FALL FASHION TRENDS
Bold colours, big cuts and western influence fill runways as cold-weather season arrives
If pondering the winter season ahead conjures up images of grey days and even greyer fashion choices, well, you’re in for a surprise.
This cold-weather season, it’s all about making a sartorial statement. And, as one might imagine, it all begins with outerwear.
“This season we saw so many amazing coats on the runways — whether it was an oversized plaid jacket from Balenciaga or a shaggy, faux-fur coat from Dries Van Noten,” said Joseph Tang, the fashion director at Holt Renfrew.
While a flattering silhouette is always in style, Tang said some of this season’s hottest outerwear items were also those that play with proportions — sometimes in a very dramatic (almost theatrical) way.
“We are always seeing a lot of designers play with proportions whether it’s in an exaggerated sleeve or an oversized silhouette,” he explained. “Balenciaga exemplified this to an extreme with their 3D -moulded coats done with a perfect hour-glass silhouette.”
And the bold movement doesn’t stop with statementmaking outerwear, according to Tang. It continues on to colours and prints, too.
“We saw a lot of designers play on themes from the ’80s and there was no shortage of neon on the runways,” he explained of the unexpected colour palette. “We loved the way Prada took neon and reinterpreted it into modern silhouettes for a more contemporary look. Their neon nylon bags and ready-to-wear were standouts.”
The colour play of the season will, as a collective, skew more toward bold contrasts than basic blacks and greys, Tang said.
“There is a wide spectrum of key colours for the season. Bold colour stories in pink, green and orange was also key.”
But, don’t worry, there will be some black items on option. They’ll just be a little less … basic than we’re used to seeing them.
“We saw a lot of textured blacks in patent leathers and faux croc, which look very luxe,” Tang said.
If you’re more of a basic- blue-jeans-and-classic-coatstype of fashion fan, or are slightly colour averse, don’t worry, there’s certainly something for you this season. So long as you’re willing to skew a little bit western, that is.
“We saw a lot of western influences on the runways,” Tang said. “Whether it was long paisley dresses or natural coloured shearling paired back to western-inspired boots.”
While Tang points to the Australian label Zimmerman and iconic Italian house Fendi as two examples of the western theme done “very well,” style derivatives of the Wild West (think: shoulder yokes, updated takes on cowboy boots, fringe details, shearling and suede) are sure to be spotted this winter at a wide array of retailers, at various price points, for both men and women.
“We’ll have super luxurious shearling coats from brands like Berluti and Brioni,” Tang explained of the plush skins. “And the men’s plaid work jacket is oversized in silhouette and perfect for fall transition weather — Versace did a great version of this.”
For further fashion for men, we can expect to see a continuation of streetwearinspired pieces, again, from virtually every fashion house and high-street brand. Tang’s pick for “elevated” takes on the ongoing love affair with joggers, hoodies and sneakers were from Valentino, Givenchy and Prada.
And, when it comes to logos, well, we can expect to see bold, branded items just about everywhere this season. Again.
“This trend continues to be super strong on the runways,” Tang explained of the ongoing, aptly named ‘logomania’ movement. “Designers are unapologetically splashing their logos over ready-to-wear and accessories and we can’t get enough of it! Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Balenciaga all embody this trend.”
So, what’s this style insider’s top pick for the must-have item this fall-winter season that’s worthy of making an investment on? Thankfully, it’s something that ticks both the fashion and the function boxes.
“An amazing coat,” he replied succinctly.
A fail-safe fall fashion buy, indeed. aharris@postmedia.com