Stilettos and Substance: Personal Style: La Femme Fatale

Maison Martin Margiela’s recent collaboration with H&M had fashionistas all over the globe salivating at the thought of getting their hands on a piece from the iconic fashion house. The long-awaited capsule collection featured everything from architectural jackets and deconstructed dresses to Lucite heels and skirt/trouser hybrids, all at a fraction of the unconventional label’s usual prices.

This brown abstract bag is one of the limited edition pieces from the hallowed collection. The strap of this unusual bag is made up of two interconnected gloves, making it both a handbag and a clutch bag depending on how you perceive it (are the gloves holding on to a clutch, or are you holding on to a bag? This existential accessory boggles the fashion mind!). The intellectual approach of this statement piece is quintessentially Margiela; the cult avant-garde label is renowned for incorporating unusual objects into their designs and creating pieces with cerebral undertones.

As the handbag is the focal point, the rest of this outfit was kept monochromatic. The effortless decadence of this vintage Thierry Mugler coat is a result of its impeccable tailoring; the cropped front of the coat contrasts with the tail-like length of the back, and the nipped-in waist provides structure and creates a feminine silhouette. The black furry scarf draped over the coat gives this look a hint of theatrical drama. Whether faux or real, fur is a versatile winter staple that can add a facet of fierceness to any outfit and keep you warm at the same time. The leather fragments of the black leggings give added texture and edgy interest to the rest of this all-black ensemble, and the oxblood colour of the Karen Millen heels compliment the brown tone of the bag.

-Reem Buhazza