Runway superheroes

Capes are just naturally stylish and designers show us how to wear one.

WHAT was it that fictional costume designer Edna Mode said in Pixar’s The

Incredibles? No capes! Well, it seems that the fashion designers of our world are not taking heed.

Capes have become the superhero acccessory of runways for Autumn/winter 2020. They appeared numerous times in different shows – always chic and always unfailingly beautiful.

From Michael Kors to Lanvin, Dior, Celine and Givenchy, the design is pretty much something to embrace this season. It’s not suprising, after the whole jacket-over-shoulders trend.

Why the fascination with capes, you ask? They do offer a more casual and nonchalant vibe ... as though you’re just naturally stylish without trying too hard.

If pyjamas can now be seen as chic, why not capes? At least they’re not something you would wear to bed.

How do you wear them? Remember that longer, flowy styles balance well with short skirts or tall heels. There are also designs that combine both a cape and jacket into one versatile piece.

Oh, and remember that you’ll find it difficult to sling a bag over your shoulder while wearing a cape. So clutch them in your hand instead.

Here’s a look at highlights of the trend on runways.

— Givenchy In her last collection for Givenchy before leaving, Clare Waight Keller played with the balance of hard and soft elements. Strong shoulders were a big focus, as were softly draped skirts and billowy cape dresses.

Hedi Slimane has always had a strong passion for Parisian 1970s dressing. This continues on in his Autumn/ Winter collection for Celine, which included a number of flowy and subtly chic capes. They represent a continuation of his love for bourgeois classics. — Celine

— Michael Kors Michael Kors’ town-and-country collection was very much inspired by equestrian elements. Paired with riding boots were a selection beautiful capes. “It’s the dream of getting out, getting away from reality,” he was reported as saying at the runway show.

— Lanvin Bruno Sialelli’s Lanvin presented a wide range of loose and oversized designs for this season. So naturally, the collection incorporated capes. Pared-down and simple, they came in muted colours for that really luxe feel.

— Dior Maria Grazia Chiuri used the Dior runshow way to of “a personal visual diary”. Opening with a power suit, the show however also celebrated pretty pieces like the cape. “The ‘70s gave me the attitude I have,” she told reporters at the show.