Listen up all you fashionistas out there – black is in this season but with nouveau silhouettes, sculpture, tailoring and cuts. Invest in the new age LBD from designers like Hannah Marshall, Balenciaga, Versace and Rue du Mail. Look out for black suits from Alexander Herchcovitch, Todd Lynn and Lanvin. The look has to be strong, sexy and streamlined. Stark but elegant, the clear message is power dressing. There are lots of different textures in the separates like folds, drapes and pleats which amazingly creates a more body conscious silhouette as seen in Haider Ackermann and the newly revamped Ferragamo.
Interestingly tartans and gingham are being seen in the limelight as are plaids and tweeds from the likes of D&G and Dolce and Gabbana. The floor length plaid dresses from the latter are simply gorgeous and are a must have this season. Leather keeps on popping up every where so don’t think twice about investing in pair of leather pants from Jitrois, Givenchy, Haider Ackermann or Christopher Kane. Elsewhere, namely Prada, sheer black open weave lace details seem to be the choice for dresses and tops.
On our radar is the Russian or Cossack look with its folklore inspired prints, embroidery and embellishments. There’s a strong, luxe, hippie vibe to this with shaggy and peasant elements thrown in for good measure. It conjures up a 70’s style London sort of image and it is present in Gucci, Etro and Anna Sui. Don’t forget to top off this look with dark, smouldering lipstick.
For you party goers, be reminded that it’s all about being sexy, sultry and sophisticated. Versace has emerged with bold cocktail dresses; Krystof Strozyna’s pieces are elegant in a multitude of colours and Alexander McQueen’s creations are very avant garde. If you’re looking for long frocks look no further than the fabulous creations of London based home grown designer Ashley Isham. |
Season specific styles to be kept in mind are ruffled blouses with high necklines and billowing sleeves as seen in Givenchy, Valentino and Oscar De La Renta, super micro mini dresses for those who don’t mind revealing a bit of leg and below the knee dresses for a more demure look, full volume skirts, slouchy pants with sleek fitted jackets, low crotch baggy harem pants like those spied at Yves Saint Laurent and sleek jacket styled dresses as per Todd Lynn and Lanvin.
Hot details to look out for are feathered accents, winter florals with splashes of brightly coloured flower petal pellets, embellished sleeves, collar and shoulder focused details, fur collars, 50’s diamante, the Hitchcock blondes look, the sportswear look and the 80’s urban look.
The colours to take note of this season are muted pink, russet, red, purple, orange and brown combos, dove gray and that icy blue that can be found at Prada and Topshop Unique.
Accessories you want to have are statement necklaces like those from Lanvin, LV, Marni and Vera Wang, bags and belts with fringe and rope tassels, sheer stockings, widely patterned leg wear from Marni and D&G, matching bracelets worn on both hands which were detected Balenciaga, fingerless gloves from Celine, netted elbow length gloves from Chanel, thigh high boots as seen at Nina Ricci, Etro, Fendi and Celine, plain suede platform pumps in different colours – buckles and multiple straps are optional as witnessed at Bottega, Dior and YSL. |
