It's that time of the year again. Time to put away the flat sandals and get back up on those high heels, well, not in my case; I wear stilettos year round. Nonetheless, autumn is here and flip flops and sundresses are now a thing of the past. It's time to learn about the trends and key pieces that will be on our shopping lists this fall. Because, let's be serious, you wouldn't want to rake leaves, pick apples, and carve pumpkins in last season's styles. So get ready for my fall/winter forecast of the top trends of the season.
Head-to-Toe Print
Seems as though the all-over-prints from last season will be carried into this fall season. Designers are really pushing head-to-toe patterns of paisleys, florals, checks and every other fantasy design. Prada was the leader of the pack since she epitomized the print trend in 70s inspired pattern matching jacket and pants. Miuccia also paid homage to the print in her Miu Miu line, showing paisley printed matching jacket and pants as well. Rag & Bone, Erdem and Paul & Joe championed florals, while Prabal Gurung and Roberto Cavalli dipped into a tie dye print. Other designers who embraced the patterns transforming them into geometric printed tailored jackets and pants were Etro, Rochas, Mary Katrantzou and Louis Vuitton.
Brocade Brigade
This fall season is not at all for the timid dresser. It is the season of opulence and indulgence. Have you seen the Dolce & Gabbana fall collection? If that runway show was any indication of what will be in store this fall, forget minimalism. Rightly so, since fashion is to be celebrated and the fashion system will not be brought down by the global crisis.
In fact, since fashion changes according to the economy, the fashion world might be trying to tell us something, perhaps a comeback is on its way? A common gold thread made its way through many collections. Not surprisingly, designers Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana triumphed the trend of opulence and dedicated their whole collection to baroque Sicily, Dolce's native land. The lavish collection spanned from white and black lace dresses, skirts and blouses, to black and gold brocade capes and flower embroidery just about everywhere. The designers set a mood that recalled the Luchino Visconti's movie Il Gattopardo with gold chandeliers and fresh flowers draped from the ceiling and an enormous gilded mirror at the end of the runway. However, the designing duo were not alone celebrating the baroque era, designers like Dries Van Noten, Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo and Balmain all played dress up with opulence.
The Dark Side
Yet to counter both of these trends, some designers took a turn down a darker path. For seasons we saw bright hues dominating our closets and for some designers, it's time to take the black out again with a nouveau gothic touch. With movies like The Dark Knight Rises, it's no wonder some designers opted for all over black and leather. From Gucci, Versace and Givenchy to Alexander Wang, Yves Saint Laurent and Fendi, the common denominator was tough, black leather. Michael Kors sent down the runway a mid-length black leather trench coat with fur inserts while Alberta Ferretti, known for her soft, chiffon evening dresses, even drifted into the darker side with a long sleeve, black leather cocktail dress.
The Modern Fur
Fur accents are turning up everywhere. From sleeves on coats, trim on dresses and skirts, or even as skirts, fur this season has a new meaning. Don't toss the fur jacket yet, however you may want to invest in some new modern pieces. The design houses of 3.1 Phillip Lim, BCBG Max Azria and Jason Wu added furry sleeves to their constructed coats and jackets, meanwhile Mulberry turned fur into a full skirt and Fendi, Missoni and Neil Barrett added fur on the trim of their dresses. However you wear fur this season, make sure has a clean cut to it.
Turn up the Volume
Last season's micro trend of the form enhancing peplum silhouette has turned into a macro trend this season. Defined by a short flared ruffle that sits at the natural waist, the flared design has turned up on dresses, skirts, jackets and blouses from the runways of Lanvin, Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs. The voluminous peplum was embraced at Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani and Burberry Prorsum.
So now that you know the trends, you should feel confident to turn that summer wardrobe into a fall one. Remember to wear trends that fit your body and lifestyle, but don't be afraid to dress up either. This season there is a little bit of something for every fashion taste bud, whether you pump up the volume with peplums, cover yourself in prints, brocade and fur or simply keep it black.
