Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Thankfully, designers are moving away from the ultra-feminine look of the past few seasons, although whether that departure will last is anyone’s guess.
Typically for Fall, layers are a big theme, and — hold your breath — leggings are back, sort of en route to a big 80s splash next summer. As are the purple and red that offset the earth tones and natural materials in designers’ palettes this season. And gold, gold, gold — not surprising, really, as economists dither about whether we’re likely to see a global recession anytime soon.
So, like we’ve been saying all along, prepare for full-throttle, electric, 80s glam. Also back — take comfort — are elements of the 60s and 70s: baby doll, skinny androgyny and body consciousness. Rock chick, Goth and Costume are elements that continue to linger on, and always eternal for this part of the world are maxi skirts, animal prints, military details and big bags, which are being joined by hats.
Overall, Fall is a mish-mash of looks and trends, urban parkas hold their own alongside country tartans and skinny leggings compete for attention with wide, mannish trousers. Biker jackets continue to be cool, and fur trim’s moved from jackets to boots and bags. Collars are big and voluminous, sleeves take balloon and bell shapes, dresses (back with a vengeance and often empire line) and tops are often strapless across the bodice. If you want one accessory, say stylists, go for not one, not two, but three belts.
In terms of fabrics, jeans aren’t going anywhere (except maybe into the office!), plaids, prints and coloured (preferably reptilian) leathers are big, while our love for luxury continues with oriental embroidery, satin and brocade. Look for fur, but conversely, look for eco-fabrics — the two sit happily side-by-side in major department stores.
Make a Splash
Mass-market store Splash conjures up the past this season, going into the 1950s and even the 1920s, even occasionally plucking elements from cultural traditions dating back several hundred centuries, but always staying contemporary and even futuristic. The Roule Rouge line puts baby doll glamour upfront in red tones, so expect cheeky schoolgirls in nipped in waists billowing into wide skirts with metallic and ribbon details.
Global cultures come to the fore with Folklore, with layers crushed cotton, brushed tweed, wool blends and cotton silk. Long lean sleeveless Balkan silhouettes sit beside gold brocade Indian paisley borders and British tartans, corduroys and knits. Art deco and optical illusions find equal space.
Teen times the style
Demure schoolgirl or wild rock chic? Arithmetic or Arctic Monkeys? Cute tartan skirts or grunge tees and worn out jeans? Questions all that teenage brand Ms asks of the shopper, spooling themes and influences from history, pop culture and JK Rowling’s literature.
Expect Gothika: corsets, shoe-lace tie-ups, slinky little black dresses, drain pipes marked by brooding black, deep red, midnight blue and furtive purple. Brazilian funk shores up the sensuality, serving up the biker jacket and denim cat suit. Costume comes into focus with carnival and Napoleanesque influences on velvet jackets, admiral buttons, fancy frills, voluminous skirts, heavy embroidered dresses and antique accessories, while tomboyish shirt, trousers and tie offer a distracting alternative for the office. If there’s one look the store puts upfront, though, it’s the cheeky schoolgirl style in tartan skirt, knee-high socks, ubiquitous white-shirt and tie.
Get down to earth
Ladies, the cardigan is back. If you haven’t already seen it out and about in Dubai, with yummy mummies and ladies who lunch alike pairing it with just about everything to keep the air-con at bay, well, it’s now official. So say Benetton, who’ve teamed it with laced leather boots.
The brand’s Fall/Winter line is a clever mix of earth tones, rich textures and versatile designs that can be worn all year round, perfect for the Gulf! Expect a palette of sober brown, earth tones, a classic charcoal and frivolous touches of white, pale blue and bluish mauve.
Casual knitwear is a key look and corduroy trousers and comfortable woollens have made a comeback at the store. New accessories include classy bags, earth-toned footwear and a range of belts.
