Modern Rarity: a chic celebration of versatility
Discover a collection of beautifully crafted pieces to see you through every possible event
‘This season we are putting practicality, longevity, and versatility first,’ says Helen Prior, Partner and Senior Designer for Modern Rarity. ‘As our way of life evolves and our routines begin to change, we return to our core values of fewer, better wardrobe staples.’
For spring/summer 2021, that means transeasonal garments that strike the artful balance of nodding to current trends while still feeling reassuringly timeless. Such as the navy double breasted blazer with matching wide-leg trousers – a combo sure to elevate your work-from-home look in one easy move, and which promises not to date once commuting back into the workplace (eventually) becomes a reality.
The new collection features effortless trapeze dresses and elongated silhouettes. This play on layering was inspired by the dress codes of the 1920s, where the boundaries of masculine and feminine clothing were blurred. ‘The tailoring is effortless and unstructured to give a more casual look,’ says Helen, explaining their contemporary interpretation. The clean signature look of Belgian designer Martin Margiela during his tenure at Paris fashion house Hermès in the 1990s and early 2000s also influenced Prior.
Modern Rarity’s prints are also a talking point in their own right: every season the design team delves into the John Lewis Partnership Heritage Centre in Berkshire – a vast archive that houses thousands of prints and artworks dating back to the 1800s. An edited selection is re-worked and modernised, with the final prints adorning silk scarves and dresses to create unique designs you won’t find anywhere else. ‘Print and colour play a big role in balancing our range of wardrobe staples and statement pieces,’ says Helen.
Modern Rarity was founded by John Lewis & Partners in 2016 to offer a quiet approach to luxury, all filtered through a sophisticated take on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Materials are carefully considered, with pure silk for blouses and camisoles and the finest Italian yarn for knitwear. For 2021, some of the brand’s best-selling styles have been updated with sustainable fabrics, including Ecovero viscose and recycled polyester.
