THE POWER OF THE BLACK BLAZER
The other day, whilst I was walking into our Vogue offices, my colleague commented on how ‘workplace chic’ I looked. Surprised in my floaty-floral patterned summer dress and black leather combat boots, I looked into the mirror, and realised that actually, any outfit paired with a black blazer radiates a true power statement.
Wearing my old Zara black blazer, floral summer dress from Kenneth Nicholson and leather Givenchy shoes.
However, staring back from the mirror was my old, worn out black Zara blazer, a little grey from the many washes and somewhere stitches were falling out. I figured that to keep its vigorous reputation, an update was required and the hunt for a long lasting quality blazer, kicked off.
Heading for inspiration on Vogue.co.uk, I saw one of my favourite fashion critics Anders Christian Madsen writing about the Saint Laurent’s AW23 show which stated that Anthony Vaccarello delivered a collection that excelled in elegance, precision and an excellent power-shoulder. The label's founder, Yves Saint Laurent famously stated; “Chanel freed women, and I empowered them.” Bam, exactly what I was looking for. Excited, I went to the Saint Laurent store, only to find that they did indeed have THE perfect blazer, THE perfect size, THE perfect fit and THE oh-so-smooth silk lining, but sadly THE way-too-expensive price tag...
Opening look of Saint Laurent’s AW23 show
Saddened, I exited the shop, empty handed and left for my evening event, hosted by Ellen Mac Arthurs Foundation. The event was about circular economy and focusing on fashion, as each year millions of tonnes of clothes are produced, worn, and thrown away. Did you know that every second, the equivalent of a rubbish truck load of clothes is burnt or buried in landfill? The fashion industry is one of the major contributors of plastic microfibres entering our oceans. To solve the problem, the foundation has created a vision for the fashion industry to redesign the way clothes are made and used.
The evening had a very inspirational guest-co-host; the co-founder Fanny Moizant of, Vestiaire Collective the leading online website for pre-loved fashion. She introduced us to their mission to transform the fashion industry by promoting a circular fashion movement as an alternative to overproduction and overconsumption, to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
Exhilarated, back home, I went online on their site, and not only did I find the perfect vintage YSL Blazer, I also embraced the second-hand world, oh forgive me; vintage, pre-loved, whatever you want to call it - not only will it cost me less, now I will also feel good by shopping and by doing so promoting a circular fashion economy.
Here is my guide of black-blazers, that I hope can inspire you not only to shop second-hand but also to empower your looks. Enjoy!
Fabulous yet accessible, my dream blazer made available by Vestaire Collective.
£340
Shapely blazer in stretch wool crêpe double fabric. This soft and naturally made (in wool) blazer is a great basic.
£840
Sadly made in polyester, but better up-cycled than in landfill this classic blazer is a good classic staple.
£175
This classic fit blazer is made with 72% Recycled polyester.
£33
This slouchy blazer is made with 55% recycled polyester and 45% wool.
£650
Effortless tailoring is one of the areas The Row really excels in, and this is a prime example.
£2,080
This power statement has a satin trim and cuffs. Button down front fastening and leather belt detail.
£435
Me, wearing my pre-loved vintage YSL Blazer.