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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Hero products for spring/summer 2014 – ultimate objects of desire this season

Hero products: Dior Rouge 999 lipstick
Rouge Dior 999 lipstick: “I love this colour,” said Christian Dior, “for it is the colour of life.” Sixty years since the first Rouge Dior was sold, this cult shade (a tribute to Dior’s first ever lipstick, 9) is pleasingly bold, a colour that is made to be applied in public, made to flatter every skin tone, made to be smeared on wine glasses, left behind like a business card. £26, 020-7216 0216
Photograph: Sam Hofman
Set Design: Zena May Hendrick
Styling: Helen Seamons
Hero products: Chanel rucksack
Chanel rucksack: We knew it instantly. Everyone at Chanel’s art gallery opening-cum-catwalk show at the Grand Palais realised, the moment this rucksack came down the runway, that it was The One. With the neat cool of exchange-student chic, ramped up by Chanel and treated to Karl’s cheeky graffiti, it’s the unexpected smile-raising hit of the season. One question: is the colourful hiking carabiner and rope the new gold chain and double C? £2,110, chanel.com
Photograph: Sam Hofman
Set Design: Zena May Hendrick
Styling: Helen Seamons
Hero products: Prada sandal
Prada sandal: Mrs Prada has long been queen of the challenging shoe. Her reign continues with this bejewelled hiking sandal, reprised on her catwalk in many deliciously coloured interpretations. It plays to the knowledge that chunky sporty soles have momentum, throws in a pop-art palette, encrusts with Prada TM-ed sparkles and then suggests you wear with a sock. Who would make such a challenge so cool? Only Prada. £930, prada.com
Photograph: Sam Hofman
Set Design: Zena May Hendrick
Styling: Helen Seamons
Hero products: Giorgio Armani Majorelle bucket bag
Giorgio Armani Majorelle bucket bag: Bags are morphing under our very noses. The mini duffle has arrived like Miley’s wrecking ball, knocking out the oversized clutch trend. Power bags now come in many shapes and sizes. Witness this version by Giorgio Armani – totally impractical for documents and other dull work-related stuff. This is about look, not function. A bag for holding, hugging and swinging. Show it 9pm, not 9am. From £1,015, armani.com
Photograph: Sam Hofman
Set Design: Zena May Hendrick
Styling: Helen Seamons
Hero products: Dolce & Gabbana men's sunglasses
Dolce & Gabbana men’s sunglasses: Just a holiday essential? Don’t be silly, men’s sunglasses are the most nuanced fashion item around. They’re the accessory that proves money can’t buy taste. To wit: Prince Harry in shades. These are sunny perfection. The proportions flatter and, once you’ve put them on the cafe table, the stripes suggest that you may have just come from a round-the-world sailing trip. Sporty without being techie. Win, win. £146, dolcegabbana.com
Photograph: Sam Hofman
Set Design: Zena May Hendrick
Styling: Helen Seamons
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