For the past 27 days, A-list celebrities and the fashion-obsessed have dressed to the nines, braved the bitter cold, and gathered together in the style centers of the world for the most important time of the year for the fashion industry: Fashion Week. The most influential and leading designers unveiled their Fall/Winter 2013 collections and let the public marvel at their newest creations and trends that are ready to take over the upcoming season in fashion. But, not to worry if you weren’t sitting front row at Oscar de la Renta next to Ashley Olsen or chatting with Kim Kardashian at Christian Dior. Read this recap of New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Week and get the inside scoop on the best collections and biggest trends that hit the runways across the globe this year!
New York
Favorite Collection:
Marc Jacobs ended New York Fashion Week with a bang. They most definitely saved the best show for last! As always, Jacobs made sure to make a bold statement during his time slot on the runway. Jacobs’ eclectic collection had a taste of everything, from chic sleepwear-esque shirts and dresses, to camel double-breasted coats, to metallic, sequined dresses. While Jacobs focused on a more classic and tailored look for dresses, coats, and pencil skirts, he also added pizazz by adorning them with fur and glamorous sequins. The accents and details were perfect in spicing up the outfits, but never letting it go over the top. I got a feeling of the roaring 20’s from many of the looks, and they were leaning in all different style direction, going from classic, to glam, to all around daring. His bold and unique taste set him apart from all other designers and definitely encouraged those to take risks for their fall fashion.
Biggest Trend:
As used in Marc Jacobs’ collection, fur was a huge asset to New York’s fashion week this year. While some designers used fur on luxurious coats and wraps, others made a statement by decorating dresses, skirts, and even shirts with this fuzzy trend. Colors ranged from various shades of black and brown, to bright greens and blues. Although fur was once rare find on the runway, it is now a statement material and can completely transform a piece into an elegant and classy must-have.
London
Favorite Collection:
Sitting front row for Christopher Bailey’s Burberry Prorsum show were style icons such as Olivia Palermo, Rose Huntington-Whiteley, and Kate Beckinsale, who were all able to take in the designer’s newest flirty and romantic take on the brand’s classic pieces. Bailey tweaked his usual sophisticated and conservative staples, such as his tailored button up shirts and camel-colored jackets, and accented the sleeves and other areas of the clothing in hearts and leopard print, creating a more fun and pretty vibe to the collection. In an even bolder and more inventive step for the designer, glossy, sheer rubber fabric was used on skirts and coats, yet the classiness and elegance was still evident throughout these pieces. The romantic trend was consistent throughout the show with the colors remaining in the palette of dark reds and maroons, blacks, and varying shades of brown. Be prepared to see the celebs rocking these cute pieces on the red carpet in the upcoming season!
Biggest Trend:
From Christopher Kane, to Burberry Prorsum, to Richard Nicoll, to Holly Fulton, it was evident on the runways that the sweater-skirt combination look will definitely be a must-have in every trendy girl’s wardrobe this fall. Whether the sweater is chunky or tucked in, or the skirt is knee-length or patterned, this look remains chic and classic and can work for any occasion. You can make the look your own by mixing colors and patterns and dressing it up with heels or a classic flats. So, if you look at the alarm on your phone and realize you’ve been pressing the snooze button for the past 30 minutes and you’re late for class or even a day at the office, you can quickly throw on this sophisticated ensemble and no one would suspect you just rolled out of bed.
Milan
Favorite Collection:
Although Italian Fashion Week in Milan does not show as many designers as New York, London, or Paris, the collections are still top-notch. A standout contender that caught everyone’s eye and stole the spotlight was Dolce & Gabbana. What I love most about this collection is the thought process and historical inspiration that Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana put into their unique and detail-oriented pieces. According to the designers, the Byzantine-era mosaics from Sicily’s Monreale Cathedral gave them the inspiration to fill their collection with religious iconography and mosaic style prints. There was a very royal, elegant, and extravagant tone to their dresses, tops, and skirts, with the perfect finishing touch of a gold crown that sat on the top of each model’s head, bringing the theme all together. The detail of the designs was impeccable and this fantasy-like show was definitely on the top of everyone’s list.
Biggest Trend:
You may see some pretty out-there items on the runway that you would rather leave to the models to strut down the runway in. But thankfully, an easy to pull-off trend showed up in many shows this year, classic patterns. Whether it is tweed, tartan, or herringbone, these retro-inspired patterns are a perfect accent to any coat, skirt, or simple accessory like a scarf. Though some may think you are venturing from the Scottish Highlands, it is always a classic touch to refine any preppy and sophisticated girl’s look. These patterns are perfect for the palette of fall’s colors and even better, you probably won’t have to go splurge on some new purchases, seeing as you probably have some of these items in your closet. Pair a comfy cashmere sweater with a herringbone patterned blazer and some riding boots and you’ll rock this retro-chic look.
Paris
Favorite Collection:
A true Fashion Week recap cannot be complete without a very deserving shout-out to the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, head designer of what could be the most famous fashion house in the world, Chanel. With this collection, Lagerfeld continues to show that Chanel is a timeless brand that appeals to women of any age, all over the world. You could be a 20-something A-list celeb who shines in Chanel on the Red Carpet, or you could be a 50-something sophisticated woman who doesn’t go anywhere without her classic quilted bag. With this collection, Lagerfeld keeps the classic pieces that Chanel fans keep coming back for, but adds an edgier and more futuristic touch. While tweed is always a classic and elegant Chanel touch to jackets, skirts, and pants, Lagerfeld added chains, leather, and fur to give a more youthful and modern feel. Keeping with the theme of elegant pieces that Coco Chanel herself created, Lagerfeld adds his unique eye for design to appeal to all generations of Chanel lovers.
Biggest Trend:
Throughout all of the three other cities, it is clear that statement coats have been a big trend that could become the most coveted piece of an entire collection. More specifically, as seen on the runways in Paris, the must-have coat for the fall season is the cocoon coat. With its soft and curvy shoulders, an entire outfit can be shaped around a cocoon coat and the elegance that comes along with it. This coat was in every trendy girl’s closet in the 1960s and I think everyone can agree that we are happy it’s on its way back. From tweed, to gray wool, to vibrant pink, this coat comes in all different flavors and is completely versatile. Wear it with pants and flats for a taste of chic street style, or dress it up with a classy dress and heels for an event. Either way, the cocoon coat can become the center of any type of outfit and soon enough, you’ll be wishing for some cool fall weather so you can wear it everyday!
Beginning in the Big Apple and ending in the City of Lights, Fashion Week is an extremely important time for designers to express themselves through their newest collections, and for celebrities to compete for who’s going to be named the most fashion forward in the front row. Now that you have the lowdown on the best collections and the coolest trends to hit the catwalk in each city, get your closet prepared so you, too, can look like you came straight off the runway this fall!