Rick Owens Lido Mini Skirt

The interest here is the mismatch between the length and the making. A mini skirt is usually treated as a casual garment and built accordingly, with an elastic waist or a simple seam. This one is constructed like a trouser: a proper tailored waistband, a concealed zip fly, and pockets set into the side seams. Then the hem is left raw, so a piece of serious construction ends in a deliberately unfinished edge.

Wool is the other unexpected decision, and it is the one that makes the skirt useful. A wool mini is a cold weather garment, worn with tights and a boot, and it holds its shape at the waist and hip in a way a jersey never will. Black wool also takes light quite differently from black cotton: deeper, flatter, and more serious.

Styling and care

With opaque tights and a boot, and a heavy knit above. Dry clean rather than washing, and leave the raw hem alone; the loose edge is the garment. Our care guidance covers the general principles.

We buy a short skirt rarely and this one earns it on construction. The tailored waistband is the difference between a mini that is worn twice and one that is worn every winter.

One hundred percent wool. Made in Italy, in Black. Raw hem, tailored waistband, concealed zip fly, side pockets.

Fitted at the waist through a structured band, so it fits like a trouser. Wool with no stretch will not accommodate. The raw hem is the design and the length should not be altered.

We would point to the Cut Off Mini, the F/W 25 Bolan Banana Mini Skirt, and the Knee Bias Skirt. Everything we currently hold from Rick Owens is listed together.