Armed and dangerous
Forget your chunky chokers and embroidered headwear, this season it’s all about accessorising the arms. Dramatic and otherworldly arm candy was spotted all over the NYFW catwalks. Alexander Wang and Altuzarra opted for lashings of leather, with the former showcasing cowhide and zips from the elbow down, and the latter opting for theatrical, over-the-elbow gloves adorned with red stripes. Tome took it one step further with bicep-skimming pink satin gloves with black fur, while Calvin Klein jumped on the bandwagon with ape-inspired fur arm warmers.
Pockets go large
This season’s pockets should fit everything but the kitchen sink, whether they’re patched onto an evening gown, or showcased in rows down a coat. Ever the innovator, Christopher Kane’s were attached casually to the hip of his dresses, dolled up with 3D floral embellishment. At LFW Simone Rocha went down the utility route, with sets of large, square pockets sprucing up her outerwear, while JW Anderson’s models wore their statement pocket boldly on their chests.
Va va voom velvet
Already considered to be one of the most luxurious fabrics, spectators at LFW saw velvet reach a whole new level. While the trend towards the majestic material is nothing new, what is novel is this season’s use of further enhancement. Peter Pilotto did what they do best, showing off flowing, printed velvet dresses in stand-out shades of fuchsia and orange. Printed floral velvet was also seen at Erdem in Ottoman-inspired hues of ochre and purple, while Mary Katrantzou sent her models down the catwalk shimmering in form-flattering velvet smocks with appliqué jellyfish.
Written by Thea Carley
