There are few fabrics that have had the lineage and perennial power as the juggernaut material, leather. From the 60’s and 70’s punk scene, to cementing itself in pop culture (think Grease and Matrix), the iconic fabric has become synonymous alongside rebellious notions – with the biker jacket playing an important role as the unofficial uniform – which naturally, has become a pillar in our wardrobes ever since.

Fast forward, and today leather has had a reboot thanks to luxury fashion houses like Givenchy, Bottega Veneta and Versace's ability too reconstruct our restricted viewpoint on how leather should look. Recent seasons have transformed the not-so-humble fabric into elegant and trans-seasonal pieces, and thus birthing of our favourite staple; the cool girl dress.

An instant sartorial stamp of the the modern woman’s wardrobe, leather dresses carry a ladylike prowess that cement their well deserved spot as a hero piece for all seasons. Although a little daunting at first glance, (we totally understand, thoughts of dominatrix attire initially sprang to mind) but, the à la mode version is tasteful and versatile, shifting runway to real life with unexpected ease.



If you are looking for a starting point, a shirt dress is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the standout material. Take the COS leather iteration; a minimalists dream, this loose and airy dress is an all rounder with its earthy hue and structured silhouette. You’ll be able to stretch your dollar by wearing the dress a multitude of ways. Layer with a jumper and pair of jeans for a casual aesthetic, or a roll neck, tights and boots for an evening mood.



Looking for something with a bit more oomph? Ganni’s colour-block leather mini dress will literally teleport you back to the era of where Twiggy rules every billboard, The Beatles are on the radio and everything is fabulously… short. The dress is a clear reference to the famous 1965 Yves Saint Laurent iconic coloured block cocktail dress, but with a Ganni-esque spin on it. A showstopper in its own right (we think it deserves a place at the V&A), we recommend dressing with chunky boots to fully embody the Ganni muse.



Dressing in leather doesn’t mean you should stray away from bold colours, and while a nod towards the reliable black shade can often make clothing look more expensive, that just isn’t the case when it comes to leather. REMAIN Birger Christensen’s Vivian midi dress definitely attests to this, with its striking turquoise tone, this statement dress is a vision of sartorial elegance. Crafted from butter-soft leather, the Vivian dress will add a sharp injection of drama with the voluminous sleeves and dramatic v-neckline. With the added bonus of a detachable belt, it will subtly cinch in the waist for an extra touch of feminine.

Shop our favourites (and more) below:


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