Love is complicated enough… so choosing your Valentine’s Day look shouldn’t. Noctis Fashion Editor Florentyna Syperek selects her favourite amore-themed attire and gifts depending on whether you follow your heart, mind or body when struck by Cupid’s arrow.
The Heart
The garm: Love sure can play tricks on your mind… But this Valentine’s season our intellectuals are encouraged to lean into the playful and messy side of infatuation – why not start off with a deadstock, England-made baby blue skirt from HADES’ SS collection, aptly named i love you*? Wear it with a digitally printed, reversible top from Rhi Dancey’s latest collaboration with Mexican photographer Venus Dromida, Sinead O’Dwyer’s cool-girl twist on fishnet stockings, and a made-to-order recycled material bag from Berlin-based FELINE, who has given the cutesy bow trend a brutalist, Berghain makeover. Since you have – obviously – evolved past the she-took-her-glasses-off-and-became-beautiful 00s movie trope, finish your date night look off with a sleek pair of Gentle Monster specs.
The gift: If you fancy truly studying the art of snogging, Derek Ridgers’ “Hello, I Love You” photobook will make for perfect research material. Full of archival photographs taken around London by the British nightlife and subculture photographer between the 1970s and 1990s, it’s a reminder of how completely normal it is to lose our mind from time to time. And maybe even a source of inspiration for your next makeout session.
The Body
The garm: As we begin to slowly emerge from winter-induced hibernation, February presents the perfect opportunity to rediscover your sensual side. Whether you want to make a cutesy statement in Ukrainian brand FROLOV or prefer a one-of-a-kind set to channel pin-up girl glam courtesy of Pristine and Gerry’s House, there are plenty of options out there. If you don’t want to sacrifice comfort, look no further than a set from ethical lingerie designer Veronica Velveteen. For an underwear-as-outerwear look, opt for an eye-catching lace catsuit from BRIELLE, which you can easily soften with an extra layer.
The gift: Ready to give yourself over to absolute pleasure? If yes, taking your love, friends, or yourself out to a special screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Rio Cinema might be due. Especially if it’s accompanied by a shadow cast of the capital’s best drag performers! And at the end of the night turn on your red (thong) light and do not just dream it, but be it.
The Mind
The garm: Ah, the dear romantic… Protect your heart from this cold world by wrapping up in the most dreamy pink suede and Mongolian fur set from designer Sinead Gorey, paired with chocolate brown Dr Martens boots. Do not confine your pyjamas to the bedroom and daydream is style and comfort with an organic cotton shirt from Irregular Sleep Pattern. As a finishing touch, switch up rose tinted glasses for a rose tinted Swarovski choker and live your best main character fantasy.
The gift: These beautiful souls are bound to romanticise even the most mundane of life’s moments, but they also have a soft spot for the classic tokens of affection. Offer them a bouquet of hand-crafted RrM Studio flowers that will never wilt or a candle-cum-work-of-art by Sussex artist Imogen van der Pols, which they will definitely cherish too much to ever light.
All prices accurate at time of publication.