As the new season collections for FW 2014 start hitting stores thick and fast, I would like to present the trends to wear: from head-to-toe knit ensembles to modern takes on sixties silhouettes, this season’s trends are definitely eclectic. So whether you’re a minimalist or someone looking to make a bold statement, I can bet you’ll find a style (or two, or three 😉 ) to love this Winter.
The Swinging 60s
The ’60s are back in a major way. Gucci, Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Valentino and Louis Vuitton all cited a 60s inspiration this Fall. Maybe a bunch of designers got together and decided to binge-watch the latest season of Mad Men because I’ve seen a lot of mini skirts, knee-high boots, and accessories that remind me of yesteryear. Think Twiggy, Penelope Tree and Jane Birkin – or for a modern day muse, Alexa Chung. Add flowy mini-skirts, cutesy Mary-Janes, baby doll dresses to your shopping list – and a big thick line of feline black eyeliner to your eyes.
Fairytale Romance
Fairytale’s finest paraded the catwalks at NYFW, PFW, LFW and MFW last February/March – from Little Red Riding Hood at Dolce & Gabbana, to Snow White at Alexander McQueen, to the Queen of Hearts at Valentino. It’s fantasy red carpet glamour at its finest and on my wishlist for all of the upcoming Autumn/Winter events.
Knit Wit
Knits aren’t just for sweaters anymore! For Fall knits, nothing is too big or too intricate and that’s the way I like it. From cozy pants at Marc Jacobs and Céline that promise to alleviate the need for tights, to similarly warm varieties at Stella McCartney, the sweater is no longer relegated to the top half.
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen raised the bar with The Row‘s prodigious cowl-neck top and skirt while Michael Kors whipped up fisherman’s cardigans with matching nubby scarves: this Fall calls for comfy knits from head to toe.
Crazy Fur
Much like leather, fur (faux and real) is a Fall/Winter staple, but this season, designers cozied up to cuddly shearling experimented with new shapes.
In Milan, Karl Lagerfeld framed Cara Delevingne in a Fendi hood; in New York, Vfiles demonstrated that we shouldn’t be afraid of a bold-as-it-gets coat, a sentiment echoed by front row showgoer Rihanna.
While it’s difficult to beat Miuccia Prada‘s color-blocked coats, Sacai‘s Chitose Abe had a close runner-up in her statement-making Mongolian-lamb biker jacket. This season’s furry outerwear is sure to be a hit with the fashionable set.
Menswear inspired
Every season the suit gets a new look and for this season it’s got a masculine edge. The trick is it’s not too androgynous, and it’s not too girly. Think feminine pastels with loose “I borrowed this from my husband” tailoring and chic pyjama style separates. I’ve seen models stomp down the runways looking effortlessly chic in trousers and blazers at Isabel Marant and Hermes.
Also look to Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, and Chanel‘s head-to-toe one-colour suiting for inspiration. Looks like it’s time to take a cue from the boys and suit up!A great suit goes a long way, especially in a woman’s wardrobe…
The Cape
The cape has potential to be one of the most worn pieces this season – Burberry’s Autumn/Winter 14 monogrammed poncho capes have already been coveted by Delevingne, Palermo, Sarah Jessica Parker and co. Cape or poncho, hood, fur or OTT cocoon – just ensure that there’s something from Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana or Burberry draped nonchalantly over your shoulders and voilà – wardrobe updated. Give it up for the new wrap stars.
Alexander McQueen‘s nod to Game of Thrones, Fendi‘s take on Little Red Riding Hood and Valentino‘s sense of ethereal enchantment, designers looked to a whimsical and imaginative world for their inspiration this season. Which is exactly where that cape steps in again.
