From the sultry heat of America’s Deep South come the sounds and style of jazz’s coolest chanteuses, vocalists like Billie Holiday, Susan Vaughan and Peggy Lee whose dreamy voices made them trailblazers of their era.
These ladies were pioneers at the peak of their careers in the 1940s and 50s, as the first female singers in a music industry dominated by men. They loved fashion, especially Billie Holiday, and were always elegantly turned out in chic boxy shoulder suits, long glamorous gowns, stylish trench coats and of course plenty of diamonds to show off their success. They wore printed dresses and soft-to-structured looks moodily recreated here, with the addition of some sassy leather and suede pieces to inspire modern-day jazz singers like Celeste.
We bring you here a fashion story reminiscing of the jazz era, championed by these female powerhouses, which we hope will inspire you in your choices this season when one often has to pick a look that will work first thing in the morning at the office as well as in the evening at an office party or a soirée with friends.
Styled by our Fashion Director, Marcella Martinelli, and photographed by Chantel King.
LEFT:
LOUIS VUITTON wool knitted jumper and skirt. LOUIS VUITTON Colour Blossom signet ring in yellow and white gold, onyx and diamonds; earrings in yellow and white gold with diamond pavé. LOUIS VUITTON Tambour Horizon Light Up Connected watch.
RIGHT:
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD jacket and trousers in grey and brown striped wool.
RUSSELL & BROMLEY Penelope loafer in black and white glossy leather.
CHANEL High Jewellery Signature de Chanel necklace in white gold, mother of pearl and diamonds. CHANEL High Jewellery Les Blés de Chanel earrings in 18kt white gold and diamonds. CHANEL High Jewellery Lion Solaire ring in 18kt white gold and diamonds.
LEFT:
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD cotton printed dress.
DIOR Joaillerie Rose des Vents and Étoile des Vents necklaces are in yellow, pink, and white gold with diamonds, and Rose des Vents and Étoile des Vents bracelets are in yellow, pink, and white gold with diamonds.
MIDDLE:
McQUEEN by Seán McGirr trench coat.
GUCCI Dive watch 40 mm in steel with black dial, ceramic bezel and sustainable polyester strap. GUCCI Interlocking ring and necklace in yellow gold, onyx and diamond. GUCCI Link to Love necklace in yellow gold and ring in yellow gold, onyx and diamond.
CASADEI Scarlet kitten leather slingback
RIGHT:
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI suede jacket, silk shirt and tailored trousers.
CHAUMET Joséphine Valse Impériale diamond earrings. CHAUMET Torsade de Chaumet diamond brooch.
HUBLOT 29mm Classic Fusion Titanium watch.
LEFT:
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD coat in green and orange tartan wool.
DVF Astrid wool-cashmere black wrap dress.
ADLER Pompon necklace in white gold set with one cabochon tanzanite, old mine cut diamond, briolette diamonds, emerald beads and diamonds. ADLER ring in white gold, set with one Sri Lankan pear-shaped sapphire, round cut diamonds and round cut sapphires.
RIGHT:
JOSEPH nappa leather Mondor top and Nappa leather Alana trousers.
CASADEI Emily Cleo patent leather pumps in coral flame.
DE BEERS Arpeggia Five Line earrings, necklace and bracelet in rose gold set with diamonds.
This shoot was made possible with the help of hair stylist Tim Crespin, make-up artist Dani Guinsberg, model Kenlly Rosario at Models1, lighting assistant Georgia Quinn and retouching studio Pears Retouch.
Author intro edit: Francesca Fearon
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