A/W Trends: La Parissiene

(Chanel, Meadham Kirchhoff, Nina Ricci, Erdem, Louis Vuitton)

The femme fatale of 80's Paris was the main star of the fall collections. Seductive stockings, glimpses of lingerie and red lips were the accessories of choice to compliment the often coquettish and frivolous glamour of our over the top french heroine. Silks, bows, lace and ruffles embellished the sophisticated sexiness of the Paris inspired stylings. By day she revels in left bank inspired ensembles which payed homage to Coco Chanel. The look was strictly monochrome from Breton stripes at Meadham Kirchhoff to conservative lace necklines at Chanel. At night her fanciful bourgeois side emerges with cascades of gold brocade(seen at Roksanda Ilnic) blue or red stain(Erdem and Nina Ricci) and intricate detailing such as surging ruffles and frills (like at Marchesa). Typically the Paris collections reigned supreme with designers such as Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu completely defining the look.

A/W Trends: Metallic Embelishment

(Balmain, Balmian, Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaultier, Julien MacDonald)

The a/w catwalks were laden with sparkling gem encrusted ensembles from Balamin's sequin covered mini dresses to Isabel Marant's Delicious studded ankle boots, metallic embellishment established itself as a key trend for fall. Jewels wern't just reserved for evening wear though, at Balmain a casual Breton striped sweather was swathered in sequins,and at Calvin Klein a subtle knee length day dresses offered a twist with its glittering fabric. Everything from leggings at Gucci, harem pants at Preen and jackets at Paul & Joe were burnished with sparkly sequins. Studs and spikes offered an aggressive alternative with a glamorous edge. Jean Paul Gaultier sent models in antagonistic stud encrusted leather jackets storming down the catwalks and At Julien MacDonald shoulder padded jackets were coated with jagged spikes. This punk inspired edge suggested a rebellious remedy to the glamour infused fall collections.

J'Adore

Isabel Marant a/w 09