Sandra Bullock wears J. Mendel at the Venice Film Festival
She’s not known for taking fashion risks, but America’s favorite actress, Sandra Bullock, stunned when she stepped out onto the red carpet in Venice to promote Gravity, her latest movie. Her J. Mendel gown featured architectural pleating that reminded us of origami, especially with the pleats, gathers and intricate details that drew attention to her waist and perfectly framed her toned shoulders. The origami detailing was also a refreshing take on red carpet dressing, which has been over saturated with mermaid silhouettes, over-the-top beading and sheer illusion detailing. We commend Bullock’s daring look and found ways to integrate the origami-inspired trend into your everyday wardrobe, no flashbulbs or film festivals necessary.
Kabukai Ponte Knit & Satin Peplum Sheath Dress
Designer Alice Temperley keeps her designs decidedly English (Kate Middleton is a fan, naturally) but her Kabukai Ponte Knit and Satin Peplum Sheath Dress ($395) blends her trademark flirty style with some major Japanese detailing. Forgoing her usual flowing silhouette — the lady loves a bohemian maxi — Temperley has amped up the sex appeal in this cocktail frock that’s anything but a basic LBD. Mixed fabrics bring visual interest and a bonus slimming illusion while the peplum accentuates the waist and hides the hips. Look a little closer and you’ll find that the peplum is actually an intricately folded work of art, bringing this dress from off-the-rack to something special.
Available at Nordstrom.
Square Spinner 18-karat gold ring
For fans of geometry (a basic principle of origami) and statement jewelry, Solange Azagury-Patridge makes designs that both eye-catching, such as her signature lips ring, as well as cerebral, like the Square Spinner 18-karat gold ring ($2,400). Part of her 24/7 collection of jewelry meant to be worn every day, not treasured for special occasions, the contemporary piece looks like a work of modern art, but it’s actually an ancient symbol that’s found around the world. Whether you see an inverted pyramid or a sequence of intricate folds and pleats, Azagury-Patridge wants you to pair this ring with just about everything in your wardrobe arsenal, no matter what your style is. Stack it with more traditional pieces for a funky eclectic look or keep it sleek by letting it shine as a statement ring, whichever way you choose to wear it, it’s sure to make a big impact.
Available at Net-a-Porter.
Persol Folding 714
There are a few names in the #menswear canon that will get a guy to buy just about anything. Did James Dean wear it? You’ll need it, too. Did Steve McQueen? Well, same goes for him. That’s the case with the Persol 714 ($360), a classic model that’s changed little since its debut and has graced the face of McQueen as well as modern day icons such as Zac Efron, Jay-Z, Pierce Bronsnan and even ladies like Zoe Saldana and Heidi Klum. The style was also popularized by The Talented Mr. Ripley, where it made as much of an impact as Matt and Gwyneth. The popular folding style, however, made news last year when it was released in the specific colorway that McQueen preferred, making it a must-have for fans of menswear and classic eyewear alike. Touted by Persol as the first pair of collapsible sunglasses, slip them on and you’ll really be wearing a piece of history.
Available at Mr. Porter.
Brooks Brothers 7-fold Tie
The Brooks Brothers 7-fold Tie ($175) may just look like any other tie at first glance, but it’s 7-fold description is more than just marketing, it’s what sets this tie apart from its brethren. A normal, run-of-the-mill tie is pieced together from pieces of fabric, backing and more, but a true 7-fold is an origami masterpiece. A single square yard of fabric, usually silk, is folded in such a way that it becomes a necktie. Sound easy? It’s not, because each step is carefully done by hand. The result is a tie that’s lightweight, but still substantial and holds a knot without bunching up. The only drawback is that the layers of construction within the tie itself makes for a bulky knot — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just make sure your shirt collar and your confidence match up to a larger knot and you’ll be just fine.
Available at Brooks Brothers.
Images courtesy Brooks Brothers, Net-a-Porter, Mr. Porter and Nordstrom.
