WOMENSWEAR TREND FW2016: Tartan

The Tartan hype instigated by Saint Laurent 3 years ago had not left the fashion field just yet or we’re experiencing a new wave of tartan checks. So in case you’re bored with those flannels but are looking for a way to work some of the Scottish print into your wardrobe, some of the biggest brands are setting the new style example. More than anything else a tartan coat seems to be the key item, just look at Balenciaga, Burberry, Chanel and Etro. Not your thing? That blue shaded Calvin Klein skirt suits might be the most elegant tartan printed piece out there. But of course you can always try a head to toe checked Todds look with off white loafers and a fur collar. Which ever style you’re going for, just ignore that over the top Frankenstein shirt Vetements sent out. It’s a definite case of don’t try this at home, but let it be your ultimate tartan inspiration leading you to a better fit. And if the kilt is going to be your best buy, make sure to wear some undies with it.

WOMENSWEAR TREND FW2016: navy coat

You can bet on preppy designers like Tommy to have a navy coat in his collection. But when Burberry, Prada and Valentino are jumping at it too, you’ve got yourself a trend. Unless you’re opting for a bright colored faux fur version, we discussed earlier, midnight blue should be the color of your army coat. And the bigger your buttons, collar (Hilfiger) pockets (Prada), belt (MiuMiu), stitches (Burberry) and patches (Coach), the better. Both Prada and Valentino also proved the navy coat doesn’t have to be so rigid. Have fun with it a little bit. Dress up and dress down with corsets, army boots and little bags (around your neck?!). A sailor cap (Prada), rock earrings (Proenza Schouler) or oversized beanie (Coach) might just top this statement coat off perfectly. Fall musthave, for sure.

WOMENSWEAR TREND FW2016: leopard

Black, white and leopard! A short stroll through the city centre and you know what’s up; the leopard print has become the new neutral. And if you look at how some of the biggest brands have worked the print into their fall collection you’re even surprised it took this long for the wilde print to hit the mass market. Christian Dior had it coming when he first introduced the print and this fall we’re following his lead big time. Was the print quite subtle before, this season it’s statement making and in your face. So a leopard printed coat might just be your best bet. At least Bottega Veneta, Dior (who else), Givenchy, Isabel Marant, Margiela, Moschino and Prada are going for it. Also, you can’t go wrong with animalistic touches on a dress (Saint Laurent), a jacket (Sonia Rykiel) or accessories like a stole (Dries van Noten). Just take a walk on the wild side and get rid of the idea that leopard prints are tacky or outrageous. They’re just so basic right now.

WOMENSWEAR TREND FW2016: Brocade Break-out

Just click through the Dries van Noten, Prada and Gucci catwalk images and you know brocade is in style. The richer the materials the better the look. Minimalism couldn’t be further away. The more ornate the better. All that glitters are coats (Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Prada), sequined tops (Dries van Noten) and embroidered velvet dresses (Roberto Cavalli). Once worn to convey social status in places like Byzantium, China, and Italy, this fall you’re wearing these luxurious pieces to convey your sense of style! Downdress your brocade look with some denim and a crispy white Tee to add some street chic appeal. Or just follow Gucci’s example and go all the way with some expensive oversize square-frame rhinestone sunglasses, a turban and fur sleeves.

An ode to Sonia Rykiel

Last night Sonia Rykiel passed away. The Parisian designer famous for her colourful knitwear designs died at the age of 86. Ever since 1995 she suffered from Parkinson’s disease, something she revealed in 2012 when she stepped down as creative director of her eponymous label.

Born and raised in Paris Rykiel started her career in fashion in 1948 as a storefront designer, but eventually launched her own collections of self knitted clothing. In 1968 she opened her first store on Rue de Grenelle; the beginning of an international fashion house.

Sonia Rykiel is remembered by many as a fashion pioneer. Along with Chloé, her label pioneered the créateur movement in France. She became famous for her loose fitting sweaters, breaking sixties fashion rules of corsets and bras. Fashion should be comfortable and fun, was the flame-haired designer’s message and Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve and Audrey Hepburn, just a few of Sonia Rykiel’s famous clients, agreed.

“Design job fell on me. I didn’t want to do it. It was an accident. For the first 10 years I said, “Tomorrow I’m stopping.””

Through the years the brand Sonia Rykiel expanded with clothes for men, kids, accessories and fragrances. Rainbow stripes, massive fur wraps and culottes became part of the brand’s signature. In 2009 the label collaborated with H&M. That same year she was awarded The Order of Légion d’Honneur in recognition of her 40 years of service in the French fashion industry.

In 2012 Nathalie Rykiel, Sonia’s daughter, took over the role of the brand’s creative director while Sonia still kept serving as honorary president and attending the label’s shows, which always ended in a big celebration on the catwalk (see some catwalk highlights in our gallery below). Since 2014 Julie de Libran has been Sonia Rykiel’s artistic director.

Sonia Rykiel, 1930 – 2016

WOMENSWEAR TREND FW2016: Fur Sure

Remember last year’s bright colored fur trend? Well, for upcoming fall you can hang on to those extravagant coats. Colored fur isn’t going anywhere (just look at the fur coats Fendi, Ferragamo and Ferretti sent out). The trend did get a subtle update as large fur coats in just one statement color are having a moment too. Preferably in shades of blue and green, like thise ones Blumarine, Burberry, Rochas and Chloé suggested. But cobalt blue or bright pink will do the trick too. For those trend setters looking to overdo it Moschino released an full on leopard printed fur coat. Fur capes are the way to go according to Prada and Roberto Cavalli. And if that’s all a bit too much for you Christopher Kane and Alexander Wang opted for a natural color palette. No matter your winter outfit, just toss on a fur coat and you’re bound to make heads turn. Effortless chic and highly hugable.

WOMENSWEAR TREND FW2016: Can Touch This

Velvet is out of it’s dark, Gothic corner for good. Thanks to Valentino (yellow) , Vetements (gold), Alberta Ferretti (pink) and Dries van Noten (purple) we now all know how highly desirable colored velvet can be. And as the high street stores are filling up with velvet pieces we have a feeling this luxurious fabric might become one of this season’s biggest trend. How could it not when every major brand has presented some velvet on it’s runway. One by one outfits begging to be touched. Remember that all green Haider Ackermann suit? Or that leopard printed red Etro dress? Not to mention the Prada and Fendi dresses with patches and embroideries. Oh and let’s not forget that jaw dropping navy blue, one shoulder dress Ralph Lauren sent out. So many style options there’s a velvet match for everyone. Whether you’re opting for suits (Ferretti, Lanvin, Ackermann), dresses (Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Dries van Noten) or jackets and coats (Ralph Lauren, Vetements). Your everyday fall outfit is finally getting the royal touch it deserves.

WOMENSWEAR TREND FW2016: Black Lace Extravaganza

Weather it’s a hipster or a floor sweeping gown; black lace seems to be popping up in just about every woman’s closet. And truly, there hasn’t been a year of fashion without black lace being a trending topic on the runways. The same goes for fw2016; black lace is having a moment again. Yet, as fashion evolves, this fabric too got a style update. This fall it’s all about dressing up in black lace as designers like Roberto Cavalli and Balmain are introducing some of the most artful, delicate yet dramatic lace evening dresses. Floor sweeping (Gucci, Alberta Ferretti) and highly decorated. With cut-outs (Roberto Cavalli) and asymmetric sheer panels (Valentino). Given touches tulle (Roberto Cavalli) and shiny ruffled satin (Balmain). With extra long loose sleeves (Roberto Cavalli, McQueen). Serpents (Gucci) and flowers (Rodarte) adding some dark/romantic touches. Black lace should no longer be hidden as sexy lingerie, it deserves a spot in our festive wardrobe section. To be worn on extravagant nights that require a fashion statement to be made, both dark and seductive.

WOMENSWEAR TREND ss2016: All Things Gucci

Anything Alessandro Michele comes up with we put straight on top of our wishlist. The Gucci designer seems to have the power to make the most contemporary and highly desirable fashion pieces. From the metallic pleated skirts to the berets, from the fur lines loafers to all variations of the Dionysus bag; we simply want it all. Gucci has been the hottest Milan label for several seasons now. An invitation to the catwalk show is the hottest ticket in town, the Gucci store is making overtime and that shows on the streets too. Which ever fashion event we pull up to Gucci is always well represented. And where to spot the best Gucci apparel than in Italy’s fashion capital? In our gallery below you find some of the coolest streetstyle looks created around some of the best selling Gucci items. And yes, you saw that right, the Dutch editors of Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar are joining in on the Gucci fun even sporting those stunner pearl studded loafers. Woa!

MENSWEAR TREND AW2016/17: Pink suave

It’s 2016 and in that sense anything goes for our dear men. And in the category of gender-fluid trends, there’s one trend having a huge moment: pink! We’re talking any kind of hue: coral, salmon, rosé, fuchsia or pink panter-ish. Pink has a controversial background and history in menswear, and for long time it has been a huge sartorial no-no, considered a colour for only women, queers or Oxford men. But thanks to icons like Sonny Crockett (Miami Vice) and John Draper (Mad Men), pink is becoming more of a new neutral tone, like white. Even the manliest man figures on this planet can pull it off big time (looking at you Drizzy Drake and Cristiano Ronaldo) .

Perhaps it started with the Adidas Stan Smith collaboration in baby pink, and we noticed many pink pastel tones in previous catwalk seasons. And when colour authority Pantone named rose quartz as THE colour of the year, there’s no question about why you should be wearing pink this year. Only HOW you gonna wear it. Especially if you look at the many catwalk examples: Kenzo, Etro, Ferragamo, Westwood, Gucci, Versace and many more. They all have their own spin on this bright and cheerful colour. Even as a bomber jacket (check Givenchy) is pretty darn cool, don’t you think? And a trend rarely makes its way so quickly and directly to the high-street stores. Now there’s pink everywhere, cheering up the streets. Before you get to excited (and you have the right to be so) and jump on it, this is how to nail it without looking like you robbed your little sisters wardrobe: keep it simple and classy, team up with darker ‘masculine’ colours and avoid sparkly embroideries.

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