AW13 Trend Report: Fur, strapless dresses and a nod to the 1940s
Following the conclusion of various International Fashion Weeks, it
is a delight to welcome a return to ladylike chic and opulence for
Autunm/Winter 2013. Think Furs, demure hem lines, modest heels – or lack
of – and a tasteful nod to post war glamour. We could spend all day
reviewing the looks from the Fall fashion weeks that have just wrapped
up but we also think it’s important to filter through the trends and
report back with what we think are the most wearable and easily
replicated looks.
Let’s start with a controversial trend that was hard to miss on the
Fall catwalks. For some it is as acceptable as wearing leather shoes and
for others it is as taboo as it comes; however let us not be the judge
of your preference or personal views on acceptable versus unacceptable,
we are just here to report (so don’t shoot the messenger!). Fur; it was
a strong theme amongst designers that is bound to hit the high street
with welcome faux alternatives.
Alexander Wang AW13 Collection
There is something undeniably glamorous and luxe about a woman wearing a fur stole.
It brings us back to old Hollywood glamour. The likes of Lanvin pairing
it with a simple LBD, Marc Jacobs used stoles to add to his glamorous
guiled gowns and Marni showed how to work them with understated simples
such as strapless wool separates by adding them as an almost scarf like
accessory, thrown over the neck effortlessly.
Fur mittens were also a popular addition to the
trend. It’s a little cheeky but with enough elegance to rule out tacky,
with just a subtle hint. Alexander Wang of course dramatized it with
elbow length wow factor but the likes of Katie Ermilio used them with
elegant evening gowns to add a touch of grizzly glam!
If stoles and mittens are not your thing and you prefer a less discreet touch of the fur trend, jackets, coats and boleros
also were dominant within this trend. Fendi brought a bit of urban cool
to it with colour blocking or adding a splash of brightness, whilst
British labels such as Burberry Prorsum and Joseph showed us an
alternative monochromatic stripe and went a little wild in the pattern
of zebra and giraffe.
Strapless Dresses from dawn to dusk
Daytime strapless. When we think of strapless
dresses, we automatically think gowns, formal and evening wear. Well
now it’s apparently acceptable to show a bit of collar bone from dawn to
dusk! The fall catwalks saw strapless mixed with flats, boots, pumps
and brogues. They were casualized yet again with block blacks, sexy
leather like Dior, a less harsh alternative navy like Jil Sander or pin
stripe like Stella McCartney, with minimal if any accessories. Less is
definitely more with this look; it’s quite an easily achievable and
effective day to night time style.
A final fav pick of the trends is a nod to 1940’s and 50’s style
with swing coats, pencil skirts, below the knee skirts, flat shoes and
of course demure necklines. This trend reveals very little with button
ups and simple delicate necklaces. It’s also a look that is extremely
wearable to most shapes and sizes and of course not only is it timeless,
but also ageless.
The 1940s and 1950s theme was also prominent
Rochas went all out with this look showing us the most authentic
reference bringing us back in time for tea and crumpets. Diane Von
Furstenburg showed this look by staying true to her signature wrap
dress in burnt orange simplicity with a below the knee number. At the
No.21 show, a jazzed up pencil skirt with an embellished peplum was a
fresh take on an old favourite with buttoned to the neck shirts. Prim
and proper, this look consists of a reveal of minimal flesh but enough
to give a hint of good old fashioned femininity!
