With the clocks now back and the extra hours of darkness creeping in, we unpick the optimism underlying some of the key AW1920 trends. Think colour, shine, even pieces made from jelly, whether you own these clothes or simply appreciate them from the screen, they promise to make you smile and warm you up from the inside out. More than just fleeting trends, take inspiration from AW1920, which prescribes a whole wardrobe of uplift when you look for it.
Colour Blocking: The opening of Max Mara’s show probably epitomises the sentiment of dressing for winter happiness. With three models striding out head-to-toe in turquoise, blue and yellow, the sartorial confidence of this bold colour blocking brings an undeniably cheery note to power dressing. The brand’s decision to update their timeless coat from neutrals to brights shows that with a little bravery, even the most colour shy will benefit from a rainbow upgrade.
Wrap Up: Many of the men’s catwalks bundled up in oversized scarves, and the longer the better if you want to. An acceptable compromise for a blanket, big scarfs will ensure you can continue to make outdoor lunch-breaks a thing. Research even suggests that keeping your nose covered can help ward off a cold, so perhaps there really is some magic in this Harry Potter-inspired essential.
Positive Puffers: A make-over of everyone’s cold-weather favourite, this Richard Quinn coat shows that the most insulating and weatherproof garms can be as equally protective of our inner spirits. When you have to wear a coat every day, why not wear something that makes everyone around you smile too.
Double Denim: It was all over the men’s catwalks, and the Canadian tuxedo offers a refreshing alternative to the clamour of a suit. An all-white affair is probably more fun in theory than practice (unless your washing machine is really good), but it’s angelic tones offer a virtuous alternative to the mundaneness of the everyday 9-5 uniform.
Fur Queen: Shrimps always do faux fur best. A hat would have been a more sensible choice, but this headbands’ impracticality, coupled with its regal silhouette teaches us to approach the cold head on, head up (middle finger optional). The subtle animal print enhances its playful nature.
Bad Romance: This dress is gothic enough to entertain any ghostly desires still looming over from Halloween. Valentino shows that sometimes romance is best worn dead, and those with more sombre palettes can feel the love of nature’s blooms too. The fashion house extended the love by incorporating poetry into their collection, and their decision to embroider lines within seams and hems offers inspiration for upcycling clothes in a more personal way.
Something new: Gel is a defining feature of Kane’s AW19 collection, and its molten qualities bring unexpected fluidity to outfits. Partnered with gunmetal and crystals, Kane shows that a little outlandish hedonism is sometimes the best way to tackle the cold.
