The GOAT – Featuring Vivienne Westwood

Though for most of us the cap from a toothpaste tube, a tupperware lid, or bits of a broken hoover might be headed straight for the black bin, for Clara Chu they’re the foundations of a handbag, phone holder or bag charm. An emerging talent in the accessories space, Chu reworks discarded household objects into one-of-a-kind pieces of art, like her bags that feature broken CDs with handles made from old leather belts. Her CC.CD #1 bag features silver studded handles, but we’re equally as obsessed with the neon orange rat CD on the front of CC.CD #2. The pieces are super playful, but as edgy as they are kitsch, and anything but subtle. And that’s a good thing because, in the age of sustainability, you’ll be dying to wax lyrical about the eco-conscious new designer you’ve discovered. Chu will be making her LFW debut this February, so make sure to look out for her presentation if you want to stake your cool-girl claim before she goes mainstream.

Fashion thrives on risk, which is why the provocative Union Jack has been on the fringes of cool again for a while now. In tandem with trending aesthetics like bloke-core and the pop-punk revival, it’s been supported by cult brands like Sinead Gorey and Colt MCR, and now Ben Sherman is the latest to jump on the trend, bringing it back to the mainstream. The British heritage brand is actually a seasoned pro at this, 2026 marking the brand’s fourth consecutive Olympic Games as official partner with Team GB. But as the flag’s revival is really hotting up, this collection is set to be the brand’s coolest yet. As the games this year are held in northern Italy, the pieces are inspired by the Dolomites, as well as Team GB’s graphic identity. Think: jacquard crew necks, luxurious car coats and a zip-through knitted track top with the Union Jack emblazoned across the chest. The whole collection has a cosy and nostalgic vibe, practically begging you to sit in a chalet cradling a hot chocolate in your new crew neck, while you watch the competition unfold. They’ve also collaborated with the UK’s favourite Olympic-swimmer-turned-knitter Tom Daley, who’s designed a version of the hats and scarves he previously hand-knitted for athletes to wear at the opening and closing ceremonies. So wholesome. The opening ceremony drop is available here, and we look forward to seeing what’s in the closing ceremony drop very soon.

Speaking of Italy, next up, we have footwear and handbag brand NEOUS, whose SS26 campaign is inspired by Italian architect Vico Magistretti. Titled ‘Lingering Light’, the campaign captures the essence of a long afternoon in the late Italian summer through elegant silhouettes and warm colourways. Magistretti’s philosophy that design should serve life instead of interrupting it is evident in NEOUS’ sturdy craftsmanship. Functionality and beauty don’t have to be mutually exclusive, which is why the pieces come in playful colourways, inspired by the mid-century modern aesthetic of the campaign video. Our standout pieces include the Dark Chocolate Megrez kitten-heeled flip-flop, practically made for strolling down the riviera, and the Scorpius Crossbody bag in Sorbet, which is the perfect accoutrement to a cheeky Aperol Spritz in the piazza. Have a gander at the whole collection here.

Maybe it’s just us, but the Year of the Snake really seems to have lived up to its name (shoutout to the notorious Venus retrograde of 2025, you will not be missed). That’s why the phrase ‘Let’s ride!’ has been buzzing about the office in anticipation of the Year of the Horse. It seems we’re not the only ones, either, because there’s been a noticeable onslaught of brands celebrating the Lunar New Year with equine collections, and Vivienne Westwood’s capsule is one of our favourites. It’s gone deep into the archives to fish out their ‘Horse and Orb’ motif, which is paired with a map of the English counties on the 90s Vest. The Hebo Top also makes use of an archival print: a rocking horse now seen on an elegant slash-neck top. Of course, there are accessories to match, because what cowboy doesn’t need a limited edition gold-plated watch? Check out the whole capsule here.

Another brand galloping into the Lunar New Year is Timberland, whose Year of the Horse collection sees updates to the brand’s iconic 6-Inch silhouettes. Both the men’s Premium 6-Inch Boot and women’s Stone Street 6-Inch Platform Boot come in a new beige colourway with a horse motif etched into the boot’s tongue. The changes are far from gimmicky and super minimal, meaning you’ll be happy to wear them long after the year has passed. A good thing considering how durable Timberlands are known to be. Yeehaw.

Last but not least, French fashion house Givenchy has released a sultry new handbag formed around a woman’s silhouette. A ‘study in intimacy’, it’s aptly named ‘The Snatch’, because it emulates high-femininity like the cinch of a waist, or the curve of a bra. The leather exterior is balanced out by the chunky metal chain locking the zipper, which comes in two metals, because there’s nothing worse as a silver jewellery girly than finding your dream bag only to realise the hardware is gold. The campaign stars Emeline Hoareau (because who better to model an intimacy-inspired bag on than a former Victoria’s Secret angel?) posing with The Snatch in black. However, the accessory comes in a range of colours and sizes; our favourite of which being the Medium The Snatch in cherry red. Good enough to eat.