A/W 2016: Runway trends to Heart

Whether you’re aiming for dainty, badass or the girl next door, there’s something there for everyone. The lowdown on A/W 2016 biggest fashion trends... 

The 80s

L-R: Fyodor Golan, Moschino and Paul Smith 

The era of rock and roll is back to shake things up. Some of the loudest retro trends, from crop tops, shoulder pads and fishnet stockings to off-shoulders and blinding neons, have made a big comeback. And animal prints on everything from fur coats to boots are righteous again.

Lady Victorian

L-R: Valentino, Valentino and Scognamiglio

Sweetheart necklines, pretty pleats, rich brocade and ruffles made a strong case for Victorian revival. Valentino, Chanel and Dior revisited history with some of fashion’s most romantic shapes and silhouettes. We love how this ultra-feminine trend is made rugged with knee-high boots.

Miss Rock

L-R: Dmitry Sholokhov, On Aura Tout Vu and AF Vandevorst

The borderline goth, badass rocker girl is taking centre stage. But this time she’s a lady and she knows it. The don’t-mess-with-me look is offset with feminine silhouettes. Dmitry’s peplum top, McQueen’s slit dress with pink butterflies and Vandevorst’s jacket and cape makes a case for leather in black with some girly shapes and prints.

Cartoons & Emojis 

L-R: Hindmarch and Moschino

Graphics this season are nostalgic cartoons from your childhood. Also, goofy emojis we know, love and use every day. From Hindmarch and Scott to House of Holland and Moschino, high fashion labels are going *heart eyes* for playful images.

Sweet Sweater

L-R: Ryan Lo and Pringle

Raid grandma’s closet because her kooky winter wear is making headlines. Sweaters this season are happily oversized and knitted in bright colours with adorable prints. Case in point, Ryan Lo’s giant butterfly knit.

Midnight Sky

L-R: Tony Ward, House of Holland and Alexander McQueen

Much like 2015, shimmer is all the rage this season to. In a House of Holland strappy dress, Minx duster jacket, Alexander McQueen gown and Tony Ward pantsuit, sequins on black resembling the night sky lit up the runways. Because evening wear ought to be out of this world…

Jewel Tones of Red, Purple & Indigo

L-R: Vetements, Rani Zakhem and On Aura Tout Vu

Indigo, which was big at Elie Saab and Ralph & Russo, is on its way to becoming the new black, while gender-neutral purple walked down Hobeika and Rani Zakhem runways looking like royalty. Red in scarlet and rust shades made its way to Versace and Vetements.

I wrote this article for September issue of The Juice by Jabong magazine. It's posted online here.

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