The fashion world has always favoured the theatrics and art of clothing rather than functionality. So it’s no surprise that every now and then there is an extravagant trend that exists purely for the enjoyment of wearing the clothes. A cape coat embroidered with foxes and other woodland creatures may not be quite appropriate for a job interview, and it may be hard rushing to lectures in the cascading lace skirts of this trend; but it is beautiful. This is for the child in all of us playing dress up.

Dolce and Gabbana pioneered this trend, reversing the princess elements on their heads. Sources for inspiration for their take on things include Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent and Anna Karenina, which combines elements of Russian furs and sweeping fabrics with the dark and romantic.

Sarah Burton’s models at Alexander McQueen were far more ice queen pairing heavy embroidery and tiered velvet with a ghostly complexion. Other designers include Andrew Gn and Erdem taking a mainly black approach. One thing all of these collections had in common was the palette. This is certainly not a bright and garish look combining jewel tones, blood reds and black came in all shapes, sizes and fabrics.

This can be a daunting trend to tackle with its drama and its use of heavy and luxurious fabrics. However the high street has a lot to offer whether you want to dip your toe in the pool or be thrown head first into a Grimm’s fairy tale.

Topshop have a wide range of dresses from lace to velvet, maxi to mini. This one in particular is a perfect straddler of day and night. Pair with aran woollen tights and buckled biker boots for the day, (the more layers the better with this trend), or simply with a leather bomber and plum lips for dinner dates and bar hopping. At £45 it isn’t too much of a stretch on a student budget but River Island and Primark both have latched onto this trend with lace dresses in particular for a cheaper option.

Vintage shops are your best bet for going full fairy tale with fur collared coats everywhere at the moment. A heavy wool number, (preferably with fur cuffs as well if you strike lucky enough), in forest green is the perfect winter warmer. However if you’re not one for rooting and waiting around with your fingers crossed TK MAXX is always a safe bet for any kind of coat. This one is currently reduced to just £36 and though it doesn’t have the perfect fur cuff, it’s overlapping fur collar and wide shape isn’t too far from your very own monochrome version of a Gabbana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally your cheapest and subtlest way to give this trend a nod is embroidery. Assuming of course none of us have the time or the skill to do it ourselves, Etsy has a wide range of patches of various woodland animals that you could use to jazz up an old coat and make it current and fun.

This fox is on £3.89. Stitch these onto a big collar of an old coat and you’ve rejuvenated an old item and given a very thrifty nod to a current trend.

So, in a season of supposed doom and gloom, grab anything velvet and jewel toned and meet us in the woods. We’ll be cooking up hexes and laying breadcrumbs.

 

 

Sarah Shaikh