Fashion Special: The Designer Trends On The Catwalks

Lots Of Leather 

Leather is huge for Autumn and Winter – though as ever, powerhouse designers may have used real leather, but we’re fans of faux, ourselves. This season, matte designs were big, adding a subtle edge to outfits, but it was intriguing colour selections and contrasting styles that dominated the catwalk. The ’80s are officially back, as Alexander Wang models sashayed down the runway in black leather mini-dresses with circular, zipper-trimmed pockets. It was ’80s extravagance meets The Matrix, with the long black leather coats appearing especially foreboding while oozing pure sex appeal. Mini-dresses proved popular, as Miu Miu gave us the short and sassy; Loewe was all about the irresistible ankle length; while Hermes ensured we got some shirt dresses in leather as well. Saint Laurent sent models down the runway in leather shorts and ’80s-style oversized leather jackets, sleeves rolled up for some rebellious chic. Stella McCartney also went for blends of contrasts, combining casual pieces with more formal layers to create a unique look. Cobalt blue leather dresses were layered over taupe boots and cotton long-sleeved tops for a fashion-forward ensemble, while Lanvin was all sophisticated sex appeal, with skin-tight tangerine leather trousers and black leather tops bringing a modern, chic twist to a head-to-toe leather look.

Sequin Suits

This is the year of the suits. From the catwalk to the high street, red carpet to your office floor, all suits are becoming power suits as women are embracing the boldness of taking a traditionally masculine outfit and adding some unapologetic girl power. At the shows, designers were making everything feminine and irresistible with small tweaks to traditional designs: cropped ankle-length trousers, bold hues like canary yellow and plunging necklines were all spotted, elevating the pantsuit into something special. From Bottega Venetta’s cheerful sunny look to the Marcel Ostertag glitter, the powerful woman with a sexy but stylish suit is back. And you know what makes a powersuit even more powerful? Sequins. Tadashi Shoji’s rose gold version was a shimmering masterpiece, while Greta Constantine’s green sequin suit looked what the Wicked Witch of the West would wear to the Met Ball. Meanwhile, a dark blue striped and sequined cinched-waist number caused quite a stir among the audience at Malan Breton.

Very Velvety 

Velvet is such a rich, sumptuous and tactile fabric that it’s ideal for Autumn and Winter. A favourite for Christmas party season, it will again be everywhere this autumn. Jeremy Scott paired velvet with crop tops and emphasised underwire – another big trend for next spring – creating a rather intriguing silhouette. Prabal Gurung really had fun with colours, clashing yellows and purples, and giving some of his models flowing capes, because being extra is so en vogue. Saint Laurent went for some Russian-inspired winter looks, adding tasselled batwing sleeves to black velvet mini-dresses, and teaming these with knee-high velvet and fur-lined boots for a feminine Doctor Zhivago look. We’re also loving the Autumnal elegance of velvet pantsuits, which bring a surprising femininity and tactile quality. Jewel tones are perfect to play with in a velvet pantsuit, as you can pair teal or turquoise suit pieces with a stunning burgundy blouse to play up the delicacy of the fabric. Flared velvet trousers will add a ’70s silhouette.

Caped Catwalks

Women are all about empowerment right now, and you know what that means: capes. Designers embraced this strong accessory in various forms for Autumn and Winter, and no wonder: capes are the perfect way to add drama to an outfit, as the billowing movement can hide and show your body when you want. Another Fall 2018 fashion trend is the long cape worn over billowy gowns, adding drama to the outfit and standing out on the catwalks. It’s a beautiful way to hide and show off the body at the same time. Designers were all over the cape trend in the Autumn/Winter showcase catwalks, and adding in some extra accessorising or quirky styling to make the cape feel fresh and modern. Noon by Noor have added a sparkling gold criss-cross belt to their capes, while Prabal Gurung throws the cape down from below the arms, revealing the décolletage. Surprise capes that only appear to one side were also a lovely innovation, with Christian Siriano’s red and pink combo gown looking incredible with its train in the back. If you love capes but don’t want to go full-on melodrama heroine, embrace the more subtle approach of cape sleeves instead. The flowing sleeves on Pamella Roland’s burgundy dress have us craving more events to attend – perhaps an opera or two?