THE NEW-SEASON 
ACCESSORIES WE'RE COVETING NOW

Our Director of Accessories picks the most exciting accessories of the new season

The new-season 
accessories we’re
coveting now

Our Director of Accessories picks the most exciting accessories of the new season

Our in-house expert: Selfridges Director of Accessories Eleanor Robinson
 

This isn’t the average transition from spring/summer to autumn/winter collections – there’s no mistaking that. But! While we tentatively return to ‘the real world’ and each find our sartorial sweet spot, there’s one element of switching up your style that’s as simple, fun and instantly transformative as a sugar hit: accessories. So, we’ve called on Eleanor, our in-house expert on the subject, to talk us through the AW20 bags, shoes and jewellery that she’s craving.

BY FAR

Mini Rachel crocodile-embossed deadstock leather shoulder bag

“This baguette bag is known as ‘the Rachel’ and is inspired by the 90s minimalist style that the Friends character embodied so well. The pop of colour is really fun, and the bag is just big enough to fit your essentials.

“This bag is part of a range that By Far has produced for Selfridges using deadstock fabrics. It’s great to see more and more brands being conscious in their use of materials and trying to minimise the impact their production has on the planet.”

OTIUMBERG

Graduated gold-plated vermeil silver hoops

“Under the statement pieces, I like to have a second skin of delicate necklaces and small studs that I just never take off. These small pieces add a hint of shine while being subtle enough not to detract from whatever else you’re wearing. Because you have them on all the time, these items become very sentimental and talisman-like, so it’s worth choosing pieces that have longevity.

“Gold hoops are a timeless option in this category, and the smaller size is chic for every day. This pair has an elegant, graduated shape and the vermeil plating is 14-carat gold. 

“Otiumberg puts sustainability at the core of its production, not only using recycled gold but also ethically sourced gemstones and sustainable no-plastic packaging.”

JIMMY CHOO

Ria 65 backless snake-embossed leather heeled mules

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m a heels girl, and no matter how great the choices are in flats and trainers right now, I just can’t give up that extra height. These mid-heel sandals are tall enough without compromising on comfort. The mule shape and barely there straps play to the ongoing trend for 90s minimalism, which is big for autumn, and I love the clean lines and monochromatic colour palette. I would dress them down with denim jeans and a T-shirt or, for the full 90s look, pair them with a simple black shift dress.”

MOREAU PARIS

Celestin small jacquard tote bag

“I love the story behind this brand. In 2011, Creative Director Fedor Georges Savchenko came across a trunk signed ‘Moreau’ at a Parisian flea market and set out on a mission to uncover the history of the luggage maker and bring it back to life. The original brand ceased trading a hundred years ago, so it has been a real passion project to restore this nineteenth-century Maison to its former glory.

“The printed leather and canvas totes are a signature style, and I like how roomy they are while still looking smart. Nineteenth-century wicker trunks from the brand’s archives inspired the signature ‘M’ pattern – I like that it’s a print that’s not too fussy, and the neutral colour makes it easy to wear.

“The craftsmanship that goes into the collection is beautiful, with much of the work being finished by hand at the brand’s Parisian atelier. This truly is a piece to treasure.”

MONIES

Sarajevo acrylic and leather necklace

“I’m excited to see statement jewellery making a comeback, and Danish brand Monies has long been a champion of this look. The brand is known for chunky necklaces and bangles that are often made from natural wood and stones. Personally, I love this piece. Those colours really work for me – the acrylic beads bounce flattering light onto the face. I can’t wait to wear this with a simple cashmere crewneck throughout autumn.”

BOTTEGA VENETA

The Pouch chained leather shoulder bag

“Quiet luxury has been the hallmark of Daniel Lee’s work, both at Celine and now as Creative Director for Bottega. But this preference for understatement hasn’t stopped his designs becoming ‘It bags’ overnight and garnering waiting lists the world over. Working the house techniques (such as leather intrecciato) in innovative ways, Lee has created a new and modern lexicon for the brand.

“The soft silhouette of this pouch bag is deceptively simple yet instantly recognisable. For autumn/winter, it’s updated with a jumbo-size chunky chain, which is much lighter than you might think and moves with real fluidity as you clutch the bag. I love the oversized links, which are so striking they can take the place of jewellery in your outfit.”

CANDICE CUOCO

Floral-print satin face covering

“Face coverings have fast become an everyday part of our wardrobe, and designers are rising to the challenge of producing items that give the essential coverage and look good. I can never resist a print, so, of course, I love the dark floral designs that American designer Candice Cuoco has produced. Some of the other face coverings in her range are made from leather and bring a very gothic edge to this new category of accessories.”

MEDEA

Tall Busted leather tote bag

“Giulia and Camilla Venturini are two of my favourite designers to work with. They are very involved in the art and music worlds, and their collaborations with artists such as Judith Bernstein and Nan Goldin have brought something fresh to the market.

“Their line of bags takes inspiration from the paper shopping bags you often receive with purchases. The designers worked with highly skilled Italian craftsmen to reinterpret the shape in fine-quality leather.

“The ‘busted’ leather of this particular bag was designed to resemble wet and crumpled paper – a technique that took the Medea sisters a long time to perfect. I love the humour of taking something so humble and transforming it into a luxury item.”

Explore the rest of this season’s accessories