Stride into September
Get the lowdown on the hottest trends from the Autumn/Winter 2023 catwalks. From cutesy clutches to sleek tailored coats, the message was clear: it’s business as usual for the sartorial set.
This year’s catwalks showcased the modern equivalent of wearing your favourite silk pyjama bottoms to a Zoom meeting; like cashmere socks under hefty; or leather work boots or a hoodie and leggings beneath a tailored camel coat.
It’s a refreshing change from the days of yore when plenty of catwalks looks were either unwearable or vastly inappropriate for day-to-day living – this year, the runways in New York, Paris, London and Milan have all had a strong sense of reality… outfits to live in and to thrive in.
At Courreges, formidable, street-smart girls thundered out with smartphones clutched in their hands while swathed in stiff leather jackets and slim trousers - the modern-day silhouette of the Eighties power suit. Gucci girls, meanwhile, were a little softer with baggy blue jeans, a striped cotton shirt and a trench coat… the latter on the way to a lunch date and the former out to breach the glass ceiling.
But wherever the destination, the overall sentiment is one of strident ambition; a sense of really going places and a need to get stuff done.
Still, there was still room for a little sexy playfulness. The underwear as outerwear trend was in full swing at Missoni and Dolce and Gabbana; dresses were transparent at Simone Rocha, and Models at Miu Miu had their cardigans tucked into the waistbands of their tights - a look which may translate to an unfortunate moment of haste in the ladies’ loo rather that a sartorial choice.
The hourglass silhouette also made a triumphant return with chunky belts cinching in voluminous dresses, suits and coats that seemed almost sculptured to emulate Boticelli-esque curves, and chic, slim tailoring twinned with slender belts at the likes of Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
Of course, one must take precaution against the winter chills and what better way to do so than with luxurious layers of wool and cashmere - shawls that could double as blankets and scarves that reached the ankles were everywhere. Tartan featured heavily – particularly at Vivienne Westwood where the late-great grandmother of punk’s spirit was alive and well – and all this wool and warmth off-set beautifully with delicate gold brooches and pins.
So as you prepare to step into the colder months, remember that comfort and class need not be compromised in the pursuit of fashion.
Check out autumn fashion at Terracotta Boutique - Bank Street www.terracotta.boutique and SASS - Regent Street www.sassstyle.co.uk
“So as you prepare to step into the colder months, remember that comfort and class need not be compromised in the pursuit of fashion.”