PRE-FALL FOOTNOTES

The thing with ‘classics’ is this: any attributes of newness must travel through routes of craftsmanship; with new-and-improved materials, better quality or sustainability in mind.

The classic is a buy-for-forever purchase designed to be worn in, worn well, and lovingly restored by your neighbourhood cobbler. These pretty, shiny, new-in details are fun. Don’t overindulge, but do treat yourself.

The classic Chelsea boot is a universal staple, especially when we begin to edge towards cooler, autumnal weather. Ganni’s rendition honours the Chelsea blueprint with a playful twist, switching out smooth leather grain for weatherproof rubber, an elasticated panel that swoops and swerves, and a slightly elevated outsole.

One black, one nude. Trusty pairs of pointy-toed pumps are as synonymous with capsule wardrobes as bright white T-shirts that fit just right, sculpted black suit pants and slinky slip dresses. MACH & MACH’s satin beauties look like they have been dreamed up for gala evenings, dripping in opulence; crystal-embellished bows made to outshine even the most decadent surroundings. It’s a day-to-night Cinderella transformation.

The Phoebe Philo era of dressing up Stan Smith has since incited a wave of clean-lined iterations. As always, progress is in the detail; in this case, it’s an earth-friendly update. Created from chrome-free leather that’s sourced from farms in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul, the entire composition of VEJA’s Campo sneakers is void of heavy metals and dangerous acids. It’s a sneaker made as squeaky clean as it appears.

Warm weather conjures up many images: beach bags filled with suntan lotion, a heavy goblet of Aperol spritz, and the Y-shaped formation of flip-flops, nestled between toes covered in sand and dried seawater. As we cruise into autumn, the flip-flop elevates. The Row’s Constance sandals — still Y-shaped but made with a barely-there slingback and architectural heels — offer an elegant send-off to the last days of summer.

The chunky sneaker has stomped its way into classics territory with a silhouette that speaks to both athleticism and streetwear equally. Dialling down the bulbous design, these signature Alexander McQueen kicks feature clean, neat, ruler-scored lines. They’re still clunky, but offer a fresh new take with textured and contrast accents that posture as gorpcore-style panelling.