044: The Longer the Crotch, the Closer To...
My love for Emmanuela Graham
It’s rare to find a piece of clothing that inspires you to flex your creative muscles when putting together outfits. A piece that transforms your wardrobe and encourages you to dream up combinations you wouldn’t typically consider. Recently, I received two items from a small brand called Emmanuela Graham. While both pieces are stunning, the trousers, in particular, have sparked my curiosity and inspired me to approach my wardrobe with childlike wonder. This openness to explore has made assembling outfits feel less formulaic and has helped me push past my usual choices. Below, I’ll share my thoughts on these pieces and explain why the trousers have utterly captivated me.
The first piece is the Mavis top, a layered mesh design featuring a cowl neckline and asymmetric sleeves that create a one-shoulder effect. It’s the epitome of my style—effortless yet intricate. The thoughtful details of the silhouette make it a statement piece that’s simple to style. Pair it with jeans and heels, and you’ve got a polished look with minimal effort. This is the genius of great design—the top’s elevated simplicity makes it a staple for seamless summer styling.
Now, for the pièce de résistance: the Enzo charcoal cropped trousers. The elongated crotch instantly caught my attention. While a low crotch is usually associated with casual styles, this feature, combined with the trousers’ tailored construction, speaks to my aesthetic perfectly. The contrast between the relaxed and formal elements creates a unique versatility that makes these trousers a dream to style. I’ve often talked about how adding friction to an outfit—or incorporating contrasting elements—creates depth, and these trousers embody that philosophy. I couldn’t wait to experiment with their boldness and was thrilled to come up with several outfit ideas. Here are three of my favourites:
The trousers’ wide-leg silhouette and oversized crotch felt perfectly paired with another oversized yet polished piece—my Hades wool jumper. The combination of loose-fitting pieces and structured details makes this outfit ideal for transitioning between work and play. To add a touch of refinement, I chose my Jimmy Choo stiletto boots. The pointed toe and leather texture elevate the look, while the knee-high length bridges the gap between the trousers’ cropped hem and the boots, creating a seamless flow.
To balance the trousers’ structured style, I opted for a more casual top: an Aritzia sweatshirt bomber. Its bomber silhouette adds just enough structure to complement the trousers while maintaining a casual vibe. My Massimo Dutti suede boots completed the outfit, adding texture and harmonizing with the lighter colour palette of the sweater.
This look is my elevated take-on board shorts and a graphic tee. I leaned into the trousers’ exaggerated crotch and paired them with an oversized T-shirt for a slightly masculine touch. To reintroduce structure, I wore my Aeyde pointed-toe pumps. Scrunched socks added an informal element, grounding the look and tying everything together.
I’m deeply grateful to Aba and her brand for reigniting my love for creative dressing. The attention to detail and craftsmanship she’s poured into her collection shines through in every piece. If you’re as inspired as I am, I encourage you to explore the rest of her designs here.
I will speak to you all next week!
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The trousers lean masculine and I would have been tempted to create friction going ultra fem or offsetting the oversized silhouette with something fitted. And I would have failed compared to the way you worked these shorts into your wardrobe. True chefs kiss.
You made those pant your own and I’m jealous 🫣. You put together those outfits beautifully.