Without realising I made the ultimate mistake this year - taking a Summer holiday in May. Refusing to acknowledge that Summer still existed and melting away in knitwear and ankle boots for the past two months, I feel I have been rescued from my post-holiday blues by the new season trends that have found their way into our lives.
This is why I love fashion...for its jaw-dropping versatility. Where else would you find Fetish seductiveness back to back with Forties inspired conservatism? Only on our catwalks. The treats for Autumn/Winter wait temptingly, like sweeties in their jars: Jewel Tones, Androgynous tailoring, Sixties Shapes and Decorative delights are but a few of the trends we can look forward to in the coming months. Let alone wearing these glamourous outfits, I can't wait to run my hands over the furs, tweeds, tartans, sequins and lace that decorated this Season's catwalks.
Wardrobe Wish-List: 1940's Glamour.
The trend of next season that already has me reaching for my savings has got to be forties glamour. Taking their inspiration from the women who valiantly clung to the last threads of femininity during the uniform-driven realm of the 1940s. Luckily, our designers are not restricted by the rations on material; on buttons, cuffs nor skirts. The catwalks now seek to expose the charm, romance and alluring essence of forties fashion. Pencil skirts, gloves, skinny belts, satin and fur will soon be hitting our high streets, all emulating the power and seductiveness of the female form.
Christian Dior was the influential designer of the 1940s, when he launched his 'New Look' in the Spring of 1947. Dior's belief was that women were tired of the uniformed and unadorned clothing of WW2 and sought to bring a lady-like charm back to women's wardrobes. However, with the recent dismissal of leading man and Fashion Apothocarist John Galliano, it will not be Christian Dior that takes centre stage this time. Who will be seen as Design King/Queen of our Flashback to the Forties?
Christian Dior now.... and then. Fashion Faux-Pas? Lets talk straight. I am more than happy to be adventurous with my outfits, and one thing that I admire about the fashion industry is its sense of humour. But sometimes I do wonder whether the designers have gone a little too Gaga with their designs. Take Jean Paul Gaultier's OAP inspired hairstyle for his AW11 catwalk. This is a look that I will not be taking to my local salon any time soon. As much as I enjoy wearing outfits that take their inspiration from other eras...I like to leave it precisely there, with the inspiration. I do not want to look like I am actually from that generation. Not because I am ageist, but because I want to enjoy my youth whilst I am still in it. I have total respect to the glamour and elegance of the older generation, but I have a feeling that even they would rather hide the grey than pile it high!
Divine Design Inspiration:
Unless you had actively avoided all television, newspapers, radio and general society for the past year you will have noticed the impact of a certain Princess on our lives. But Kate Middleton is not the first royal to grace her majestic presence on our fashion world. Queen Victoria set the style for future brides by getting married in a white wedding dress in 1840 and Princess Diana was the most photographed woman on the planet thanks to her model proportions, mystique of a silent movie star and fashion know-how. Yet as beautiful as our new fashion muse really is, I must be totally honest and say that I find her style a little... bland. Shock Horror! I can hear the gasps of outrage! I totally understand that conservative dressing comes as part of her role yet it frustrates me that she has to restrict her personality in clothes that often appear too old and unexciting for her youthful glow and vivacious smile. The wicked part of me wishes that I could swap hers and Lady Gaga's wardrobe for a week. Meat-dress may be taking it a little too far but perhaps something like this cheeky little number for her next Royal Tour?
Monthly delights:
This month I have been treating myself to a luxury breakfast of cherry pancakes. One of your five a day and totally in keeping with this months national cherry day (16th july) just make sure you remove the stones first. (fashionunclothed will not be responsible for any tooth damage).
This month I will be trying to tackle the tricky changeover between seasons as the dull weather seems to have come far too early. I will be colour blocking but with AW11's jewel colours instead of pop-brights - perhaps these gemmy treats will encourage the sun to make an appearance!
And finally.... This month I have been listening to Emeli Sande's debut single 'Heaven.' The sassy songstress (who provided the female vocals on Chipmunks hit 'Diamond Rings') is destined for chart stardom with her powerful yet soothing voice. Can't wait for her future hits.
This month I have been treating myself to a luxury breakfast of cherry pancakes. One of your five a day and totally in keeping with this months national cherry day (16th july) just make sure you remove the stones first. (fashionunclothed will not be responsible for any tooth damage).
This month I will be trying to tackle the tricky changeover between seasons as the dull weather seems to have come far too early. I will be colour blocking but with AW11's jewel colours instead of pop-brights - perhaps these gemmy treats will encourage the sun to make an appearance!
And finally.... This month I have been listening to Emeli Sande's debut single 'Heaven.' The sassy songstress (who provided the female vocals on Chipmunks hit 'Diamond Rings') is destined for chart stardom with her powerful yet soothing voice. Can't wait for her future hits.
