This year's key winter pieces have been well-documented thus far and
the coming season brings with it a delectable selection of dream-like
details and otherworldly outwear. It is not a season to perfect minimalism but
to embrace the imagination of fairy tales and magical quality of the colder
months.
Go forth with your own adaption of a winter’s tale,
embellishing without restraint as soft layers call out for decoration and feet
deserve more protection than summer overlooked – stop press: knee boots are in.
Some picks from the high street await so don’t wait around
too long or else you’ll be left out in the cold… (literally, so you better have a
coat). Here are the Lunge's Top 5 Autumn Winter 2014 trends and their high street heroes.
1. A FUR A DAY
Real, faux, purple, neutral, literally whatever, but generally the bigger and cosier the better which is ideal for those colder autumn nights to throw other a little dress. Prada was a highlight for the extrovert where silky slips were covered
up by shearlings in contrasting colours and metallic sheens. Not for the
faint-hearted. Isabel Marant had cosy pieces that lent to her boho vibe, enabling the smooth transition from the summer to winter wardrobe. Gucci's 60s influence was clear throughout, and this included the array of shaggy coats in pastel and muted tones coats.
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| Prada AW14 |
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| Isabel Marant AW14 |
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| Gucci AW14 | |
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TAKE II: HIGH STREET
2. EMBROIDERY TALES
The more dreamlike collections tended to focus on embroidered details to set themselves apart, creating pieces to be worn as an outfit's focal point if not as the whole ensemble itself. Ideally, the usual influx of winter blacks and greys will serve as complimentary backdrops to the often over-the-top surreal selections in this style.
The always romantic Valentino stepped up the game with a more folky twist with coats, capes and dresses being stand-out pieces. Both D&G and Mary Katrantzou continued with this delicate theme with Dolce incorporating the darker hues of winter and Mary including sensual sequin for evening.
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| Valentino AW14 |
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| Valentino AW14 |
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| Dolce & Gabbana AW14 |
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| Mary Katrantzou AW14 |
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TAKE II: HIGH STREET
3. (NOT NECESSARILY LITTLE OR RED) RIDING HOOD
The return of the cape was a noted addition to this seasons' shows both at once a comforting blanket of the softest materials and an elegant coverup for a very grown-up feeling monochrome ensemble. Burberry's nod to bohemian Bloomsbury girls was evident with the personalised cape/throws that models sauntered down the catwalk with whilst both Ralph Lauren and Hermes were a lesson in understated luxury with their sumptuous capes adding a air of sophistication to any woman.
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| Burberry Prorsum AW14 |
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| Ralph Lauren AW14 |
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| Hermes AW14 | |
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TAKE II: HIGH STREET
4. THE 60S ARE COMING
As briefly mentioned, the 60s were a key point decade for Gucci among an abundance of other designers. Hemlines were hiked up with chunky boots both at ankle and knee height. The freeing spirit of decade was mirrored in unexpected materials and colour combinations, with Gucci's stunning muted notes shouting of youthful energy. Saint Laurent carried on with it's grunge edge but with spinkles of sparkles and black tights whilst miniskirts and go-go boots really ran the 60s message home. Flippy skirts and polo necks were a common thread throughout Nicolas Ghesquiere's first collection at Louis Vuitton inducing envy over high-shine materials mixed with an array of different skins.
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| Gucci AW14 |
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| Saint Laurent AW14 |
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| Louis Vuitton AW14 |
TAKE II: HIGH STREET
5. EARTHY TONES
Fashion went back to basic with an emphasis on colours often considered 'boring' or 'ugly' but now embodied with a glamourous ambience. Again, Isabel Marant used a palette focused on neutrals with green bringing a touch of colour and a natural aura. Lanvin used a mix of dark, moody tones focused on the evening woman wearing luxurious textures of fur and leather - highlighted by an envied green trenchcoat. Balmain continued their military theme with deep greens enhancing the tough leathers and utility jackets and studded dresses.
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| Isabel Marant AW14 |
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| Lanvin AW14 |
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| Balmain AW14 |
TAKE II: HIGH STREET
xxx
