Written by Nicola Cupples

WILD THING

Real or fake, fur is back with a growl this season, but rather than the usual chinchilla and fox variety we saw more of the beast variety in the form of big gorilla like jackets and raw sheepskin.Wherever you put large volume, such as a big fur, you add volume to your figure, so when going for this sort of jacket, keep the bottom half of your body clean and simple, with a skinny jean or tights, which restores balance to your look.

Animal prints and animal textures where all over the runway, such as snakeskin and leopard. A trend that is usually like marmite where women either usually love or hate animal print / skin, so don’t feel the need to go down this route if it’s not to your taste, just because it’s in fashion. If you do, go for one statement piece such as a leopard shoe or a snakeskin clutch – don’t feel the need to match all of your accessories or outfit, otherwise you run the risk of looking a little too Bet Lynch.

FASHION FETISH

Don’t think full on pvc catwoman suit here, but this season’s fetish trend is more in the subtle detailing and really adds interest and excitement to the usual black we see on the runway. Look for leather, PVC, velvet and lace panels, straps, accessories or keyhole cuts and this is just enough to pull this trend off effortlessly. Chokers are also a key accessory this season which fits nicely in to this trend. 

WONDERFUL ONE-PIECES

The 70s are still prevalent from last season as we move in to aw11, in the form of glamorous Jumpsuits and playsuits in silks and satins. The key to this trend is fit and it can be a challenge to find the right one-piece for you that fits well in the body. If too long in the leg, this can be easily overcome with a good tailor, but too or long in the body will not look good. Wear a jumpsuit with minimal accessories such as heels, a statement neckpiece or clutch and a skinny belt. The shape and drama of this piece is enough.

40s GLAMOUR

The glamour of the 40s strutted down the catwalk this season, fur shrugs, gloves and pearls galore.This trend is all in the lengths and it was somewhat a relief for many women to see that on or below-the-knee skirts were back on-trend.  A below or on the knee pencil skirt, teamed with a leg-lengthening high waistband was a key piece of this era, giving a very alluring, elegant, conservative yet feminine look. Pussy-bow blouses also strolled the runway evoking true 40s glamour and empowerment.

60s MOD SQUAD

Evoking the age of Twiggy, matching two-piece ensembles in felt and wool did ‘the stroll’ down the runways of aw11. Demure and ladylike we saw bracelet sleeves, peter-pan collars, knee boots, abbreviated hemlines in the form on miniskirts, tunics and polo necks. Simple clean lines but not in any way safe as pieces screamed Mary Quant with the colour palette containing vibrant pop colours such as tangerine orange and ice cream shades. The only accessory needed here is lashings and lashings of mascara. 

SHINE BRIGHT

Truly decadent, the glitter of the runway came alive with sequins, liquid lame and shine, made wearable and fun being mixed with daytime cuts and fabrics. To avoid overkill this trend needs to be dressed down with denim and chunky knits to stay clear from ‘dog’s dinner’ territory and ensure a wearable combination. The style challenge to watch with this trend is it’s quite high maintenance so read the care instructions carefully, as many items that fit in to this genre will not be able to be just banged in to the washing machine!

CHECK MATE

Tartan, plaid and hounds-tooth were used in many collections of aw11, in both traditional colours and not so tradition colour combinations. To keep this trend looking modern, break up with bright colours and ensure they shapes are modern. It could be time to revive that tartan mini-skirt or jacket, but make sure it’s not too traditional or you may end up looking like a fuddy-duddy. The younger you are, the more traditional you can go with the style, as it will still look modern. The older you are, the more you need to look for a shape and style that still works for you, but has a modern edge.