AW12: Get the looks
By Albany Bell
FULL LEATHER
The full leather look brings a sleek sexiness to this autumn season. Hakaan shows us how to wear it with a peplum tailored burgundy waistcoat being layered over an elegant leather pencil skirt. Zips, laser-cut and chiffon detailing add extra interest, whilst khaki and maroon tones move away from the traditional biker image. For a more wearable, modern look ensure that accessories are kept to a minimum.
What is she wearing?
Leather peplum vest; £1705.33; shopbop.com
Leather zip front pencil skirt; £1812.16; shopbop.com
Where to buy it?
Net-a-porter, net-a-porter.com
Shopbop, www.shopbop.com
Hakaan, houseofhakaan.com
PURPLE
Christopher Kane brings us this season’s colour: purple. Warm and cool tones of purple and mauve graced the catwalks, with designers Alexander Wang, Lanvin and Louis Vuitton all pushing this trend. Traditionally regal, the colour purple brings richness and a sense of sophistication; perfect for the modern day woman. Playing with a variety of tones and layering of patterns, Kane creates a striking look for the autumn ahead.
What’s she wearing?
Christopher Kane foral skirt; £1650; net-a-porter.com
Where to buy it?
Matches, matchesfashion.com
Net-a-porter, net-a-porter.com
Harvey Nichols, harveynichols.com
GOTHIC ROMANCE
The predominant trend this season is gothic romance. Think sinister fairy tales as leathers, lace and textured detailing are mixed together to bring an air of sultriness and mystery. High-octane glamour is key with luxe fabrics and hand-crafted touches giving a classiness to this lustrous look. This black ethereal look is epitomised in Gucci’s AW12 show, as floor length tulle dresses with sparkling floral embroidery are worn with blood red lips.
What is she wearing?
Black tulle gown; £9000; gucci.com
Where to buy it?
gucci.com/uk
Gucci, 18 Sloane Street, SW1X 9NE
BAROQUE
This season sumptuous gilded detailing is all the rage. Designers look back to the 17th Century Baroque period, where excessive embellishment and decoration was at its most celebrated. The trend for over the top adornment is personified in the flamboyant designers Dolce & Gabbanas’ new collection. Beautifully gold embroidered coats with white lace trim were worn with bejewelled headbands and elaborate jewellery, showing this season it is all about making a statement.
Where to buy it?
dolcegabbana.com
Dolce & Gabanna, 6-8 Old Bond Street, W1S 4PH
MILITARY
The military trend takes centre stage again this season. Long overcoats with braided and buttoned detailing cast a strong silhouette for women this autumn. Burberry Prorsum shows how it should be worn with wool and cotton military jackets fastened with a feminine bow. The traditional Burberry trench coat took a twist as epaulettes were added and lapels lengthened giving it an undeniable officer’s feel.
What’s she wearing?
Cotton tweed trench coat; £1795; burberry.com
Where to buy it?
uk.burberry.com/store
Burberry, 21-23 New Bond Street, W1S 2RE