Whats in store Womenswear A/W 04/05
Designers drew from the past for inspiration in this upbeat season. The key message of the season is that of elegance, as designers evolve summer’s 50’s look into something more demure. Designers looked at the 30’s silhouette and in came feminine blouses. However a strong androgynous theme ran throughout this a/w’s collections.
Colour
We saw a splashing of autumnal colours in s/s 04 and it looks like they have paved the way for a/w’s rich wintery colours in blood red and rich opulent greens. This is a grown-up sophisticated palette and looks great off-set with browns and navies.
Prints were in abundance last summer and they look sure to continue through the winter months. Florals and bold graphic designs remain but in a more autumnal palette. Think satin dresses in floral prints.
Boy/Girl
The divide between menswear and womenswear is closing. Women wore strong masculine suits, crisp tailoring in a palette of grey, black and white. Wear sharply tailored coats, wide leg pants and shirt dresses in stretch wovens and flannels.
Ladylike Dressing
Summers girly 50’s look has evolved into a more refined silhouette. Knee length pencil skirts are worn with luxurious knitwear pieces or prim bow-neck tied blouses. This ladylike trend works best in a palette of greens, purple and berry tones.
Boho
Inspiration is drawn from the eccentric boho style of the 30’s. The dropped waist dress is still a key look for winter as are jersey layers, wrap blouses and kimono styling. The boho trend works best in teal and jade greens with dulled metallic accessories. Fabrications come in satins, jerseys, lames and embroideries. This look is great for glamorous evening wear.
Fur
Man made or real fur was every where on the catwalks for a/w. Tom Ford lined the catwalk with fur for Gucci, whilst Marni, Jean Paul Gaultier and Julien Macdonald’s collections were bursting with luxe furs.
Whats in store Menswear A/W 04/05
This season menswear is clean and modern. Tailored jackets replace dressed-down casualwear. The traditional and the classic returns in the form of checks and plaids. Casualwear smartens up with inspiration coming from the great outdoors.
Colour
Colour is more grown up for winter as we see more camels, browns and greys. The more adventurous can add a hint of rich grape and teals to give a touch of romance to their wardrobe.
Print/Pattern
This season wear shirts in tartans and plaids and fine knits in retro patterns and argyles.
Sharp Dressing
Menswear is smartening up! Designers sent models down the runway in neat, tailored looks. Gone are the gimmicky pieces of previous seasons and in come key pieces. Wear fine gauged knit pieces with a suit and crombie style coat. Fabrications come in the forms of tweeds, wool and flannels whilst colours revolve around berry, charcoal and camel.
The Great Outdoors
Winter sees the return of the quilted jackets in traditional classic plaids and tartans. Wear lumberjack shirts under chunky knits and gilets. This looks works well when worn with dark denim and washed corduroy. Keep colours simple and autumnal rather than full-on lumberjack red.
Romance
This is a bohemian trend that works well along side the sharp dressing of the season. Plush velvets in a rich colour palette gives this trend a very romantic feel. Accessories such as scarves and cravats are key and can be worn with any of this seasons looks. This is a youthful trend intended to be worn in pieces and not all over! Wear wrap coats, jackets and tail coats in silk velvets and plush cottons in a palette of aubergines, winter white and teal shades.
Whats in store Accessories A/W 04/05
Shoes
A wide variety of styles are available this season from sporty pumps to sexy heels. Look out for the Marc Jacobs butterfly sandals or head to New Look for an identical version. An easy to wear daytime shoe comes in the form of the flat thong sandal from Hobbs and Oasis.
Belts
If you buy one belt this season make it the Chloe woven belt, or head to Next and Dorothy Perkins for a high street version.
Bags
Colour and print are key themes for bags this summer, from small evening clutch bags to large leather or printed canvas bags. Head to accessorize for colorful beaded bags and printed beach bags. For soft leather shopping bags jigsaw have a great selection and also see the yellow leather bag from hermes.
Jewellery
Charms and trinkets are key this season. Chanel, Boyd and Luella have a great selection or try the more affordable ones at Tatty Devine. Brooches are everywhere, it’s up to you what shape, size or colour to go for, but some of the best can be seen at John Lewis, Urban Outfitters and Fenwick.
Beach
Prints are also key in swimwear so head to Marks and Spencer and DKNY for gorgeous beach essentails.
Mens accessories
Belts
Studded and leather belts typical of the wild west are worn low slung on the waist to hold up those worn denim jeans. Examples of these can be found at Calvin Klein, D&G and Paul Smith. If you prefer a sportier look opt for acid brights or patterned
