Lanvin 2010

What to buy now for AutumnWinter 2010? As the Leading London Personal Stylist, I know that the very best fashions sell within the first month of hitting the shops.  For me, it is so exciting to go to the shows and then see the clothes in the shops; I remember them all over again. So what is Haute now?? Always in winter there is a lot of black but this year there is a big baroque romantic vibe, with deep rich reds, clarets, navy, orange, camel, soft greys, whites. This theme comes into the fabrics with wonderful velvet, lace, fur, sheer and sexy silks. The romance continues with capes of every kind, ruffles, and wide swinging 50’s and 40’s style skirts.  There is something for everyone, many of the styles will be much easier to wear than the maxis and jump suits in the shops now, you don’t have to be so tall to look amazing!

Balmain Aw2010

Fabulous Fur,

Fur is glamorous, sensual and after last winter warm as toast!!  From Balmain, showing mauve fun furs, to impressive full length fox at Michael Kors, fur was everywhere.  I have always loved fur ever since I saw virtually every woman wearing it whilst shopping in Milan.  Whether you choose a fur collar and cuffs detailing, to a massive shaggy voluminous coat from Lanvin, fur has been showing for the past few years and looks like a trend that is here to stay. This is an investment buy so choose carefully and buy what you love.  Go for style rather than high fashion for a look that lasts. If you don’t want to wear fur then feathers are an option.

Antonio Beradi AW2010

Voluptuous Velvet

Velvet adds a luxurious touch to a black jacket at Rochas transforming it into a statement piece. For evening velvet always looks so classically rich, elegant and expensive. Not for nothing was velvet a favourite of Royalty. The wonderful wine red dresses at Antonio Beradi are sexy, figure hugging and look amazing.  My money is on the D & G collection to walk out of the shops, it is impossible not to like this simple stunning party dress.

Miu Miu AW2010 Romantic

Romantic

Fashion has not finished with the ruffles of last season, in amongst the severe blacks there were also many delicate lace numbers which will add feminity to your wardrobe. Miu Miu showed ice grey, whilst Dior and D&G had layers of ruffles on many dresses.  This is a seductive look, especially in sheer whites and blacks.

Haakan AW2010 Sheer Black

Sheer Black

Underneath tailored jackets were see through fine fabrics, see-through in the cold winter months seems an unreasonable trend. However combine with fur or the new shearling bomber jackets it becomes more wearable.  Choose nude underwear for a seamless look or wear black lace or plain black for a sexier look. Balmain showed how to look elegant by teaming the sheer top with a bow tie, brocade trousers and a beautiful leather jacket.  Giambattista Valli combined miniskirts with short donkey jackets over the sheer top. My favourite show was Haakan. His clothes simply sizzled with pure sex appeal. Lara Stone was cheered by all the press pack when she wore this sheer black dress easy to see why!!

Louis Vuitton AW2010

Post War Excess

Marc Jacobs in New York and at Louis Vuitton went back to the New Look first shown by Dior in the 50’s. The waist was nipped in above a big big A line  mid- calf skirt. This look suits taller women best, as it will swamp shorter petite types.  Also seen in many ball dresses on the catwalk, this is a trend that is easier to wear as a full length gown.

Issa London AW2010

Capes

Wonderful swirling capes and cloaks will form a different choice for an evening or day coat, this are bold, glamorous and have a highway man drama about them. Shown at Celine, Halston and Chloe amongst others this look will suit everybody. There were claret and black velvets, camels and black wool with wonderful embellishments. My favourite is the wonderful bright red Issa cape. There was an appreciative buzz when this was shown on the catwalk. Here the cape is combined with black leather trousers and a high roll neck. Easy, elegant and affordable style.

Burberry Prorsum Aw2010

Shearling

Shearling bomber jackets and coats provide a casual alternative to fur. At Burberry they were combined with sheer little dresses. Whilst Giles showed lovely asymmetric hemmed soft white jackets.  IN NYC, DKNY simple fitted black shearling jackets proved that this trend can be elegant. Like fur this is warm, practical fashion for everyone.

See this article at Http://www.distinctmagazine.co.uk where Gabrielle Teare is the Fashion Editor.