Alexander Wang Catwalk Fashion Show New York SS2013

The glow in the dark-effect on the ivory clothes of Alexander Wang was a cool ending to his ss2013 presentation. The impression left after a very fast show was one of sharp, minimalist sport. There were boxy “hockey jerseys” worn over tailored shorts — skinny and Bermuda styles — and some of the models wore lacquered porcelain helmets. Wang rarely strayed from black and white, and when he did, it was a few notes of beige leather and gray. The silhouette was  spare and crisp, in stark cotton and exotics, such as snakeskin.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: Wow in White

It’s definitely a look to just sit in and be pretty, since it will get dirty the second you actually move in it. Yet a complete white look is absolutely stunning. It is clear many international fashion houses had the same thought. Brands like Alexander Wang, Balmain, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Isabel Marant and Jil Sander all sent full on white looks out on their runways. Not to mention the Alexander McQueen show, which had only white looks in it.

Some looks were very serene and sober (Lacoste, Alexander Wang, Yves Saint Laurent), others seemed extravagant and playful (McQueen, Peter Som, Doo Ri, Blumarine) as they were formed out of a mix of many different materials and pieces).

Whether you go for flat or fluffy; if you go for a white look, make sure you’re dressed in white from head to toe. Oh and be sure not to move, drink or eat something; you don’t want a coffee stain to ruin your full on white ensemble.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: New Velvet Luxury

Dark? Gothic? Forget it! Velvet is back in fashion and it’s for everybody.

This royal fabric popped up at innumerable shows like Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Etro. Not the least fashion houses , right?!

Done in many new and surprising ways the velvet looks brought some of that extra luxury to this season’s fall collections.

Aren’t those embroidered Balmain creations the ultimate form of luxury? Isn’t that deep purple Burberry jacket outstanding? And how amazing looks Yulia Kharlapanova in that green floor sweeping Gucci dress?

‘Nough said; we want to get our hands on one of these ‘new velvet’ pieces.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: The Print Suit

If there’s one fall trend we’d have to put our money on it would be the printed suit. Followed by the many printed and pajama looks of last season (designed by Marni and Dries van Noten a.o.) the print suit is now picked up by a large group of designers. It’s hard to miss this trend, since the biggest fashion houses (Miu Miu, Marni, Aquilano & Rimondi, Rochas, Paul Smith and Louis Vuitton) are joining in.

Both prints and colors have become slightly more seventies, since last year. Besides, we now see multiple versions of the suit (skirt + jacket, pants + Tee or sleeveless top). One thing is certain it’s a multi functional trend you can easily make your own.

Opt for graphics, florals or other nature inspired prints. Wear the top and bottom separately if you like, add a funky hat or belt your jacket for some extra femininity.

The number of styling possibilities is endless and you’ll always look chic.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: Statement Patent (Leather)

I remember wearing those adorable patent leather shoes as a child. Probably the last time I saw patent leather really being in fashion. But, as with every fashion trend, the patent leather look just had to make a comeback and for fall it’s all over the place.

Your best patent investment probably is a leather coat. To be really on trend make sure you opt for a colored one, like we saw on the runway at Marni, Alexander Wang and Tommy Hilfiger. Is this a little too much patent leather to handle? Choose for smaller fashion pieces, like a pair of pants or some shiny boots (Viktor & Rolf, Lie Sang Bong). Or try to find fashion items that are only made out of patent parts. We’ve added some less shiny looks in the mix as well, although they look like they don’t really belong to the ‘patent’ category.

One extra reason to go for patent leather is the water resistant aspect of it, which can come in quite handy during our Dutch fall (rain) season….

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: Oversized Coats

Larger than life; that’s what your winter coat should be upcoming season. Designers like Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Max Mara and Chloé have created large volume coats out of stiff structured fabrics.

The coats do look beautiful on their own. Yet creating any kind of feminine shape for yourself, that’s the challenge. Therefore cigarette pants seem a good match and a waist belt might just become your favorite fall accessory.

Which ever way you wear your oversized coat; you’ll definitely make a fashion statement.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: East meets West

With markets in the East still growing many designers wisely looked to the far East for inspiration. Once more they were inspired by the oriental prints, the hand techniques and the lively colors. And we couldn’t blame them! The far east has so much to offer it’s like a never ending source of inspiration.

Silky fabrics done in shades of black, red and gold (Temperley London, Dries van Noten, Peter Pilotto) created the ultimate Eastern feeling. As kimono sleeves (Zac Posen) and asymmetrical cross over tops (Proenza Schouler), obi belts and small platform shoes stressed to the oriental style.

Some designers went all the way and even adjusted their models’ hair and make up to the Eastern style. But it’s when you mix it with Western urban influences that the East really can make a statement.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: Mixing Materials (Shoes)

We’ve already spotted this trend in the clothing section before, but now shoes too are made out of more than one material. Designers have been mixing and matching leathers, metallics, plastics and furs to create the most eye catching footwear.

A metallic heal or pointed nose (as seen at Marni, Byblos Louis Vuitton and Just Cavalli) seems the ultimate trend (started by Louis Vuitton for Spring/Summer 2012). But why not add a touch of lace (Anna Sui), fur (Iceberg), transparent plastic (Chanel) and sparkling crystals to the mix of leathers?

It makes it easier to match your wardrobe to your shoes and a fashion faux pad will be less evident.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: Military Inspired

Since girls love to look like they can run the world; strong military looks are a trend every few seasons. This year labels like Victoria Beckham, Gucci, MaxMara and Salvatore Ferragamo took the army theme to a new level.

They kept their ladylike silhouettes, yet added military accents like epaulets, large buttons and breast pockets. They opted for military shades too; army green, black, navy and mustard making up the perfect military color palette.

Subtle details added some the extra feminine factor, like red lips and a double waist belt (Victoria Beckham), colored nails and tiny jewelry (Salvatore Ferragamo) and a fluffy clutch (Moschino Cheap & Chic).

Going through these images we’re already craving for one of those statement jackets.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: Lace it up

Last season it was all about the bondage theme. This year only the bondage boots have stayed. Shiny, leather lace up boots are an unexpected trend for fall.

Now you might never want to take it to the Versus level (all the way to the hips), but there’s nothing wrong with a little lace up.

Custo created a fringed boot, the models at Dolce & Gabbana sported some patent leather versions, Donna Karan’s were red croc printed, Karl designed hairy ones for Fendi and Nina Ricci left out the laces.

So more than enough options to choose from and remember you don’t need to look like a SM fanatic; you can style them any way you like.

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