It's time to introduce a new piece to the Stylecamp collection! Meet the Hepburn palazzo pants, a wide leg summer trouser featuring a high waist and dramatic side leg splits. I just love their timeless shape, elegant appeal and simple comfort, the perfect complement to the Stylecamp collection.
Here's all you need to know about the brand new Hepburn trouser and a little about the inspiration behind the design.
THE CONCEPT
I have wanted to add trousers to the collection for a while now as a wearable option somewhere between a jumpsuit and my other short and skirt separates. I love to wear flowy trousers in the summer, as they look stylish and keep you cool, while being easy to pair with crop tops; they're a real wardrobe staple.
The start of lockdown was the motivation needed to get the project going as I wanted to use the time for creativity and this meant I could really dedicate some time to it. It also allowed my Instagram followers to see the development of a Stylecamp design, whilst also giving me their feedback as it progressed!
I wanted a wide leg silhouette like those of the 1930s beach pyjamas that I so admire for their effortless style and flattering shape. As always, I look to Golden Hollywood starlets for style inspiration, where there was one trouser-doting icon who truly stood out.
STYLE ICON: KATHARINE HEPBURN
Wide leg trouser silhouettes emerged in the 1920s and 30s as a leisurewear look for the beach, popularised by Hollywood starlets like Katharine Hepburn, among others. Hepburn was a real advocate for wearing trousers, giving them an elegant and glamorous appeal at a time when society frowned at the notion of androgynous dressing.
She had a steely, outspoken determination towards societal 'norms' and I just love this anecdote relating to her wearing trousers. While she particularly loved to wear denim, it was clear her movie studio bosses had other ideas. Whilst she was working on set one day, her beloved jeans were removed from her dressing room. Upon discovering what had happened, she returned to set in only her knickers, refusing to cover up until her denim was brought back!
How can you not admire her fierce spirit and no-nonsense approach to her trailblazing style that still doesn't look out of place today?
THE DESIGN
Stylecamp's Hepburn trousers have an enduring appeal as they are super-flattering for all sizes and heights while being completely versatile to wear, dressing them up or down for day or night.
To keep consistency with the collection, I mirrored the waistband design with Stylecamp's Betty shorts, which have a feminine shaped front waistband and decorative front pleats that give a vintage look, whilst the easy-fitting half elastic back ensures total comfort.
The lightweight fabric, in this case an attractive spot print viscose, is comfortable and breathable in hot weather, cut loose from the hips to a wide hem that gives an irresistable swish as you walk.
The modern touch of the design comes with the deep side seam splits that sit above-the-knee, subtly flashing your pins and also keeping you cool. Team with a Stylecamp crop top, blouse or off shoulder tee for a modern vintage look.
Hope you love the new design as much as I do! I know I'm going to be living in these trousers this summer for a touch or Riviera style glamour at home. Click the link below to shop!