Sexy, smart, sophisticated. The suit has the power to be striking (god, I’m one for the sibilance these days) and dramatic- the catwalks have featured a number of delightful designs for Fall, with each offering being a heavier and more centered development from the delicacy of Spring. Tune an up-beat strength with Temperley London or go classic with an Yves Saint Laurent: either way, you’re sure to be right.
Temperley London, RTW AW10
Tommy Hilfiger, RTW AW10
Unique, RTW AW10
So… which suit will you decide to play?
What power a print has: the pattern of a garment can completely change someone’s perception about the piece. For Fall, you can choose from any number of designs- whether you want to channel a slightly oriental look in Alexander McQueen or Mary Katrantzou, or would rather a retro style from Marni, you’re more than catered for.
The designers have relished with the idea: Proenza Schouler, Dolce & Gabbana, Rodarte and Betsey Johnson are just a few of the collections that feature prints. Many of the designers have been doing it right, too- I sometimes worry that printed textiles can get too cluttered but, for the most part, this has been avoided. Pair with anything: prints will look good with solid colours or other prints. Experiment and have fun!
Balmain, RTW AW10
Jason Wu, RTW AW10
L.A.M.B., RTW AW10
Shake things up, go for vibrancy or calm florals- whatever tickles your fancy, prints will be sure to inject a little excitement into the later months of this year.
The designers are using a huge amount of sheer in their Fall collections, forming a big trend: if you don’t have any sheer in your wardrobe, you should think about finding some. Why not try American Apparel for this shirt (particularly good in navy, I think)- a good starting point, perhaps?
Over at Isaac Mizrahi, the material was used to create dresses that were floaty and feminine creations. At Stella McCartney, it was used to compliment the minimalism of her collection- it was barely there, nude shades giving it blemish-like lightness. Here are some of the shots from the runways:
Isaac Mizrahi, RTW AW10
Maison Martin Margiela, RTW AW10
Preen, RTW AW10
Reem Acra, RTW AW10
So, sheer’s back in a big way- I really like it, particularly when it’s used with another fabric: it works well with leather, silk and light cashmeres.
I love leather: it’s versatile and timeless quality makes it a staple for many people- on the catwalks, leather jackets, leather skirts and leather dresses are all prevalent for Autumn/Winter. So, soon it’ll be time to drag out your leather jacket from the depths of your closet, wipe it down and wear it with pride.
The quilted jacket from Isaac Mizrahi reminds me of the one I’m wearing here, so it’s good to see that I’m already one step ahead. Gareth Pugh uses leather to connote an other-worldly theme, whilst Karl Lagerfeld opts for a more grungey, Rock-‘n’-Roll style in a patent leather-like material. Here’s some pictures:
Fashion East, RTW AW10
Gareth Pugh, RTW AW10
Isaac Mizrahi, RTW AW10
Karl Lagerfeld, RTW AW10
The designers are telling us that it’s time to get out our motorbikes and ride away into the sunset, clad in top-to-toe leather! Will you?
For the love of lace, it’s everywhere! The calm, collected femininity of lace allows its wearer to possess an elegant charm of a sort of ‘grown-up playfulness’, so it’s a delight to see the delicate fabric in so many of the designer’s Fall collections. The whole thing moves on from the cliché of ‘underwear-as-outerwear’ that is floating around this Spring in an empowering, embodying way.
Many designers replaced the pretty pastels of last season with more dark, serious shades to show that lace wasn’t just for tea parties and wedding dresses: Gwen Stefani used it in her L.A.M.B. to help create a rockish tone, whilst over at Christopher Kane it was used alongside floral patent leather to create a sharp finish. Other notable examples of lace included designs by Alexander Wang, Preen and Marc by Marc Jacobs. Have a little peek and see what you think:
Valentino, RTW AW10
Lanvin, RTW AW10
Burberry Prorsum, RTW AW10
It’s interesting, lace can be used in a number of different ways, which allows it to work in hundreds of outfits. Aggressive or elegant, lace can be anything you want it to be- use it well and enjoy!
