Lace Dreams
The fabric of the moment, lace was seen everywhere in the Autumn/ Winter collections of 2008, and the black lace dress has become the must-have of season. However designers gave dramatically different takes on this heirloom fabric. Prada used hand-crafted Swiss lace in what was a very sophisticated ladylike collection with a pretty twist, combining fitted lace dresses and shirts with high collared shirts. Balmain embraced the body -con trend with revealing tight fitting lace panelled dresses, while Gievenchy gave an edgier look, showing how this look ties in very well with the other big trend of the season the Goth look. Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Luella Bartley also resurrected this fabric in their collections and it has quickly made its way to the high street. This is a look that can be easily glammed up with a pair of this season’s studded killer heel, but can equally work for day by layering with a thin knit. For an instant wardrobe update, lace accessories are set to make a big impact, from lace tights to fingerless gloves and large bags as inspired by Prada.
Sculptured Tailoring
In sharp contrast to the feminine and somewhat opulence of a trend like lace, this season saw a return to sharp tailoring with a more neutral palette. Heralding a return to minimalism the bold statements were made with sculptured shapes and daring silhouettes. Jill Sander created jackets with beautiful folds and a focus on the neckline. Shoulders were the emphasis at Narciso Rodrigues and Balenciaga, with exaggerated curves. A severe look, these sculpted jackets and wool dress should be combined with thin black trousers. For YSL the dramatic shape was all in the trouser, with wide legs tapered in at the ankle, giving a very new trouser silhouette. These were combined with another must have of the season, the fine-knit polo. Giambatista Vailli created more complex shapes with fine sculpted detailed coats that make the statement of the season.
This silhouette is clean and severe and works with a pared back look, no accessories are necessary. Let the focus be on the clothes.
Dark Romance
In dramatic contrast to the sunny florals and neon brights of summer, there was a dark and edgy mood on the runways for this Autumn/Winter with Gothic Romance been a strong theme throughout a number of collections. Tough and vulnerable Femininity come together in this trend, think lace and leather. This is 80’s Madonna with a darker edge. YSL, Givenchy & Alexander McQueen all created darkly seductive looks this season with heavy black make-up, dramatic black hairstyles, ripped tights, heavy metal jewellery with religious under tones, and sky high statement heels. Luella, always a designer to watch for trendsetting looks drew from the Goths of the 80’s with crimped hair, white foundation and layers of black tulle and lace .Layer Grungy ripped knits seen at Rodarte and McQueen with tight black trousers or wear sheer Chiffon and frothy lace blouses with leather trousers which are back with a vengeance this season…for the brave enough! Alternatively for more feminine look wear a simple black lace dress, guaranteed to be one of the biggest hits of the season, there are already examples of this all over the high street. Embrace your dark side.
Perfect Plaid
Checks emerged as a key trend through a number of different looks this season. Firstly House of Holland and Mathew Williamson gave us a youthful punky looks with mini kilts and jackets in funky neon brights, alternatively the British Heritage look at Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry combined more classical tartans with tweeds, silk scarves and lace-up brogues. Ralph Lauren and Preen gave a more rugged look with reference to the American great outdoors in the form of oversized shirts and lumberjack style jackets. Often bright and bold, adding some plaid is the quickest way to kick-start an Autumn/ Winter wardrobe This is a look to have fun with, mix & match multiple checks. Vibrant checks with shots of purple, turquoise and tomato red giving thins looks a youthful twist. Ralph Lauren even sent full length evening dresses in plaid down the catwalk. On the high street check is bound to make an impact in accessories with tartan shoes, handbags, and scarves been the quickest way to up-date a look with this trend.
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