leo season must-have accessories

Leo Season Must-Have Accessories

Leo season arrives at the peak of summer’s sweltering solar power, melting away all that was drab from the months before. Leo is the sign of intrinsic talent totally realized. Its ruler is the sun, which never goes out and never retrogrades. Its metal is gold: the eternal, undefeatable accessory for all occasions. What endures through the summer heat can last forever. What you invest in during this season is built to go a hundred rounds.

In the Lion’s Realm, only the genuine article endures. Leos are widely considered to be attention hounds, but that doesn’t mean they’ll peddle a cheap shtick to keep a crowd. This is the sign of consistency, and the subtle confidence of a true master. If you know you’ve got it, you hardly need to play shy. Kim Cattral, Mae West and Jennifer Lopez have pulled off the most ostentatious of looks, but it's their projected authority which really immortalized the garments. The statements made here are not made to overcompensate, but to complement what is already there.

It’s simply too hot out for postmodernism, too bright for neutrals, too fun to be uncomfortable. Now is the time to expose your power, dip it in gold, and see how it shines in the sunlight. Keep it simple, chic and supremely unforgettable in these pieces.

YVES & IMAN

Over a historic career, the Leo Yves Saint Laurent cleared out many cultural blockages to the celebration of women’s bodies: He introduced ready-to-wear into the conversation, exposed nipples during the sexual revolution of the ’60s, and championed women of color on runways and in fashion magazines. Of course, it would be one of his darlings, fellow Leo Iman, who would best incarnate the Saint Laurent ideal: simple, elegant, and ever-confident. Claim the classic aesthetic with the YSL Metallic Gold Leather Lou Camera Bag, and the Pink Tweed Jamie Cube Bag Charm.

RAY OF LIGHT

No Leo roundup is complete without mention of the eternal Empress of Pop, Madonna. Though she’s introduced endless epochs and accompanying style metamorphoses, the fundamental rules always apply: she’s an artist, she’s here to express herself, and you’re invited to join the party. Madonna’s aesthetics have always been over-the-top and new-user-friendly; she’s not trying to condescend, but to inspire. Why shouldn’t you claim your own power on the dancefloor? For high-impact statements worthy of a Material Girl, go with the Chanel White Acetate ‘CC’ Sunglasses and the Louis Vuitton Gold Monogram Miroir Speedy 35.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE…

Prior to Coco Chanel, women were subsumed in frocks, frills, ruffles and layers. But by introducing her sleek, sophisticated silhouettes, Chanel affirmed Leo’s natural claim to confidence. Why cover yourself with so much fuss, when you’re the star attraction? A Chanel bag or Little Black Dress will last for years to come, living up to Leo’s call for power and permanence. Serve immortality with the Chanel Yellow Chevron Lambskin Classic Square Flap Mini, and the Gold Woven 'CC' Pendant Necklace.

BETSEY & JEREMY

Some designers play it coy, twee or shy. Others know that if they’re going to be the face of the brand, they’re going to have to step out and sell it. In his legendary run at Moschino, Jeremy Scott embodied the sly satire which his work was known for. Betsey Johnson, meanwhile, is Betsey Johnson: after one look at the designer, who needs an explainer on what her brand is about? Leos aren’t here to tell; they’re here to show. Make your declaration with the Yayoi Kusama x Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolor Dots Malle Pyramide, and Chanel’s Paris-Cosmopolite Black & Gold Sequin Do Not Disturb Clutch.

THE FIRST OF THE FIRST

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ term as first lady lasted a mere two years, but her impact will reverberate for eons. The pillbox hat, the furs, the pearls: Kennedy knew to leave the grandstanding oratory to her husband; she could tell a much grander story just by walking out of the house. Make a definitive statement with the Fendi Green Leather Flat Baguette Mini, and the Prada Blue Saffiano Camera Bag.

david odyssey