I wasn’t super familiar with St. John, a knitwear brand that hadn’t had a designer at the helm (somehow? Not sure how that works) until hiring a Dior and Ferretti alum for the Fall 2020 season. That debuted in February of this year, meaning that this effort to revamp the brand has ENTIRELY taken place in the middle of the Pandemon — a gnarly time to need attention. And yet something is working, because St. John was rewarded with a lot of designer placement this year, from both that line and the Spring 2021 collection. Below are a couple of the celebs who’ve worn it, and above, the Spring 2021 line, from which Tessa Thompson pinched this:
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I don’t LOVE the proportions, but I really think those white boots are the wrong deployment. True white and creamier ones don’t mix, to me, but it’s also just the most awkward combination of cuts. Imagine this with some red shoes. Much cuter.
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The third photo in the carousel here gives you the best picture, I think. They are wide-legged pleated pants. The blazer cut seems a little wonky? Like Chanel on the cheap(er). But I like the idea, and certainly she can carry it, and gauging the risks and when to take them is the sign of a smart stylist.
Next we will get a Fall 2020 skirt two ways, the first being Lily Collins:
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And the next being Marsha Stephanie Blake:
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They are very different vibes; Martha’s is more Professional Lady Who Just Took Her Blazer Off For a Second In Her Office Because It’s Hot, and Lily is doing Street-Style Influencer. The skirt itself is great.
And finally we have Hailee Steinfeld:
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More white and cream! It’s like the designer was really craving a milky, foamy latte. The sweater looks like an Ace Bandage that just popped free and is about to unwind itself. Also I think her dog is trying to snack on it in the last slide. That will NOT be as satisfying as a bone, pal. Don’t make Hailee floss those fibers out of your teeth.
