Who will you be this winter?
This is revision with a difference, no pressure, no stress no big exam looming over our heads. We’re on the cusp of fashion week and before we get carried away with the offerings for S/S 14 lets have a look at the trends of the season currently on our doorstep. So instead of study lists lets work on some shopping lists and instead of key points lets focus on key pieces. Its time to take on the world of Autumn/Winter 13 and what a winter wonderland it is....
The mood that speaks the loudest is that of accentuated femininity. An inherent elegance transcends the overall feel and aesthetic of the looming season. Its a theme thats been carried through from spring summer, the notion of modernity in modesty and the slow death of ‘hooker chic’ is ongoing and is destined to keep going until there is a fundamental fashion funeral and eventually as is the case in this transient, flippant, whimsical world, a rebirth. A resurrection of an “if you have it flaunt it” bare all skin fest that will then no doubt be referred to as a liberation from the constraints of modest, composed and covered femininity. I just dread to think of what level sartorial sex will rise or stoop to when the rebirth occurs, will it propose that we all do our weekly shopping in a wet look flesh toned lingerie ensemble reminiscent of Miley Cyrus at the VMA’s or will it be an homage to Milla Jovovich’s Leeloo in the Fifth Element with butt cheeks and boobs bandaged and everything else hanging out?
I digress...
In the true nature of fashion, history is once again repeating itself. Although there is flesh on show it is notably more seductivly suggestive than practical nudity, theres a flash of flesh rather than a flaunt and an elegance rather than an exhibitionist. Has it finally become clear to one and all that what is acceptable and outlandishly inspired as fashion in a music video is not for everyday consumption. Costume is costume for a reason, it creates spectacles, entertainment and raises ratings. It is not meant for real life. A music video is a movie with all and extra bells and whistles, you don’t see Miley Cyrus walking around LA in the aforementioned ensemble so please for fashion and dignities sake take a leaf out of falls fashion book and cover it up and keep it clean!
Once again I digress...
So before i stray off subject and into another anti flesh flaunting rant lets get back to our studies and the first item on our fall fashion directory... The feminine force. The magnetic force of The Lady as opposed to The Tramp is inescapable. The fashion gods have all portrayed their leading Lady in a different light, time and space. Over at Gucci, Frida Giannini gave us the femme fatale, her motion was seconded by Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs and Nina Ricci. A modern Jackie O was the protagonist at Temperley London while Emporio Armani presented a playful, Edwardian-esque leading lady with a quintessential, endearing tomboy touch. Rochas gave a Lady-like nod to glamorous grannies while Miuccia Prada presented her Lady at granny lengths for Miu Miu. There were many other interpretations, Michael Kors gave us demure, Celine, modern and Dior once again has a New ‘New Look’. So whatever way you decide to interpret the Lady this season, and I’m sure you will because its allure is inescapable and the sophistication will seduce you, you have plenty of choice and inspiration. Just remember to stand straight because ladies don’t slouch.
Above images: 1, 2 & 3 Gucci, 4 & 5 Bottega Veneta, 6 & 7 Marc Jacobs, 8 Nina Ricci, 9 & 10 Temperley London, 11, 12 & 13 Emporio Armani, 14 & 15 Rochas, 16 & 17 Miu Miu, 18, 19 & 20 Michael Kors, 21 Celine, 22 & 23 Christian Dior.