Fall 2014 is set to bring an era of comfort and simplicity back into fashion. Knits, hand-mades, bold coats and flat boots are sure to be some of the most coveted pieces in this upcoming fall season. The trends in New York, London, Milan and Paris — which held its shows last week — each offered a unique interpretation on fashion’s latest theme.
Leading the pack was none other than New York Fashion Week with its knits. Everyone can utilize the knit sweater, seen in a variation of styles, during the cold city winters. Match it with an oversized scarf, which was also popular in many collections. Marc Jacobs sent models down the runway in matching knit tops and pants with ribbed details. Michael Kors utilized his knits with knee-length hemlines in skirts and with a an oversized cardigan dress. Calvin Klein turned heads with an entire collection devoted to knits, including full dresses, skirts and sleeveless turtlenecks, in a multitude of juxtaposition of vibrant and muted colors.
London took on the most daring trend out of the four cities with designers using a handmade approach to their collections. Mary Katrantzou moved away from the computer-based prints she is famous for to showcase various textiles from patchwork sweaters to sequined and patched knee cropped dresses. Burberry Prorsum also exhibited exquisite craftsmanship in their fall collection. Jackets, dresses and ponchos were structured perfectly and paired with their signature throw blanket placed on the model’s right shoulder. These pieces were accessorized with a standout line of hand-painted bags to complete the strong line.
Milan showed the world that gaudiness still thrives in the hearts of some fashionistas. In Prada’s refined line, tanned leather coats in an array of hues were accented with complementary-colored trims of fur on the collars and sleeves. Marni’s sporty collection showed an exaggeratedly large white fur with huge cobalt, peach and coral accent spots. Fashion certainly retained its flair in these two collections.
Finally, the City of Lights issued the way for the return of a flat to the runway. Celine has become a crucial collection in Paris, and with its creative director Phoebe Philo playing on menswear for women always creates a stir. While the collection featured a towering flatform sandal, a white bootie and patent leather flat boot snuck its way underneath boot cut pants. Alexander McQueen shocked viewers without a single heel and only a variation on a fur pom-pom embellished combat boot. Saint Laurent takes the prize though with endless pairs of standout shoes. Whether in beige suede, studded leather, or a bold ruby glitter, the boots were a hit with critics and the public.
The most interesting feature of the various fashion weeks is that a more comfortable and humanistic approach to clothing seems to be returning. While digital prints can create beautiful canvases, it seems that human handiwork can and will do the same for Fall 2014.
A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, March 12 print edition. David Bologna is a staff writer. Email him at [email protected].
