The Trend Report: AW21
The wait is over! As the new season starts to arrive in our boutiques (both IRL and URL), it’s time to get a refresher on what to look out for in your AW21 wardrobe. Whether you’re going head-to-toe or simply having a taste, these are the trends that caught our eye from the AW21 collections...
Tutti Frutti
In fashion, people often talk about taste. Well, this season the taste on every designer’s tongue appeared to be Tutti Frutti, with a kaleidoscope of juicy colours sashaying down the runway, delighting audiences with an array of delectable hues from which to choose. Newlywed co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons had clearly been swapping notes (or else there’s a very good communal fruit bowl in the Prada office) showing lemon yellow and strawberry pink, whilst GANNI’s Ditte Reffstrup had the old “an apple a day” adage on her mind. Simon Porte Jacquemus was thinking pink with his “La Montagne” collection, whilst AMBUSH’s Yoon Ahn and subversive favourites Kwaidan Editions also displayed a touch of berry blush in their collections.
Duvet Days
Reflecting the overarching mood of the past year, designers seemed to gravitate towards textures that felt protective and comforting - blending this emotional mood with sharp styling to create pieces that mixed luxury desirability with, well, duvet chic! Swaddling us in a squishy layer of padding, we saw Rick Owens creating a trademark inky black gown, Bottega Veneta and REMAIN offering shiny chocolate options, whilst Lemaire, Miu Miu and Browns’ new fave Cold Laundry presented a sleek pastel take on the trend. These are pieces you’ll be dreaming of (perhaps even whilst wearing them…)
New Heritage
If comfort was on designers’ minds then so too were comfort foods, most notably a crumbly biscuit dipped into a steaming mug of hot tea, true country bumpkin style. This was reflected in both the colour palette and the styling, with an array of biscuity browns and thatchy hues strutting down the runway across both separates and outerwear. Prints-wise, heritage checks and tartan-esque patterns finished the look with a distinctly traditionalist edge.
Make It A Mini
Good things come in small packages, the higher the hemline the closer to heaven, short and sweet… whatever saying you want to choose, the fact of the matter is that this season, substantial skirts are taking some time off, leaving their miniature counterparts in their place. It was the superbrands that were most in favour of rapidly shrinking skirting, with Saint Laurent, Valentino, Versace and Alexander McQueen all voting in favour of showing off a little leg. Following their lead were clubkids Charles Jeffrey, MISBHV and Dion Lee, whilst AREA and The Attico gave us their usual glitzy glamour.
Alpine Adventure
Outdoor dressing has many iterations - perhaps you’re a techwear stalwart (hello Arc'teryx), or a stylish country bumpkin in your Barbour jacket and Hunter wellies. Well, this season nothing compares to a traditional Alpine adventure on the slopes when it comes to The Great Outdoors. Fuzzy collars from Isabel Marant and Khaite will keep your ears warm, whilst cuddly coats from Stella McCartney and Chloé make for cosy Alpine cool. Looking to embrace the 70s spirit of a cognac hot chocolate at the après-ski? Look to GANNI and Valentino for geometrics knits of the vintage variety.
Related Reading:
The Trend Report: SS21
The Trend Report: SS21 Accessories
The A-Z of Fashion Month SS21
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