Sunday, 13 April 2014

7 Key Trends Report : Autumn/Winter 14

This season is all about cosiness that will warm both our hearts and wardrobes. Get ready to ward off winter with cocoon silhouette, cosy knits, blankets and fur coats. Or stand out in shimmering, clean lines and sixties inspiration pieces. Mini-skirts, trapeze dresses, Mary-Janes and pastel colors paid tribute to the baby doll style Swinging Sixties of Twiggy, Penelope Tree and Jane Birkin. Some runway were mad for plaid like Delpozo, Tommy Hilfiger and Vera Wang. I will also do a separate post on Maxi Coats which were also the running theme this season.



One of the most prominent trends for Winter was the comfy soft, all over wool, polo neck and matching scarves, as seen at Stella McCartney, Temperley and CĂ©line. This trend works best in neutral tones. The trend is oversized or relaxed fit, matchy seperates is key whether in colour or pattern. Grey, burnt orange and earthy greens are a hit. Slinky ribbed trousers reigned at Marc Jacobs and Celine, Mark Fast and Calvin Klein create knitted culottes and few others like Micheal Kors, Helmut Lang and edun layer pleated medi skirts underneath.




New IT knit is knotted on the neck like Derek Lam and Prabal Gurung, rolled neck were seen on every runway and the micro trend were the super long sleeves. Note to the nineties grunge where the sleeves were pulled pass the fingers to give a slouchy carefree cool (rad). It's the Normcore knit that you will see all the fashion bloggeres wear. Wear it untucked with fitted pants and long line coat for an effortless street casual.




These poncho-like blankets thrown over shoulders refer to African tribe or Indian outfits. But this season has a more British country chic vibe, Christopher Bailey mastered the art at Burberry, draping cashmere scarves over his famous trenches before giving every model her own personalised poncho for the finale. Layer upon layer of throws and capes, this is surely most effective way to stay super cosy this winter.





 As the previes trends states, we really like to stay in on our sofas covered in duvets and be snug comes winter but since going outside is unavoidable. Who has never thought about commuting in duvets? The coat robe is you solution. Tory Berch took literal sense of bath robes with side tie bows. Christian Siriano brought a nubby, textured blanket to wearable form. Chloe, Maxmara and The Row took tailored thick wool to chic with a belt casually slung around the waist, while Richard Chai, Altuzarra and Peter Som turned comfort into coats with contrast belts. All Clinched in at the waist to accentuate feminine shapes while exuding a laid-back luxury vibe.




This trend is less disco sparkle more futuristic shimmery. There are minimal sequins and beading, the shine comes from the fabric itself. The metallic has a glossy finish that becomes iridescent but the dark muted tones brings a modern sophistication rather than 'spacey' aesthetic. The sheen clings to the body making this a perfect piece for evening wear, alluring and not over the top illustrated at Douglas Hannant, Iris Van Herpen and Sarapol.




Long gloves are one of the most impeccably chic accessories to evening looks and not to mention greatly practical. The longer and the brighter the better. Colourful leather ones are the It-accessory of the season. Stripes at Dior, vibrant and scrunched at Rochas, femme fetale long satin at Tome and jewel encrusted at Dolce & Gabbana. The perfect way to draw attention while hailing a taxi or ordering drinks at the bar. Pair with quarter sleeves coat and flowing dress.





As well as oversized outerwear, designers displayed gigantic accessories ranging from scarves to huge hats and long gloves. So where else is there left to go...well you can't leave your shoulders cold. Balenciaga, Tory Burch and Celine sport luxe hand warmers but the new thing I'm seeing is shoulder warmers. This charming, if somewhat old fashioned accessory returns from oblivion this season in a variety of presentation and textures. Presented as capelets and shoulder toppers at Thakoon, draped one shoulder fur at Marni and Marques Almeida, off the shoulder muff at Lavin and knitted shoulder wrap at Acne.