Step into Autumn 08 With Style
by Patrick Swan
Autumn beckons a return to glamour, creating prim, clean styles. So look for hair to be soft waves, eyes gently lined with a bit of a flick, colour to the cheek and berry coloured mouths for day or night. Experimenting with the sumptuous tones of plums, forest greens, steel greys, espresso browns, and the statement coat, have cast their spell throughout the turning season as major trend indicators.
The 40's skirt suit has become the new look for women in dusky greys, pin-stripes or plaid. High waisted skirt lengths have dropped below the knee, with a contrasting tight or a bold black leg, and allowing an animal skin boot or ankle boot to create a perfect finish. Team these with a sheer printed bib blouse or try a loosely tied bow blouse to soften the look. If you fancy a little floral or paisley, Liberty's archives have been circulated to most brands and their subtleness adds a hint of grace. For women, the shoe with skyscraper height or a tough edge has replaced the must have big bag which has been pared down to a slightly oversized clutch. Jewellery is big bold and everything feels luxe with a new focus on reptile, tooled leather or patent for a perfect finish. Tie the entire look together with a wide or narrow belt depending how much focus will compliment your silhouette.
Key designer looks this season from RM Roland Mouret, with his signature pin tucking; Dries Van Noten's blazing prints; Vivienne Westwood's take on red; Phillip Lim's clean lines; and newly re-launched Halston's brilliant double knits. All exemplify steadfastly that the direction is modern, chic and seriously feminine. The Upper High Street has welcomed the reinvention of Whistles, with Jane Singleton from Top Shop firmly showing her first collection to cleaver updates to Jigsaw puzzle pieces that easily intermix and Reiss bringing on their own Black Label collection. Betty Jackson continues to surprise us with her leather pieces as does Joseph, which has pulled a few notes from their Tricot era as the chunky cable knits make for perfect outerwear on a chilly evening. Issa, updating her Lucky dress back for an autumn twist and LK Bennett plays with silk prints that drape beautifully and will make any luncheon feel like a romantic rendezvous.
For men take a fresh look at the three button peaked lapel suits or narrow lapel one button, which have become the staple uber look for work to smart casual. Simply change from a slim or wide leg dress trouser to dark denim, teamed with a white voile shirt with contrasting cuff for a smart casual look. Replacing black and navy, one can now find the variant shades from charcoal to midnight grey and sage greens refreshing. With so many weights of fabrics such as microfibers, super 120 wools, flannels, needlepoint corduroy and velvet, suits will now travel without creasing, allowing you to travel and always look perfect for any occasion. Look out for micro dot details and suede at Kilgour; contrasting pinstripes at Richard James; colourful wool/silk blends at Oswald Boateng; and, the perfect trench in a deep taupe at Nicole Farhi. Finish off any of these looks with a very fashion forward toe from Oliver Sweeney's or Dries Van Noten's shoe collections. All have must see collections that will give you the edge one yearns for.
Patrick Swan is a Hair and Makeup Artist, Stylist
www.patrickswan.com