An Ode to Suits

Fashion is powerful. A wearable art that can be transformative to its wearer and the people around them. 'Dressing for the job you want' becomes more impactful when you realise the internal and external shifts that happen when you clothe yourself in powerful.

Tailoring has been prevalent and widely popular among men throughout history; a patriarchic symbol of dominance and strength. The silhouette pastes a universal shape onto every body type, squaring torsos and elongating legs. It brings a transformative energy to those who wear it, and exudes confidence from its angular designs.

Yves Saint Laurent's Spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection was reminiscent of 1980s and 90s women's styles - the accentuated shoulder pads and oversized blazers draped off the models stylishly, much like Julia Roberts' 1990s Golden Globes suit. Beneath the rippling pleats of the trousers, delicate pointed stilettos peeped out, adding a touch of femininity to each ensemble. Pairing feminine accessories with the looks, such as pointed heels and gold bangles, took them from 'raiding my dad's wardrobe' to 'chic businesswoman' in a simple step, with the suits' boxy lines becoming fabulously androgynous. Styling choices such as this are arguably the most influential, as they spark a curiosity in the admirer that oscillates between awe and jealousy. A whispered "Could I pull that off too?" amongst the green and captivated eyes. The broad shoulder line announces itself in a room before you can open your mouth, the gap between the fabric and skin cloaking any uncertainty. It's bold. Genderless. Powerful.

Finding the perfect amount of slouch for an oversized suit is the key to its seemingly-effortless styling, striking a balance between cinched and drowned. Peter Do's Spring 2023 ready-to wear collection tipped towards the former with the figure-defining garments, highlighting an hourglass shape instead of shrouding it. A suit from Altuzarra's Autumn 2021 collection combined body-extending shoulder pads and pooled trousers with a single waist-cinching button, positioning itself between Do and YSL on the tailoring scale.

Written by Lana Free

(Photos by Windsky Li and Daniel Bramwell)