Victoria Moss

The words icon and muse are often touted around the fashion world but it’s still a rare soul that encapsulates the real meaning of those monikers. François Hardy, the French singer who has died at the age of 80 from cancer, was one of a handful of women who set the style tone of the second half of the 20th century, the effect of which continues to resonate.

Given that the weather has temporarily (we hope) pressed pause on flimsy sundresses and their ilk, why not take a sartorial swing at in-between season styling opportunities. Leopard print, which has fashion search engine Lyst has seen a 60 per cent increase since the start of the year, is emerging as the inter-seasonal wardrobe pivot we’ve frankly been calling out for. 

Last week I went on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour to discuss the succession drama at Chanel, where Virginie Viard — its creative director of the past five years, since Karl Lagerfeld’s death — has just stepped down from the role. It’s the biggest job in fashion and its vacancy has caused quite the furore over who might step into those two-tone ballet flats. Arguably, they’ll more likely be in a loafer.

Will a visit to Disneyland Paris be as magical as our fashion director remembers from her childhood? Victoria Moss found out

There’s little that brings more joy than a quick study of political merch, so often a riveting insight into the Little Britain capabilities of party marketing teams. Tory superfans can snap up caricature Toby jugs (£28.95) of all previous leaders from Churchill to Johnson. Note, Liz Truss and Sunak have yet to find themselves immortalised in a kitsch ceramic. You could also sup tea from the world’s most boring mug, which is inscribed with the snore-slogan of “Clear plan, bold action, secure future”.

Predictably, the general election seems to have got stuck in men-shouting-at-each-other mode, rather than any concrete ideas on policy. The poor old fashion industry, so often overlooked in spite of its not insubstantial contributions — ie, the £28.9 billion it adds to the UK economy — could certainly do with some manifesto promises.

From the chic, Stone Island collab to your tenniscore update and perfecting the day to nightie look, Victoria Moss has your fashion news

Wendy houses, posh cutlery and Naomi merch, Victoria Moss rounds up everything stylish you need to know this week

A new display at the Design Museum will focus on sustainable fashion with an acquisition from Ahluwalia

Only the fashion industry could make partying while Rome burns (take your pick from global crises), look quite so fabulous. The night prior to the Olympic opening ceremony, Dame Anna Wintour jetted into Paris to host what felt like an extended version of June’s Vogue World event.