August Rare Finds

This month’s Rare Finds take us back to some unforgettable runway moments. August brings together pieces from Chanel, Fendi, Maison Martin Margiela, Prada, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Jacquemus and Louis Vuitton — each one first making its mark on the catwalk before finding its way to HULA. Think archival tailoring, bold prints, unexpected proportions and cult accessories made to be worn all over again.

Few things say Chanel quite like black tweed. First seen in the Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear Collection, this coat dress combines the house’s signature fabric with four patch pockets, braided trims and a softly pleated mini skirt. Structured yet feminine, it is the kind of Chanel piece that instantly feels recognisable without looking overly traditional.

A trench coat, but not quite as you know it. This archival Maison Martin Margiela piece appeared in the Fall/Winter 2003 collection and reworks the wardrobe classic through an elongated, relaxed silhouette and understated khaki finish. Minimal at first glance, its unconventional proportions are exactly what give it that unmistakable Margiela character.

Small bag, major impact. Carried on Prada’s Spring/Summer 2022 runway, this vivid red Spazzolato tote plays with the house’s iconic triangle motif through its compact vertical shape and enamelled logo plaque. Finished with both top handles and a shoulder strap, it brings a punch of Prada red to even the simplest look

Dark, dramatic and unmistakably Givenchy. This black viscose-silk top from Spring/Summer 2015 combines exposed shoulders with cascading flounce sleeves and graphic stitched detailing. The contrast between its delicate draping and almost harness-like construction gives the piece the rebellious glamour that defined the runway look.

Colour takes centre stage with this Dries Van Noten skirt from the Spring 2025 collection. Woven in rich red and blue floral jacquard, its wrap-effect construction creates volume and movement around the waist before falling into a sleek midi length. It is expressive, artistic and exactly the kind of print Dries collectors keep coming back to.

Jacquemus has always had a way with proportion, and these trousers are a perfect example. Seen in the Fall/Winter 2017 “L’Amour D’un Gitan” collection, the streamlined black silhouette suddenly opens into oversized turned-up cuffs at the ankle. Simple in colour, but far from basic in shape.

For something a little louder, Louis Vuitton delivers. These tapered trousers from Spring/Summer 2019 are covered in an energetic multicolour print, mixing flashes of pink, green, blue and yellow against a dark base. The streamlined cut keeps the graphic pattern wearable while still making sure it gets noticed.

Ending on another Chanel moment, this Pre-Fall 2023 blouse brings a lighter, more playful take on monochrome. Graphic black-and-white plaid is softened by a statement ruffled neckline and flared cuffs, creating a piece that sits somewhere between romantic shirting and classic Chanel layering.