Stylist’s A/W catwalk report
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- Stylist Team
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Everything you need to know about what to wear for the months ahead
AUTUMN LEAVES
Pumpkin, russet, tobacco, copper... Shades the colour of fallen leaves lifted the sober mood of the shows with a welcome pop of colour. As with every shade this season, the essential way to wear them is head-to-toe but we recommend starting with an on-trend kitten heels before you graduate to a full orange outfit. Which you will.
On the catwalk at:
Sophia Kokosalaki
Paul Smith
Stella McCartney
Matthew Williamson
Miu Miu
Oscar de la Renta
Vivienne Westwood
Peter Pilotto
Miu Miu
CAMEL
The ultimate colour for channelling Autumn 2010's restrained mood, camel is the shade of the season. The neutral appeared on every item of clothing – and accessory. Wearing the colour head-to-toe will give you the most on-trend way of working it but otherwise a luxe, camel coat is the item you should invest in.
On the catwalk at:
Nicole Farhi
Michael Kors
Prada
3.1 Phillip Lim
Marni
Sophia Kokosalaki
Tommy Hilfiger
Stella McCartney
3.1 Phillip Lim
CHARLIE GIRL
The glossy influence of the Seventies was a big hit on the catwalks. Want to work the trend this season? You’ll need to start with the right trousers. High-waisted, flattering pants made a welcome return after seasons of scary hareems… but A-line skirts are equally important. Wear both with a silk blouse and the perfectly blow-dried ‘do.
On the catwalk at:
Aquascutum
Zac Posen
Saltavore Ferragamo
Emilo Pucci
Marc Jacobs
Chloe
Tommy Hilfiger
Michael Kors
Pucci
MIDAS TOUCH
Designers decreed that it’s time to dazzle as gold shone from almost every catwalk. Gold looks best worn as an accent colour during the day (try combining a Lurex knit with camel tapered trousers) then unleash a gold minidress at night. Wear yours with autumn’s essential skinny belt and bare legs to make the trend modern.
On the catwalk at:
Balmain
Maxamra
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Michael Kors
3.1 Phillip Lim
Salvatore Ferragamo
PPQ
Paul Smith
Balmain
FADE TO GREY
This season, designers in the four fashion capitals decreed that grey is officially gorgeous as an array of smoky shades were shown on the catwalks. But it’s not enough to pull out any old grey pieces lurking in the back of your wardrobe. The shapes need to be fuss-free and in keeping with the minimal, pared-down mood of the season. A sharp blazer or chic dress is the piece to pick.
On the catwalk at:
Antonio Beradi
Gucci
Stella McCartney
Pringle
Marc Jacobs
Lanvin
Tommy Hilfiger
Paul Smith
Gucci
LADYLIKE LACE
Femme turned fatale with the arrival of lace as the most seductive fabric on our fashion radar. Add edge by teaming it with leather (Christopher Kane) or try layering black lace over a bold contrasting colour (Dolce & Gabbana). A lace top is the most versatile way to get an instant fashion update this update.
On the catwalk at:
Anna Sui
Dolce & Gabbana
Erdem
Miu Miu
Stella McCartney
Christophe Kane
Oscar de la Renta
Christopher Kane
BIKER GIRLS
In a season that was as much about how your clothes feel as how they look, supple chic leather was a hit on the catwalks. Mix it up with tweed, lace and chunky knits for a contemporary twist. Meanwhile biker jackets got an update as they morphed into the aviator. Burberry Prorsum's was the most desired but every label has their own version.
On the catwalk at:
Celine
Proenza Schouler
Ralph Lauren
Balmain
Burberry Prorsum
Moschino
Pringle
Thakoon
Diane Von Furstenberg
Burberry Prorsum
LEOPARD PRINT
Moving on from summer’s tiger prints, leopard is the big cat motif to covet for autumn. Designers mixed it up with military shirts, polka dots and Crayola colours for a playfully sexy effect. For day, a silk-print blouse adds allure. Wear with a pencil skirt and perilously high heels to be totally on-trend.
On the catwalk at:
Dolce & Gabbana
Dries Van Noten
Balmain
Etro
Gucci
Moschino
Rochas
Gucci
COLUMN SKIRTS
Fashion hits the floor this season as elegant column skirts became the newest way to dress for evening. But unlike summer’s maxi, this season’s skirts are worn with grungy glamour. Pair with a casual top or chunky knit for an unpredictable angle – Marc Jacob’s mix of cable knit and sequins has floored us. In a good way.
On the catwalk at:
Michael Kors
Marc Jacobs
Philosophy
Emilio Pucci
Roland Mouret
Sonia Rykiel
Marc Jacobs
NEW WAVE MILITARY
It's the perma-trend that refuses to go away without a battle. Once again, khaki parkas, double-breasted details and gold buttons featured in the front line. The military jacket is the only way to take on the trend. This season's way to wear it? With an eclectic mix of lace (Burberry Prorsum) or ruffles (Ralph Lauren.)
On the catwalk at:
Burberry Prorsum
Marc by marc Jacobs
Oscar de la Renta
Ralph Lauren
Aquascutum
Celine
Dries Van Noten
Vanessa Bruno
Oscar de la Renta
MINIMAL CHIC
Many of a/w 2010’s looks were severe, simple and devastatingly chic. Minimal looks stormed the catwalks and this restrained aesthetic looked fresh and new after a summer of ruffles. Pare down your look with plain pieces: sharp-lined blazers and straight A-line edged skirts. It’s the ultimate trend for city girls.
On the catwalk at:
Celine
BCBG Max Azria
Stella McCartney
Balenciaga
Gucci
Marc Jacobs
Pringle
Tommy Hilfiger
Stella McCartney
THE NEW BOHO
Get involved in a dark romance this autumn as full-length chiffon dresses in faded floral prints contribute to a maverick catwalk trend. Unlike summer's carefree, hippy style, this season's light, floaty fabrics have eccentric, intellectual appeal. Best worn layered over knits or under shaggy faux-fur or a sheepskin gilet.
On the catwalk at:
D&G
Kenzo
Anna Sui
Roberto Cavalli
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretii
Ralph Lauren
Erdem
Erdem
OPULENCE
Inspired by couture details, and intricate embroidery, bejewelled brocade and sumptuous damask set the tone for the season. After-dark dressing turned ultra-desirable as dresses bedecked with sequins appeared at Balmain, while MaxMara’s gold-thread encrusted coats took the fashion-pack’s breath away.
On the catwalk at:
Mary Katrantzou
Matthew Williamson
Alexander McQueen
Sophia Kokosalaki
Balmain
Maxmara
Mulberry
Emilio Pucci
MaxMara
KILLER CURVES
The reign of waif is finally over as curvier models stormed the runways in the most feminine fashion we’ve seen for several seasons. Prada even sent Victoria’s Secret models down their catwalk to showcase a delectable selection of nipped-in waists. Evoke Mad Men glamour with an essential full skirt, long leather gloves and a neat handbag.
On the catwalk at:
Dries Van Noten
Paul Smith
Alberta Ferretti
Victoria Beckham
Bottega Veneta
Tommy Hilfiger
Prada
Louis Vuitton
Prada
VELVET
Velvet was one of autumn’s stand-out fabrics. It’s the perfect material for glamorous eveningwear but try layering a velvet dress during the day for a modern take (Ralph Lauren). Deep blood-red velvet is particularly key (and will be perfect when winter sets in) but right now? Slip into a flirtily indulgent skirt.
On the catwalk at:
Antonio Beradi
Pringle of Scotland
Ralph Lauren
Anna Sui
Dolce & Gabbana
Givenchy
Richard Nicoll
Zac Posen
Ralph Lauren