CRÈME DE LA CRÈME: Texture Up

If you, like me, have spent the summer sporting light tennis dresses, bright pastels and feline sunglasses then prepare yourselves for a fashion 180. Autumn is intent on dowsing us in layers of heavy wool, sheer fabrics and detailing. Key word: texture. And it’s not just about the tactile materials but their composition as well.

Materials embellished with beads, studs and sequins as well as ornate brocade, chiffon and fur characterised the Autumn-Winter catwalks. Chanel employed a military and androgynous theme to its show, the models stomping down the runway in quilted jumpsuits, chunky wool knits and tweed jackets teamed with army boots to create a look that transcends the tailored, classic tweed suit of last season. In place of pastels, a variety of black, white and pewter greys flourished with a hint of burgundy and Christmas tree green.

The collections of Givenchy and Louis Vuitton were in a similar vein. The former showed structured translucent chiffon, adding velvet skirts, leather bombers and beautiful jewelled collars to the ensembles. The panther motif imprinted on the skirts encapsulated the fierce yet sophisticated dominatrix look evident throughout the collection. I can’t wait to see how these intricacies manifest themselves on the high street. Marc Jacobs had similar ideas for LV, with an abundance of layering and panelling. Knee high stockings under organza skirts, leather belts, embossed brocade blouses and sequined dresses adorned the catwalk.

Miu Miu, a personal favourite of mine, employed the same techniques of mixing materials yet in a subtler way, creating a more feminine look which harks back to the 1940s. The silhouettes were sleek yet intricate texture remained prevalent: embellished flowers, velvet shoulder pads and mink cummerbunds decorated the pieces. I particularly loved the chunky glittery shoes, and I will definitely be drawing my inspiration come Autumn from this elegant collection.