You have shows like Kit Connor's Heartstopper that remind you of the good in the world, and the progress we've made, and the sweet candied joy of falling in love. Then you look out the window. There's slightly apocalyptic weather, sure. The news feels a bit sad. But, there's also Kit Connor in his latest look, and you feel disco and decadent and doomsday all at once. Listen, nobody said 2023 was going to be easy.
Ahead of London Fashion Week, the capital's Theatre Royal Drury Lane played host to Vogue World: a celebration of the British arts. There were supermodels! There were nice clothes! There were leading lights of Hollywood's next gen in the fashion of the now and tomorrow. And few were as shiny (no, actually) as Connor, who arrived to Vogue World in a shimmering polo shirt and high-waisted trousers (with a Tag Heuer Carrera in tow).
Designed by Loewe, the look itself is not normal red carpet fodder. That's because Connor rarely does red carpet fodder. Instead, the 19-year-old has doubled-down on the stuff that's familiar and yet envelope-pushing. There've been skin-tight prints from JW Anderson. Big Coat Season saw an oversized overcoat peppered with plugholes. But last night, it felt more fun, and more party, and retrofuturist; Studio 54 if a Gen Z venture capitalist was given the keys.
Because, while sequins and a generous sprinkling of Elton John doesn't seem that novel, Connor's iteration is novel in the wider context of menswear. While red carpets in the last five years have seen Very Famous Men veer towards the left-field, there's also been a swing back to nice, normal clothes. Both are good! But at Vogue World, Connor's taken a risk where a tux would've really been more than fine – and that risk has paid off. Better yet, it feels fun.
The actor has a long career ahead of him. Hearstopper season two is popping. So are his recent fits. But in these uncertain times, dressing for a nightclub at the planet's end is probably the most joyful thing you can do. See: there is a lot of good in the world after all.
