Cover Story
What’s new, now and next in womenswear: AW21 with Buyer Roshali Kaul
From Dion Lee to Jacquemus, and all icons in between.
Womenswear Buyer Roshali Kaul lives and breathes fashion, as one might expect. But it goes beyond conventional interest, verging more towards a deep-rooted limerence.
It’s clear (from her office attire to her Instagram curation) that Roshali has a very apparent love and understanding for everything that is style, especially when it’s made to empower women. Roshali’s very recent wedding even graced the pages of Vogue Australia, debuting her breathtaking gown and speaking to a longstanding love for diverse designs.
This year (following a legacy of buying seasons past), Roshali has mined the fashion markets for the most mesmerising and thought-provoking in AW21 dressing. Fusing her own personal sensibilities with a vested interest in the Harrolds shopper, she’s canvassed designers new and old for the cosiest and best-crafted winter garments yet.
Here, Roshali talks us through deliberation, design and the likes of Dion Lee for a glimpse into the inner workings of the Harrolds buying team. Make room in your wardrobe (again).
Roshali has mined the fashion markets for the most mesmerising and thought-provoking in AW21 dressing
Tell us a bit about the buying process for AW21. What kind of trends or brand initiatives were on your radar when selecting new arrivals?
Without the luxury of international travel, AW21 was another season of virtual buying appointments but brands did their absolute best to ensure we were immersed in the full showroom experience without being physically present. This season I was looking for more considered brands focusing on collections that have elements of gender neutrality, ethical sourcing, wearability and aesthetic longevity.
What can we expect from Balmain – a brand-new addition to the Harrolds eyewear trove?
Balmain is one of our most popular brands here at Harrolds and is adored by our clients so it was only natural for us to be the exclusive fashion retailer to house the Balmain x Akoni Eyewear collection. We are obsessed with the Wonder Boy Frames! They are huge and decadent and units are super limited – a must for any Balmain fan.
And how about Amina Muaddi?
Amina Muaddi can do no wrong, she is an absolute style maven and everything she touches is instantly fabulous. We have been working with Amina Muaddi exclusively from the beginning and there are many exciting things to come this season. We have just launched the first ready-to-wear collaboration with heritage hosiery house Wolford – think wardrobe staples with an Amina twist: vegan leather bodysuits, crystal fishnet tights, latex leggings and socks – all of which can be paired back with a fabulous Amina heel. The brand is also further extending their product line to include jewellery so expect to see some mouth-watering candy-coloured anklets, sparkling crystal earrings and so much more!
Australian design icon Dion Lee is making a foray into Harrolds this year. Why the collaboration? How is Dion Lee keeping up in 2021?
It is so incredibly important for us to highlight and support our home-grown talent. Our local designers are a force to be reckoned with and have huge global cult followings. We have had our eye on Dion Lee for some time now because of his unique aesthetic of contrasts: utilitarian, sensual, sculptural and fluid. But we knew the time was right when we saw the strength of his Unisex line. The de-gendering of fashion is a movement that we wholly support at Harrolds and we are looking to feature brands who are doing the same. The range will be available in all our boutiques and we encourage clients to shop the entire range.
What kind of trends are you most excited about right now?
I am loving the 90s/00’s revival that is so on point right now, having grown up in those times it is really fun to incorporate so much nostalgia back into my wardrobe albeit in a much more elevated way. I think Jacquemus, By Far, Amina Muaddi and Saks Potts embody this trend so well this season and I have my eye on so many pieces from their collections!
Some of the most-hyped arrivals of the year have to be from French fashion deity Jacquemus. Explain to us the selection process when picking out the crème de la crème of garments and accessories…
When putting together a range – especially from one as wonderful as Jacquemus – it is crucial to balance the selection to showcase seasonal must-haves (the Paiou Shearling jacket and Ciuciu Bags are personal favourites) with pieces and shapes that are Iconic to the brand. It is also important to balance the colour palette and textures from an in-store merchandising perspective to ensure it is visually appealing to draw clients in to touch and feel the range.
What accessories are at the very top of your wish list this winter?
I can’t wait to get my hands on a crystal Vitty bag from Benedetta Bruzziches, a pair of vegan leather socks from the Amina Muaddi x Wolford Collab, the Tire Boots from Bottega Veneta, the Chain loafers from JW Anderson, a bright Jacquemus Chiquito bag and the Amina Muaddi crystal anklets!
And how about head-to-toe eveningwear? What can we expect to see you in?
You’ll definitely be seeing me in a Tom Ford Zebra Lame Blazer paired back with PVC Amina Muaddi x Wolford leggings, an Alessandra Rich Crystal Choker, a Benedetta Bruzziches Crystal Bag and the Bottega Veneta Sparkle Stretch Heels.
To tour (or try on) AW21, peruse Harrolds online or in-store.
