My A/W Round Up - Part One

A little later than I may have hoped - but at least it's here!  After scouring the shows, this is my round up of the recent autumn/winter collections and the key trends that really stood out for me.

Arts and Crafts

Christopher Kane, House of Holland, Matthew Williamson, Rodarte, Chloe, Preen

Crochet, patchwork and quilting were a strong feature in a number of collections - though often in a rather unconventional way, such as Christopher Kane's crochet print latex.  Clearly handmade will be featuring in a big way, and I can see this easily translating onto the high street - an easy way to give a nod to the trend will be in the House of Holland tights, in the same print as the crochet dresses.

Polka Dots

David Koma, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, YSL, Gucci

What Marc Jacobs does often dominates the mood of the season, and this time what he did (in a big way) was polka dots....whether printed or embellished, on the clothes or on the accessories.  Spots then started popping up all over the place, on delicate layers of sheer chiffon or on tough patent leather, in London, Paris and Milan.  A definite trend that can be worn by everyone...in whatever way you fancy.

Drama

D&G, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci, David Koma, Dolce & Gabbana

Definitely not for shrinking violets! Voluminous material, fur (though I wish it was fake), feathers, sequins and pom poms have been brought together to add a bit of drama to nightwear.  I especially loved the chiffon dresses covered in stacks of flowers at Gucci and can't wait to see who is brave enough to sport one on the red carpet.

Wet Look

Christopher Kane, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Giles, David Koma, Alberta Ferretti

Leather is always a dominant factor in the autumn winter collections, but this time around latex and pvc also played a rather large role.  Latex paillettes were built up on dresses at Prada and took the place of polka dots on a number of pieces at Marc Jacobs.  And at Christopher Kane had a special material produced to create sheer patterned dresses and separates.  Overall, wet is definitely a look for those brave enough to sport it!

Vermillion

Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, Lanvin, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Moschino Cheap & Chic

One colour, over all others, was definitely vermillion - whether in flowing silk, voluminous dresses or structured coats.  This bright tomato red will be the perfect antidote to dull winter days, and I expect it to dominate the high street come September.

Puritan

Preen, PPQ, Giles, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Marc by Marc Jacobs

In stark contrast to the latex, leather and lace that dominated many catwalks, there was a little puritanical vibe showing through - high necklines, white collars and simple, modest shapes.  So if obviously sexy styles aren't your kind of thing, this could definitely be the look for you. 

So that's part one of my trend round up...anything caught your fancy so far? What are you looking forward to wearing come September?