Autumn is good for a few things: cosying up with a good read at home, mulled wine, and ringing in new outerwear. The latter, we're giving particular emphasis. 

While we’re in a time of dire uncertainty, we’re clinging on to one thing that’s for certain: stylish looks for the coming months. They arrive by way of a global offering: Ukrainian designer Iana Kuznietsova's brand Ochi, a bastion of British style, Paul Smith, and Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts' Saks Potts.

Ochi
Part of Net-a-Porter's Vanguard edit – of emerging talent to note – Ochi have laser focus on one area in particular: outerwear. With the brand's moniker translating as 'eyes', Ochi (a favourite of Vogue Ukraine Fashion Director, Julie Pelipas) is built around the idea that outerwear acts as the proverbial eyes between the body and the world. After all, it's said to be a two-second window is all it takes to cement that first impression. 



Their debut Autumn/Winter 2019 offering (Spring/Summer 2019 marked their first collection) was a rich display of eco-leather, faux fur and mohair jackets and coats, but it was their light-as-a-feather (read: transseaonal) lilac belt twill number that piqued our interest. The devil is in the detail with deep slits slashed at the sides and ties at the shoulders, cuffs and waist to add another dimension to the silhouette. Meanwhile, its form lends it a companion to heavy layers underneath – think a chunky knit for extra style kudos.

Paul Smith
Aside from multicoloured socks and whimsical nature, if there's one thing Paul Smith is known for, it's his streamlined classic tailoring. 



This season, his double-breasted, all-black errrything 'opera' coat arrives as our latest forever piece – we're calling it a real invest now for our future selves. Clues of its chic credentials lie in the name, the 'Tuxedo' collection; further credentials in its detailing: a satin peak lapel, darted front and tonal Melton wool under-collar. Throw-on-and-go as you galavant out the front door and you'll have 'I mean business' down pat.

Saks Potts
A composition of 90% white duck down and 10% white duck feather, a hug in a coat is what you get with Saks Potts' is-it-a-duvet? is-it-a-cloud? long puffer coat.



The Copenhagen-cool brand has accrued global recognition since its 2014 inception and this season's puffer in 'sauna white' cements what all the hype is about. Taking a similar stance to Ochi, emphasis is given to outerwear for the brand – who are known for their sustainable mink furs – as their native Denmark isn't the warmest of climates. Save this style for braving a blistering chill – just be sure to nip it off before venturing down to the central line!



Also on Because Magazine: 

+ Carmen Bellot talks modern femininity with jewellery designer, Dinny Hall…

+ This week we're in Notting Hill discovering the brand creating a circular future.

+ As she gets underway with Autumn/Winter 2020, we check in with ‘the world’s best bag lady', Anya Hindmarch.