Writer Gloria Gallo
After finishing the crowded presentation of Pre-Fall 2014/2015 collections, it is clear that these have become the main lines of luxury brands, thanks to their versatility and functionality. Collections full of timeless proposals that stand thermometer of trends of the preceding season, and that for next winter predict the permanence of black & white, floral prints, as well as candy (pastel) tones, including pink coat, tuxedo jacket, cropped tops and men’s footwear. Shoes known as brogues duel with the endless legging boots or thigh high boots, which already sweep the season in which we find ourselves.
1. DENIM MUST-HAVE
After its humble origins as a resistant material for workwear, denim has been gaining points to become a must-have not only for casual looks, but also for sophisticated party nights as Marc Jacobs made clear in his last presentation for Louis Vuitton. An essential fabric capable of bringing a casual touch to all kinds of outfits, which in worn version as in its most classic shade of dark blue goes from being a must of the sidewalks to become a star of the catwalks accompanying luxurious proposals.
2. SENSUAL OPENINGS
A trend also known as thigh high slit that counteracts the demure lengths of skirts and dresses proposed for next fall and dares to show skin in a suggestive way with small cuts, as well as daring with openings that sometimes go beyond the thigh. Both in casual dresses for everyday wear and in designs for glamorous party nights, the openings promise to raise the winter temperature. Daring slits can bring sensuality to narrow pencil skirts, simple shirt dresses and long party designs.
3. CUTTED PANTS
Considered for a long time as a fashion mistake and conceived in principle for cycling, the cropped pants remain one more season adorned to wear them not only in casual looks, but on special occasions. Good example of this are the ones seen in Valentino that decorate their bottoms with leather or those proposed by Derek Lam that are materialized in leather. Perfect alternative to shorts, skorts and bermudas, baggy pants cut above the ankle, monochromatic, printed, satin and even pleated are combined with fitted upper garments demonstrating that sensuality and elegance are not necessarily synonymous with being tight-fitting. Designers have it clear, show ankle!
4. SPORTY CHIC
A trend that not only remains impassive season after season reinvented, but stands as the protagonist of Spring-Summer 2014 and lasts until autumn with the incorporation of old school designers who materialize sophisticated and elegant proposals in leather, chiffon and silk. Sporty garments such as T-shirts, tops, sweatshirts, baggy pants, bomber jackets and trench coats invade the Pre-Fall 2014/2015 collections and acquire shine betting on satin or metallic finishes. A sensual and glamorous sporty chic that left its mark on proposals such as those of Balmain, Carolina Herrera and Jonathan Simkhai among others.
5. SHIRT DRESSES
Considered as an essential all-terrain garment in warm seasons, the shirt dress takes over next fall betting on the comfort offered by its simple lines. Whether in its most basic and minimalist version or reinvented with asymmetries, pleats, lace or completely covered with sequins as seen in Emilio Pucci, the shirt dress is a must-have for the next season, covering both the day to day and sophisticated festive evenings.
6. AIRES FOLK
After the always surprising proposals presented by the brilliant Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, inspired by the “Far West” or “Wild West” loaded with knitwear and natural fibers, came those decorated with geometric graphics presented by Valentino with marked folkloric airs. Wool, leather, ethnic prints, country flowers, stripes and relaxed silhouettes mark much of the Pre-Fall 2014 collections and augur, accompanied by striking accessories such as scarves, fringed bags and large earrings, a bohemian fall. Get inspired by Rachel Zoe!
7. METALLIC FINISHES
Metallic finishes and shiny sequins are responsible for offering one of the most sophisticated trends of the season. A dazzling pattern, which despite existing permanently in evening proposals, invades the casual looks setting the standard to follow. Whether in tops or blouses like the one seen in Alberta Ferretti, in pencil skirts or dresses like the one proposed by Christian Dior, in pants, jackets or coats, the mirror effect comes ready to bring brightness to gloomy winter days causing sensual impact. Dare to shine!
8. FRAME ON FRAME
A trend that comes in the wake of the invasion experienced this winter by the tartan plaid, which moves away from rebellious grunge looks, betting on the excess in total looks, as well as the mix of prints combining in the same outfit different squares. Next fall, you’ll be wearing a squared look!
9. NEW GRUNGE
After the resurgence of this disheveled and alternative style with the Spring-Summer 2013 collection by Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent and the sum of most of the designers for the season in which we are, subversive and dark proposals are noted for next fall. The strong statement of being “hard and dark” is transmitted in the dress with black as the maximum exponent of messy and contradictory outfits that abandon the tartan checks to bet on greater sophistication.
10. MANTA COATS
After the bet of many firms for the resurgence of folk style, perhaps by necessity arise ingenious garments such as the “blanket coat” to complement. With shapes reminiscent of ponchos, capes, shawls … These loose and relaxed designs are presented both in rustic version of chunky knit and stripes and accompanied by sophisticated decorated with intricate geometric prints, ready to wrap you with their warmth.
11. ALBOROTATED SKINS
Turned into a must-have of icy seasons, synthetic or natural furs, oblivious to the controversy that they unleash, return each new season reinvented to accompany both casual looks and lavish party dresses. A rebirth that bets for next autumn by furs of tousled and long coats, in a multitude of shades and a variety of styles. Whether you opt for minimalist designs like those proposed by Calvin Klein, or bohemian like those seen in Prada or sophisticated like those presented by Antonio Berardi, you will succumb to the temptation to wrap yourself in coats and coats of extensive fur. To get it right, you just have to combine them with tight-fitting garments that compensate for their exaggerated volume.
12. BROGUES VS. THIGH BOOTS
A shoe with a markedly masculine air (tomboy), flat, made of leather and tied with laces, originally from Scotland and Ireland (Balmorals); versus a shoe inherited from the 17th century musketeers, extremely sensual and feminine, somewhere between leggings and pants, which is all the rage on the sidewalks and catwalks. Whether in their most classic version with characteristic decorative die-cuts, cut to gain lightness, tied with laces or fastened with buckles, with sharp or rounded tips, brogues are the best option for those who bet on comfort and functionality. While for fashion lovers unable to give up the power of a good pair of heels and their undeniable ability to allow us to look slender, high boots are the perfect alternative. Which one do you choose?
Images courtesy of the featured firms and style.com.
