and plunging necklines, are guaranteed to turn heads for seasons to come. However, styled with Marant’s signature Western-style boots, they also work for this year’s more understated soirées.

French design had always been held up as the sartorial gold standard, but Marant pioneered a different vision – one defined by ease

Of course, for an evening look that exudes nonchalance, tailoring is the ultimate choice. Marant herself classes a black blazer as the ultimate after-dark piece, and one she reaches for time and time again. Therefore, when it came to creating a party capsule, it was non-negotiable. With the loose cut, double-breasted detail and satin trim, Marant’s sleek blazer is the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece. Worn with everything from mini dresses and leather separates to studded jeans, a blazer adds instant polish. When life returns to some semblance of normality, and holiday parties come at the end of jam-packed days spent in the office or running around town, this forever piece has the added bonus of making day-to-night dressing a cinch.

Depending on where you are in the world, this year, circumstances may have conspired to ensure that the only holiday parties you’ll be attending will be on Zoom; but that’s no excuse for letting your sartorial standards slip. ‘Dressing from the waist up’ has become de rigueur this year, and Marant’s voluminous one-shouldered top, finished with scattered crystals, is the ultimate nod to this lockdown dressing phenomenon. Style yours with Marant’s signature disco-ball jewels and you’ve got best-dressed guest all sewn up – all from the comfort of your own living room.

The designer interview: Isabel Marant

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