Gothic
Head-to-toe storm-cloud colours, crucifix motifs and a long-line silhouette lend themselves to a moody, romantic vibe. Look for leather, lace and sheer, red wine-stain lipstick, and slouch accordingly. Fashion goth? Yes please.
A/W’12 Trend Guide
ASOSGet your fashion fix with the ASOS A/W’12 trend guide and start shopping your key wardrobe-makers for the new season
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Star piece:
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Baroque rocks!
Dolce & Gabbana set the tone for a sumptuous feast of Rococo-inspired prints, lavish adornment and decadent fabrics. Balmain, meanwhile, gave us a 21st century-girl version of the look, teaming an intricately embellished top over a boyish shirt with a rockstar-lean trouser. Own it.
Star piece:
Embellished
Jacket -
Leather
This season, leather has got designers all in a lather. Along with minimalist lines, sock-it-to-ya colours (just add ‘oxblood’ to your fash vocab) and a soft-enough-to-sleep-in feel, the big story here is using the fabric in new and unexpected ways, like Christopher Kane’s leather-edged dresses, Acne’s much copied long-line biker jacket in pastel, and printed leather.
Star piece:
An Oxblood-Hued
Leather Skirt -
Floral vs Geometric
Hothouse blooms or precision patterns – at which fashion temple do you worship? Either way, be prepared to make a statement. Call it the Mary Katrantzou effect (remember her upholstery-inspired images a few seasons back?): print this season is head-to-toe, flamboyant and, above all, hi-res as designers take advantage of the digital tools available to today’s fabric-makers.
Star piece:
Graphic Pattern Suit -
Military
We’ve so moved on from the surplus store take on this look. Forward march to army gear with a twist: we’re talking a brass-buttoned jacket with a peplum, or a reimagined parka with black leather sleeves. Biggest of all is the return of camouflage, which has stolen our hearts via influential street stylers and pop stars.
Star piece:
Military Jacket or
Parka -
Man up
Sharp, Savile Row-inspired dressing isn’t just still going strong – it’s become a key modern look for girls, especially when it comes to the office. Not that we’re too literal-minded (as if) – a sheer blouse, op-art patterns, and fabrics with a subtle shine are the points of difference you need to stay one step ahead of the boys.
Star piece:
Cropped, tailored
trousers -
Eastern Opulence
Fashion is in thrall to tales of ancient empires this season, as opalescent fabrics, traditional Oriental motifs and kimono detailing add an opium-soaked dose of mystery and glamour. Proenza Schouler’s modern, sporty take on the trend took the gold medal, teaming a Chinese-embroidered bomber jacket with an above-the-knee skirt and a tough boot. Fierce.
Star piece:
Embroidered
Satin Bomber -
Very Berry
Claret, grape, burgundy: the heady stains of a vintage wine cellar are the season’s all-new colour palette, with a focus on velvet, embellishment and shine. Snap up a piece of oxblood leather for an instant wardrobe update or try a violet dress for a fresh evening look. Extra style points for tone-on-tone, as seen at newly revamped Kenzo.
Star piece:
Damson-hued
Cocktail Dress -
Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Whether it’s the futuristic beauty of Prometheus, the wild popularity of Game of Thrones (yeah, you do), or simply a need to escape the humdrum of daily life, A/W’12 saw a gang of heroines straight out of a fantasy tome. Check out Jil Sander’s elegant space-age creatures, Balenciaga’s dystopian tough girls and Chanel’s otherworldly sprites.
Star piece:
Silver Metallic
Footwear -
What:
Mary Jane heel.
Where:
Prada.
How:
With a cropped, tailored trouser or Baroque-influenced cocktail dress.
What:
Chunky boot.
Where:
Proenza Schouler.
How:
With a knee-length skirt and a bomber jacket.
What:
Tailored patterned trousers.
Where:
J.Crew.
How:
Cropped at the ankle and with a clashing bright buttoned-to-the-neck shirt.
What:
Patterned clutch.
Where:
Versace.
How:
For day or night, teamed with a boyish trouser or tough-girl leather.
What:
Homespun knit.
Where:
Marc Jacobs.
How:
With loose, battered jeans and creepers.
The
Key PiecesYour new season to-do list
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What:
Peplum.
Where:
Hakaan.
How:
On a wide, waist-cinching belt, loose drop-waist, or the hem of a simple shift dress.
What:
Oversize floral print.
Where:
Jonathan Saunders.
How:
On a sheer blouse or dress.
What:
Embellished jacket.
Where:
Balmain.
How:
With leather trousers for that Parisian-model-off-duty look.
What:
Graphic patterned suit.
Where:
Miu Miu.
How:
Over a crisp shirt with a sharp block heel.
What:
Parka.
Where:
Burberry.
How:
Over a printed T-shirt teamed with a black leather skirt and heels.
The
Key PiecesYour new season to-do list
