Emilia Wickstead, known for her charming and playful approach to fashion, has once again invited a cast of friends to star in her latest resort collection lookbook – and this time, their furry companions got to join the fun! While previous campaigns have featured infants and toddlers, Wickstead’s newest collection embraces the joy of canine companions, showcasing a range of stylish women with their beloved dogs by their side. Writer Plum Sykes embraces a sleek claret red one-piece while cradling her dog Twiglet, director Janicza Bravo poses in an emerald green knit holding up her glossy-maned spaniel Ted, and Wickstead herself proudly clutches her new pup Margot in a paisley, pajama-inspired silk suit.
Wickstead playfully embraces the irony of her collection, stating, “If I said to you, ‘I’m shooting women with their dogs,’ it probably doesn’t sound like the most tasteful way to campaign my clothing and collection,” she said, laughing. “But I enjoyed that there was a bit of an ironic twist to it.”
However, the charm of Wickstead’s resort collection extends far beyond the delightful presence of its four-legged models. Inspired by the work of renowned photographer Karen Knorr, whose photography books explore the aesthetic signifiers of British class, Wickstead infuses her designs with a nod to both the traditional and the bohemian. Wickstead’s signature motifs, such as ditzy florals, Prince of Wales checks, and chunky knits, take on a playful, whimsical twist, reflecting the photographer’s work. “There’s a sense of nostalgia there in the textiles and the prints, but then I wanted to translate that into very modern shapes and silhouettes,” Wickstead explained.
The collection effortlessly blends elegance and whimsy. A classic column dress in baby blue, worn by philanthropist Noella Coursaris, and Sykes’s green sleeveless number are elevated by delicate crystal and pearl trims, adding a touch of sparkle. The 3D abstracted florals punched into double satin create a tactile and unique effect, reflecting the natural crinkling of fabric. Wickstead draws inspiration from the 1980s, adding touches of full-throttle glamour reminiscent of her mother’s wardrobe during that era.
With its fusion of classic British eccentricity and ’80s glamour, Wickstead’s collection evokes the vibrant world of Jilly Cooper’s racy novel, “Rivals,” set among the affluent residents of fictional Rutshire. “Obviously I didn’t watch it before I designed this collection, but it does feel fitting, in a way,” Wickstead shared. “I’m in the middle of it right now, and I’m slightly obsessed.” With its vibrant cast, playful design, and captivating blend of tradition and modernity, Emilia Wickstead’s resort collection is sure to captivate fashion enthusiasts and dog lovers alike.