As we conclude Fall/Winter 2017 trends, we turn our attention onto silhouettes and details that have proven to be paramount this season as per the international runways. F/W 2017-18 offered us a generous glimpse into the future of the fashion industry, at the same time drawing our consideration back over our details from the bygone days of bold and poised fashion theatrics.
The See-Now-Buy-Now strategy sat balanced alongside wondrous adaptations of the imaginative creative. The former aims at reducing the gap in the market by launching collections up for sale as soon as they stroll off the runway whilst the latter involves artful appreciation and guided consideration for purchase – this season had it all.
The shoulders get bigger and the jackets get shorter – exaggeration is the name of the game as puffed up sleeves and padded jackets make a comeback. Cropped jackets – bomber, varsity or puffer – take your pick.
Accentuated midriffs that are tied, knotted, cinched or belted make a case for robe-like silhouettes through wrap jackets, blazers and dresses.
Flares mellow down a bit, and menswear-inspired garments take centre stage, channelling in the bold, independent ‘boss-babe’ vibe.
In a nutshell, Fall/Winter 2017-18 is entirely about expertly executed collections that emphasize skilled craftsmanship bringing about historical references as inspiration for trends to come.
Puff-Puff Parade
A collective inclination towards comfort and utility based clothing has ignited a resurgence of the warm and cozy puffer/padded jackets, been labelled ‘out-of-fashion’ in the past few seasons.
While the outerwear staple might have retained its spot in the fashion industry limited to ski slopes, Fall/Winter 2017-18 has another fate destined for it. The new and revised puffer jacket flaunts prints and loud pops of colour, cropped or cinched at the waist, and breaks stereotypes by sitting just as calmly over slip dresses as it does over jeans. Quilted stitching details in linear and lozenge-shaped patterns gave a stylish spur to iterations of bomber jackets, long coats and oversized versions.
Exaggerated Shoulders
With the current heat surrounding woman empowerment across the globe – a topic that has caused societal hearsay – it was no surprise when designers collectively decided to inject autonomous messages, into their collections minus the need to exhibit any sort of logos or slogans.
A powerful theme was brought about by the use of structured shoulders that promoted dominance. Masculine tailored silhouettes assimilated across cross-cultural designs, flaunted bold, exaggerated and pointy shoulders that brought forth an ’80s revival of sorts.
Exposed Zipper
The Fall of 2017, lured designers to keep the zippers and closures exposed and multiple. Seen as profligate slashes over jackets, flys, and turtlenecks or diagonally placed all the way through, over dresses and skirts, the zips seem to be the new hardware-in-town.
Although the rose-gold trend continues to enjoy a market of its own, silver tinted zippers topped with a circular ring closure, are hands-down the best-seller in this category as it makes its way into the much hyped fast-fashion pieces.
Cinch-Spicious
As attention narrows down to the waistline, belts serve as an unmissable detail that emphasize the coveted hour-glass silhouette. Be it basic – big, wide and looped, or conspicuous as laced-up, corseted or belted, belts served as the accessory to-go for all kinds of collections.
Chunky, decorative buckles with or without a dominant brooch were seen aplenty, securing dresses, gowns, jackets and coats, trousers and skirts. Oversized versions layered as easily over skin – hugging pieces as they did over boxy shapes translating the cinch as a major trend for the coming season.
Borrowed From The Boys
Debatably the biggest trend of the season is the use of masculine influences to accentuate certain aspects of femininity. Despite a rebellious fashion week, menswear-inspired silhouettes and prints served as a key inspiration for an umpteen number of designers.
Ranging from menswear staples such as tailored blazers and jackets that featured tartan and striped prints to the inclusion of fabrics such as wool, tweed and classic suiting material in more conventional styles, the trend imparted a fresh spin on womenswear classics. There was a significant majority of feminine silhouettes that projected power suiting for the approaching season.
Feathery Delights
From actual marabou and ostrich feathers to the less palpable beaded fringes – sway-inducing styles are sashaying between street chic and opulent exaggeration teamed with graceful fluidity. Inspired from a general fancy with flight and movement, designers are channelling the 1920’s feathering effect by making use of everything from tassels to shredded fabrics and unkempt yarns and injecting them into their collections.
Feather-embellished hemlines edging skirts and dresses, adorning sleeves or posing as little plumes embroidered all-over dresses served as concoctions applied over cotton, leather and linen at the Fall/Winter runways.
Ornamental Applique Patchwork
Delicately constructed chiffon and sheer dresses infused with laser cut appliqué motifs introduced a fanciful vibe to 2D renderings. Designers and high-fashion brands alike, stirred up whimsical vibes by featuring the richness of the embroideries and patches over fine materials such as velour, fur, leather and even suede.
Everyday fabrics such as denims and knit sweaters were adorned with embellished versions of motifs that sat well with both feminine and masculine silhouettes.
Fringe Effect
Along with the ’80s, the ’70s also managed to find their way into this year’s collections in the form of fringes, which continue to re-invent themselves season after season.Tiered and layered over dresses, serving as trims on the hemlines of coats, jackets and skirts or serving as details over sleeves and accessories such as bags – the fringe might as well be one of the main details apart from ruffles and frills to make a strong case for Fall/Winter 2017-18.
In some cases, the fringe took on a more delicate and feminine twist appearing all-over dresses and adding a roaring Twenties spin to them.
