Conversations in fashion are shifting. Until recently, if you dropped words like “timeless” or “longevity” in a room full of industry insiders, you’d be faced with (barely) stifled yawns, not-so-subtle eye-rolls and pointed watch checks. The driving force in fashion – what people were really interested in, or so industry trendsetters would have had us believe – was the relentless pursuit of the new.

In something of a 180, however, much of that momentum has fallen away. While design, innovation, excitement and creativity remain firmly on the agenda, in the wake of 2020 we find ourselves drawn towards something more enduring: something that never goes out of style. Which brings us neatly on to SAINT LAURENT.

With Mr Anthony Vaccarello at the helm, the luxury house’s signature sharp, modern tailoring and rock ‘n’ roll nuances make a very welcome return for SS21, with the creative director standing by a belief that each new seasonal collection needn’t be a revolutionary act. Instead, the cool but interchangeable pieces are intended to simply slot into your existing wardrobe, while accessories are left to do some grafting.

Now, we’re all fairly well-versed when it comes to the power of accessories to add the finishing touch to an outfit, but SAINT LAURENT really grabs this notion and runs with it for spring. In a winning move, the brand places just as much emphasis on the finer details as it does the clean-lined suits, slubby striped tanks and monochromatic Aloha shirts – a nod to Hawaii, where Mr Vaccarello first intended to unveil the lineup until Covid restrictions put the kibosh on his plans (and where the leafy frond and hibiscus prints would have been right at home).

There are (of course) tinted sunglasses at every turn, straw hats that are almost certain to crop up on Instagram feeds come summer and rope-braided sandals that leave us seriously hankering for sun-drenched beach breaks. There are layered necklaces and stacked bracelets shaped like conch shells and tropical flowers that feel as if they ought to be accessorised with a surfer’s tan – but we’re here to convince you that they work just as well away from the beach. It’s these additions that bring a sense of fun to the everyday and breathe life into all of your tried-and-tested style combinations.

We haven’t forgotten about a key part of the label’s iconic Rive Gauche history: beatnik loafers – though this season, there are a few surprises in store, along with a return of the classics. Take the leopard-printed pair as an example, which happen to be perfect for those who only like to dip their toe into the trend for wild animal prints. Then there’s a more breathable woven option in an almost graphic, optic-white just like the sneakers in the curation.

Lastly, there’s black – and (happily) plenty of it. After all, not only is it unquestionably chic, it’s the shade we associate so fondly with Mr Vaccarello and SAINT LAURENT. Yes, the creative director continues to prove that he can also work with colour so brilliantly (we do enjoy the tropical pops of teal on the backpacks), but it’s the plain full-grain leather totes and holdalls in the collection that hold a special place in our heart. Expertly crafted and softly structured, not only do they promise endless mileage, they’re they only thing we want to be carrying when our “new normal” lets us return to the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Près in search of good coffee.