If you are an Elle subscriber like myself, you will already have received your A/W 2011 RUNWAY EDIT
and have probably already picked out your favourites. One of the best things about the
catwalk is that there is something for everyone, of course you're not expected to love everything
but the things you're not so sure on, will almost certainly grow on you throughout the season.
ELLE's acting editor, Jennifer Dickinson describes this coming season as..
PLAYFUL, FLIRTY S&M, DARING PRINTS, POPS OF COLOUR AND WEARABLE PIECES
WATCH OUT FOR...
1."THE NEW FETISH"
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| Alexander McQueen A/W 2011 |
I would describe it as fierce, powerful and provocative. If you liked leather leggings, you will love
this! The amazing outfit worn by Kate Moss during the Louis Vuitton show at Paris fashion week
sums up this look; think hot pants, corsets, suspenders, leather and latex.
(see previous post 'fetish' for a reminder of KM's outfit).
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| Felder Felder |
Identical twins Danielle and Annette Felder exposed the amazing new Felder Felder collection as edgy but sexy. I love the skin tight trousers with zip (especially as her silhouette looks incredible) and the studded leather bustier but what I love even more is how these rock and roll looks have been toned down with romantic draping tops and floating skirts. This is exactly what my 'bird and the bee' blog is about.. I adore feminine, romantic apparel (represented by the bird) but I also admire that sting to an outfit; studs, embellishment, leather trims, tassels or a killer heel (represented by the bee). So although I will most probably avoid those fetish handcuffs and bondage edge,
I wouldn't say no to a pair of sprayed on leather trousers, or sexing up my outfit with these..
2."THE GIRL / BOY THING"
Think androgyny, think Alexa Chung in a tuxedo. If you thrive off the masculine suit, the classic
brogue or the trilby, this is the look for you.
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Stella McCartney
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For those of you that havn't read Carrie Gorman's beautiful review of the Stella McCartney Paris show, please read on!
Carrie captures the essence of her A/W collection perfectly and delivers fashion writing inspiration to us all!
One expects a comfortable dose of masculine tailoring and soft cashmere layers from Stella, but for A/W11 she created an edgier silhouette less in tune with mass covetability, more in keeping with the skewed proportions and directional shapes of the season. As with Phoebe Philo's Celine show yesterday, Stella has taken her trademark and added the element of surprise.
This was introduced through stiff, pleated dropped shoulders reminiscent of Issey Miyake's Pleats Please line and armadillo arched backs. Tops and blazers came overblown and oversized with sculptured sleeves and exaggerated boyfriend shapes. Underneath was still the neat tailored trousers and pencil skirts of yester-season to ease us gently in to the new ideal. Knitwear dresses were made from boiled wool; the fabric appearing shrunken but the shape stretched. For evening, there was a wonderful stream of dresses with polka dot paillettes hanging from either gauzy trapeze or clinging to body-con shapes. Sheer strips running the length of them cancels out the possibility of lingerie. If anyone can bring out your cheeky - or directional - side whilst pulling off the image of respectability, it's Stella
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| Stella McCartney |
Who would know they aren't stella?....
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Reiss Ezra peg leg trouser £95, Reiss Hazel jacket £195,
Reiss Ariella wide leg trouser £110 SALE £77 |
3."OPTIC SHOCK"Release your wild side. It's a step on from colour blocking, mixing prints and even textures. Lots of
snake print, dalmatian spots, fish scales, polka dot and fluffed up faux fur, in every colour you can imagine. Be OTT, be eccentric,
I am happy to see the continuation of the wide leg trouser, socks with sandals and the colour
pop, especially the orange against the beige.
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| Paul &Joe ,Richard Nicoll, Topshop Unique, Prada |
4."ECCENTRIC LADYLAND"
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| Jean Paul Gaultier |
What an amazing collection from Jean Paul Gaultier! Prim. Proper. Posh. I absolutely adore this A/W look, it's over the top and lady-like. My wardrobe is filled with camel, chocolate and beige, so i'm thrilled that the catwalk is still supporting this colour palette. There was a brilliant quote on Made In Chelsea when Amber said she will forever live in camel and Mark-Francis replied that he will wear camel, camel, camel, until he ends up with humps. AMEN from me. I love the tweed, love the embellishment, love the sequins and love the big hair. Very excited to start wearing 'eccentric ladyland' attire and see everyone creating their own looks.
5. "THE NEW NATIVE"
Hooorayyyy! Aztec prints, tassels, crochet, harem pants and homespun looking knits.
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| Proenza Schouler |
I love these looks because they appear effortless and are easy to recreate. There are so many styles of harem pants available on the highstreet, a multitude of knits sitting in vintage shops and tasselled tshirts are the easiest thing to make. Whether expensive and finished with heels or simply cheap and cheerful, "the new native" will help you continue your holiday or festival spirit!
If you havn't checked out 'Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony' collection, get on ASOS now. It focuses on a unique re-working of Pendleton’s classic styles, including their iconic wool shirting and Native American inspired jacquards, with New York label Opening Ceremony. It's perfect for working the new native look and currently up to 70% off in the sale.
6. "THE FUTURE"
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| Alexander Wang |
Silver metallics or shimmering gold? Coloured plastics or luxury sheen? Personally, I would opt for the latter of both. The Alexander Wang collection is truly beautiful, built up of soft metallics and shapes. The collection flaunts a range of luxury coats from beautiful quilted capes with billowing flute sleeves to perfectly wearable fur coats and even cashmere outerwear.
The Viktor & Rolf collection uses medieval inspiration to create futuristic looks. A drawbridge crashed on to the catwalk before an army of models with painted red faces marched out. Although I may not wear these looks myself, I cannot help but marvel at the innovative silhouettes and fierce outfits.
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| Viktor & Rolf |
Looking forward to seeing these styles recreated and personalised, which ones are your favourite?
MY FAVOURITE LOOKS
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| Balmain |
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Bottega Veneta
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