Words by Stacy Lee Kong

A Return to Refinement: A Look at Fashion’s Renewed Love of Technique

Author: Stacy Lee Kong · Photography: O’Shane Howard · Illustration: Ishmil Waterman

Take a peek at this revived emphasis on fine detail

After years of relaxed ’fits, formality is making its return to fashion. Whether on the runway or the red carpet, there’s a renewed emphasis on suiting and fine details. And this isn’t just a style move—it’s also a celebration of technical skill. That’s why in this issue, 3 is pairing style-forward formal wear with boundary-pushing AI backgrounds for a double dose of design innovation.

Fashion models in elegant outfits standing in a surreal landscape of vibrant red flora and dramatic clouds, reflecting a renewed emphasis on formal attire and technical skill in contemporary fashion.

Field of Dreams

ON TAEHYUNrnBlazer and pants, Coach, coach.com; brooch, Swarovski, swarovski.com; shirt, Tiger of Sweden, tigerofsweden.com; shoes, Camperlab, camper.comrnON SARAH Dress, Fendi, fendi.com;rnnecklace, Bulgari, bulgari.com; shoes, Versace, versace.comrnON SHANOON Suit, pocket square and T-shirt, Boss, hugoboss.com;rnnecklace, COS, cos.com; watch, Omega, omegawatches.com; shoes, Camperlab, camper.comrnON AMELIA Vest and pants, CâllasrnMilano, callasmilano.com; necklaces and bracelet, Swarovski, swarovski.com

Model in structured black corset over blue pinstriped shirt and black pants, seated amidst abstract red organic forms, showcasing a blend of formal wear and artistic background, reflecting the resurgence of craftsmanship in fashion.

Rock u0026 Roll

Vest and pants, Herskind, herskindofficial.com; shirt, Aknvas, aknvas.com; tie, stylist’s own

Man in a tailored white suit standing on a surreal, flowing landscape, emphasizing the return of formal wear and technical craftsmanship in fashion.

Cloud the Issue

Suit, Mr. Saturday, mrsaturday.com; top, Tiger of Sweden, tigerofsweden.com; watch, Longines, longines.com; shoes, Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com

Fashion model in elegant formal wear, featuring a tailored blazer and skirt, walking against a backdrop of flowing, colorful fabric ribbons, symbolizing design innovation and contemporary craftsmanship in fashion.

Blazer, top and shorts, Prabal Gurung, prabalgurung.com; earrings, Bulgari, bulgari.com; shoes, Christian Louboutin,rnchristianlouboutin.com

Man in black sleeveless blazer and pants walking on pink-hued terrain, embodying modern fashion aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Vest and pants, COS, cos.com; necklace, Coach, coach.com; boots, Camperlab, camper.com

Model in pinstriped blazer and white pants against vibrant red foliage, showcasing contemporary formal fashion and craftsmanship.

Blazer, Alexander McQueen,rnavailable at Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com; top, Kiki dernMontparnasse, available atrnHolt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com;rnpants, Herskind, herskindofficial.com;rnearrings and ring, COS, cos.com

Man in light blue blazer and black pants, patterned shirt and tie, standing against vibrant abstract background, showcasing modern formal fashion trends.

Blazer, shirt, tie and pants,rnTom Ford, available at Harry Rosen, harryrosen.com; socks, Uniqlo, uniqlo.com; shoes, Camperlab, camper.com

Model in vibrant green dress adorned with embellishments, set against a backdrop of abstract, colorful rock formations, emphasizing contemporary fashion design and craftsmanship.

Dress, Catherine Regehr, catherineregehr.com; necklace, Bulgari, bulgari.com; bracelet, Swarovski, swarovski.com

Artistic representation of diverse cultural influences in Brazilian art, highlighting the interconnectedness of local and international art markets.

Art/Fashion/Spring 2025/Tech