Text Holly Shackleton
Images Getty Images
Off the cuff
If you choose one accessory this season, make it Christopher Kane’s leather wristband with jumbo jewel for Swarovoski.
Available at Atelier Swarovski - just one of the fashion-forward collections stocked in Selfridges’ brand new jewellery hall - and on the Swarovski website, the crystal-studded cuff retails at €645. With chunky jewellery the talk of the season, what better way to make a statement?
www.swarovski.com
BIG KNITS
This season’s knitwear is about making a statement: the bigger the better. Chunky knits were splashed across the catwalks at Aquascutum, Chanel and Sonia Rykiel, but it was Giles Deacon who really got temperatures soaring. His gargantuan scarves and sweaters promise to keep you toasty as the nights draw in.
MEN ONLY…
New York designer Thom Browne is changing the face of menswear as we know it. Since launching his own-name label in 2001, the former employee of Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani has sent ripples across runways and won the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award. Inspired by the America of the 50s and early 60s, Thom’s signature geek-chic, too tight, too short aesthetic includes short-legged suits, hunting jackets, fitted three-piece suits in checks and woollen waistcoats. Pair with thick woollen, over-the-knee winter socks and you’ve got the look. The suit is cool again, so rebel against the jeans and t-shirt establishment and don’t step out this winter without one.
www.
thombrowne.com
Supersize me
Forget that old handbag, this autumn/winter no outfit is complete without a giant clutch bag. Last year’s small and dainty clutches have been pushed aside by their super-sized counterpart. Available in a massive array of colours and fabrics, these colossal clutches were seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu and Jimmy Choo – which has launched a super-size clutch selection perfect for transporting all your accessories on a night on the town. This Celeste model in silver chain-mail effect with black leather front panel and silver Jimmy Choo buckle comes in at €995, but is well worth its weight in elegance.
Pair with a manicure. www.jimmychoo.com
DOUBLE MAC
Get the catwalk look this winter with Alexander McQueen for MAC cosmetics. The 16-strong collection was created by top make-up artist Charlotte Tilby for McQueen’s autumn/winter 2007 catwalk presentation. Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Taylor’s dramatic eye make-up in the 1963 film Cleopatra, think eyelid to eyebrow colour, strong brows and pearlescent lips – just don’t forget to pout. mac
www.cosmetics.com
Purple haze
It’s a hard one to pull off, but this season purple ruled the runway. A colour once reserved for royalty, purple has not been so integral to fashion since the 60s. From cardinal hues at Moschino and Valentino to the rich aubergine of Lanvin and Marni, it filters down to a more daytime lavender on the high street. To ensure you don’t feel like an over-ripe grape, pair it with navy or olive green. Passionate and opulent, you’ll make a lasting impression this season.
Black is, patently, back
Black patent leather whipped the catwalk into shape this winter. Luella presented shiny black mini-dresses, Christopher Kane voluminous black leather miniskirts, while Marni got to grips with sculpted, waxed leather jackets. If you can’t face the head-to-toe wet leather look, harness your inner dominatrix with a waist-clinching black PVC belt instead, as seen on the runways of Armani, Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana.
STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS
SOLDIERING ON
The easiest way to get this season’s look is with a military-style jacket. Long brass-buckle trench coats were seen on the runways of Burberry and Givenchy, while at Balenciaga and Luella, preppy blazers were cropped and given a modern twist with exotic piping and button details.
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