Trend watch writer
Tracks what is rising, what is fading, and how long a shape is likely to still look current.
Leads Trend WatchIris follows silhouettes, color directions and micro-trends from runway through high street to resale racks, and is happy to say a trend has about one summer left in it.
Trend reporting from showroom floors and city sidewalks. Tracks what actually gets worn, not what gets posted.
Trend Watch
The leather cage has moved well beyond niche labels. Before paying more, check whether the sole can be repaired and whether a cobbler can reach the buckle.
Iris Mbeki · 8 min read
Trend Watch
Low-profile deck shoes have returned, but many pairs retain the signals rather than the function. Start with the outsole, then judge construction, fit and price.
Iris Mbeki · 8 min read
Trend Watch
A lowered seam can look clean standing up and turn restrictive in a chair. Torso length, hip ease and seam construction matter more than the size on the tag.
Iris Mbeki · 7 min read
Trend Watch
The newest long shorts sit close to the knee without behaving like office Bermudas. Rise, hem placement and leg width determine whether the proportion works with tops you already own.
Iris Mbeki · 8 min read
Trend Watch
Dense charm clusters make an ordinary bag feel personal, but metal rings and swinging weight can leave permanent evidence. A short handling check separates decoration from damage.
Iris Mbeki · 8 min read
Trend Watch
The wider shoulder bag is replacing compact vertical shapes. Before buying one, test whether its long zipper, projecting ends and shallow interior can handle your real daily load.
Iris Mbeki · 8 min read
Trend Watch
The closed cage toe has spread from designer novelty to everyday footwear. Leather offers the widest wardrobe range, while molded rubber and tall platforms carry sharper comfort compromises.
Iris Mbeki · 7 min read
Trend Watch
The Puma Speedcat Ballet shows why a sneakerina should be judged as a fit system, not a novelty. Its straps, flexible sole and shallow heel need to work together.
Iris Mbeki · 8 min read
Trend Watch
Shoes are getting narrower and visually longer after several years of blunt square toes. The silhouette can work on a wide forefoot, but only when the shoe’s widest point matches yours.
Iris Mbeki · 7 min read
Trend Watch
Pale yellow is moving from seasonal accent to useful near-neutral, but bags and belts expose its weak point: dark dye transfer. Material and hardware decide whether it remains easy to wear.
Iris Mbeki · 7 min read
Trend Watch
Low-profile sneakers sharpen an outfit but leave less room for cushioning, wide forefeet and orthotics. The Adidas Samba OG shows where the tradeoff starts.
Iris Mbeki · 7 min read
Trend Watch
The stud itself tells you little. Turn over a belt or look inside a flat to find the attachment method, then check whether flexing, friction, or a thin base will loosen it.
Iris Mbeki · 8 min read
Trend Watch
The credible shift is toward flexible belts, relaxed bags and lower-profile jewelry. The louder versions photograph well, but the useful ones earn space in a summer wardrobe.
Iris Mbeki · 7 min read
Trend Watch
More capris are reaching stores, but availability has moved faster than fit. Hem position and calf room decide whether the revival feels considered or merely familiar.
Iris Mbeki · 7 min read
Trend Watch
The squared shape made flip flops look dressed. Whether it still looks current next summer is a different question.
Iris Mbeki · 5 min read