By Charlotte Hoyle
Its official summer is over. However despite the chill in the air we can cling to the exciting prospect of new winter wardrobes. So as we face darker nights, colder mornings and even more rain think happy thoughts as this year sees a varied take on winter fashion.
Luella A/W 09/10 - Tweed coat with gold buttons - Image Vogue.com
Summer saw an array of 80’s inspired prints, statement jewelry and neon brights - we were all about the floral cream tea look meets House of Holland on acid, but winter has a more somber palette of luxury midnight colours complimented by heavy textiles such as leather and tweed seen at fashion brands Burberry and Luella.
Emilio Pucci A/W 09/10 - High shoulder leather jacket worn with leather shorts and high leg leather boots - Image Vogue.com, Kate Moss Starksy leather jacket - Image Marie Claire
Leather jackets are currently massive on the high street, the perfect casual cover up favored by Kate Moss and Pixie Geldof, if you don't have one invest now. Fake leather is just as good and the high street showcases various styles of the biker jacket depending on your price range.
Left SAVE: Leather look studded biker jacket New Look £40
Right SPLURGE: Leather studded Mohan biker jacket All Saints £395
The feel is not subtle as the attitude to create a stir is still present in decorated surreal like hosiery and evocative accessories which were seen at Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton. Jewelry is almost architectural in design, a modernist take on shapes taken from punk jewelry of the 1980’s with a nod to sleek luxury. Its all about over accessorizing with statement pieces to create an almost bejeweled look.
Left SPURGE: Emanuel Ungaro - Image Vogue.com
Right SAVE: Bebaroque Suki Jewelled Tights £42 mytights.com
Several trends are present each a development of the former thus creating a symbiotic feel within the collections, each an inky shade from this seasons palette. Pick items that are shades of berries such as violet, blue and purple, rich regal colours to be worn alongside stormy shades of grey and black. Or take note in the opposing dreamy pastels seen at Balenciaga and Lanvin.
ABOVE: Elise Overland Image Vogue.com, Rare by the Saturday's Purple Tulip dress ASOS £40 worn with wrap over double studded belt ASOS £12 creates the look.
Silhouettes are dramatic and highlighting the waist is key in many looks, whether through thin belts, cut of fabric or wide Japanese obi belts. Shoulders are high and sculptural with fabric spilling over in pleats or stratospheric like fur adornments; if not shoulders then arms see drama in fur or fringe embellishment. The best place to find your very own piece of couture at a fraction of the price is to either visit vintage stores or invest in a piece created by a fashion student/graduate. Stores such as Rokit (www.rokit.co.uk), Absolute Vintage (www.absolutevintage.co.uk) and Beyond Retro (www.beyondretro.com) offer an online vintage experience if you aren't in the London area. Seeking out young designers is rather more obscure, Camden Lock and Petticoat Lane markets offer a range of usual pieces for the same price (if not less) as a high street garment, however if this is not viable then check out ASOS's Laden Showroom range (www.ladenshowroom.co.uk). Situated in Brick Lane the store is a mecca of usual goods and is well known in the industry for unique finds.
ABOVE: 1980's Black Ruche Dress with Diamate detail £65 at Rokit - www.rokit.co.uk
Continuing with the trends, femininity is present in plunge neck shapes, lucid textiles and revealing skirts; fabric is manipulated around the body to create fluid shapes in silk and organza, which are fitted to the female form.
ABOVE: Louis Vuitton A/W 09/10 - Image Vogue.com, Nude Ruffle Dress £40 Topshop, Mango Waist Belt £23 ASOS.com, Short Statement Heavy Link Chain Necklace £12 ASOS.com
The feel is very evocative, desirable and emotive. So take a deep breath pull on your knee high boots, grab your oversized clutch and plunge into the glamour of Autumn Winter 2009.
