A… is for Asia
From the kimono details and origami folds that appear at Prada, Haider Ackermann and Lanvin, to the embroidered dragons that spiral across Pucci’s fluid sportswear, the Far East is wielding its considerable power across fashion.
Look out for kimono sleeved tops and jackets, chrysanthemum prints and exotic silks in oriental patterns such as the boxy orchid print jacket at Whistles; Accessorize’s Oriental kimono (£35) or Topshop’s China Medallion pyjama jacket (£48).
B… is for Balenciaga
Alexander Wang will provide the most closely watched debut in fashion this spring as he takes over from Nicolas Ghesquiere — creative director at the Parisian couture house for 15 years. Expect Wang’s obsession with streetwear in luxe forms. Get the look with Karen Millen’s black knit and denim biker jacket (£140) or a Varsity baseball jacket by French Connection (£125).
C… is for Clementine
The catwalk’s obsession with an eye-popping palette continues this spring from azure blue to verdant green, but rich tangerine shades received Stella McCartney’s seal of approval.
On the High Street there are ripe pickings: Banana Republic has a silk T-shirt (£55) and wide-leg trousers (£55) in clementine.
D… is for Demure baby bumps
Maternity has never been so fashionable as McQueen’s Sarah Burton and Gucci’s Frida Giannini present their final shows before they give birth. But all eyes will be on the royal bump and the Duchess of Cambridge’s sure to be ladylike and chic wardrobe. We’re thinking Issa jersey dresses, like this one, Roland Mouret gowns and exquisitely cut McQueen empire-line suits.
E… is for Elegant
The spring collections are rich with haute couture references. At Gucci, Frida Giannini has been inspired by chic Italian women of the Sixties; Valentino evokes the mood with gowns drawing on Roman couture. A new coffee table book on CZ Guest (£45) celebrates one of the U.S.’s most chic style icons.
F… is for Fedora
Hedi Slimane’s debut collection for Yves Saint Laurent was full of floppy fedoras bound for Kate Moss’s head. Find a cheaper version at M&S, where Per Una has a peacock blue pure wool fedora (£29.50). And doff your cap to Philip Treacy — a picture book of the milliner at work is out soon (Phaidon, £39.95).
G… is for Gucci loafers
What to wear with the new slouchy trousers seen at Stella McCartney and Celine? Boyish loafers.
This year Gucci marks the 60th anniversary of its horsebit shoe with the 1953 loafer in colourful patent leathers, suede, python or the verdant Flora pattern. Black patent Lexie loafers at Kurt Geiger (£95) would work with cream or white boyish trousers.
H… is for Hippy prints
From Missoni’s long layered silk dresses to Yves Saint Laurent’s suede dresses, paisley gowns and silk chiffon capes, the late Sixties is a bohemian alternative to spring’s minimalism. A High Street alternative is River Island’s Purple Pasha scarf print dress (£35). Look out for Carey Mulligan in Inside Llewyn Davis, a movie set in Greenwich Village’s Sixties folk scene.
I… is for Ice cream colours
Christopher Kane showed how cool sugared almond shades can look with his stunning collection while everyone from Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci to Erdem are championing pastel shades for spring. Uniqlo’s merino and lambswool sweaters (£19.90) come in delicious pastels including lilac, mint green and pink.
J… is for Jumpsuit
The all-in-one comes in myriad versions, from Stella McCartney’s spotted crepe de chine to the more utilitarian looks seen at MaxMara or Belstaff, where khaki rules. Or go Forties, as seen at Oscar de la Renta, where retro florals decorate silk jumpsuits. Asos has more affordable shorts versions by Orla Kiely, though you’ll have to wait for the summer to wear them.
K… is for Kinky kit
You’ve read the book, now get the look as labels become mildly subversive — bondage straps, thigh-high boots, bustiers and lashings of lace appear at shows from McQueen to Nina Ricci, while Betony Vernon’s The Boudoir Bible (£19.95, Rizzoli) puts a stylish spin on the genre with interesting illustrations by Francois Berthoud…
L… is for Leopard print accessories
Feline prints are shrugging off their dubious past and becoming super-cool, thanks to designers from Christopher Kane to Kenzo’s Carol Lim and Humberto Leon. Try Celine’s leopard espadrilles. Gap’s leopard flats are a chic and practical alternative (£45) while Alice Temperley’s Somerset collection for John Lewis includes a leopard cross-body bag (£235).
M… is for Mink slippers
Forget sheepskin, faux fur or fleece — Phoebe Philo has invented the couture version and it comes only in mink. Celine’s new slippers are perfect for people with a serious designer fashion habit.
N… is for a New two-piece
Matching looks are back as Sixties inspired tunic and trouser suits are championed at Erdem, Mary Katrantzou and Jonathan Saunders. Choose from head-to-toe print or opt for plain but delicious cyclamen pink or blue, like this one, as seen at Gucci.
O… is for Optical pattern
Dazzling prints and patterns in black and white provide some of the season’s boldest looks from Marc Jacob’s eponymous New York show to Marni’s headache-inducing checks. Topshop’s geometric black & white tee (£35), is a simple way to channel the look (with skinny black trousers).
P… is for Punk detail
Rooney Mara and Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci will host 2013’s biggest fashion spectacle when New York’s Met Museum launches Punk: Chaos To Couture. Expect piercings, tattoos and mohawks aplenty from the show, which will explore the movement’s iconic bands, subversive style and impact on fashion.
Q… is for Quick make-up
Beauty goes low maintenance this spring, thanks to the simple, fresh-faced beauty and girl-next-door
hair seen on all the catwalks. From the choppy, tousled bob sported by many models, including Arizona Muse, to the spartan, but glowing make-up at Calvin Klein, Jil Sander and Proenza
Schouler, it’s all about looking low-key.
R… is for Ruffles
A frill has never looked so cool. At Givenchy, they were soft and light in soft pastel colours; while at Balenciaga, bold dance-inspired ruffles in black and white dominated the show. Zara has a great take on it with its fun frilled dress (£69.99).
S… is for Sade style
The sultry Eighties soul singer behind hits such as Smooth Operator provides the inspiration for Balmain’s luxurious spring collection, which features black leather, high-waisted pants and even power shoulders.Get the look with Topshop’s rhinestone hoops (£14).
T… is for Tuxedo
It’s a fashion classic, but reworked as dresses (at Lanvin and Dior), a coat (Celine) and the new cropped jacket (Tom Ford and Haider Ackermann). Tick off two trends at once with Theyskens Theory’s cropped black tux jacket (£525 at my-wardrobe) or opt for velvet with MiH’s inky tux (£450). Or keep it classic with the Valkyrie blazer (£250) at All Saints.
U… is for Underground cool
From neon eye-liner at Fendi, Kenzo and Michael Kors to Aertex bombers and T-shirt dresses at Stella McCartney, clubland offers rich pickings. Spot the original looks with As Seen In Blitz: Fashion Eighties Style (£35, ACC Editions) by Iain R. Webb or visit the V&A for From Club To Catwalk, from July 10.
V… is for Very low heels
Oh, joy! The vertiginous heel has a catwalk rival and it’s a far more comfy option. Choose from Vuitton’s Mod pumps, Dolce & Gabbana’s brocade Mary-Janes or invest in the classic Roger Vivier pumps, as worn by Catherine Deneuve in Belle du Jour. Kurt Geiger’s Eve (£59), or Lucca (£95) pumps have a Sixties feel.
W… is for Wide stripes
Sam Mendes is directing the musical reworking of the classic Roald Dahl 1964 book Charlie And The Chocolate Factory for the West End this May. Fashion is tapping the Sixties, too; Marc Jacobs has opted for Oompa Loompa stripes with his New York collection. Peter Jensen’s calico coat (£350, Asos), provides a trans-seasonal way to wear the look.X… is for extra firm thighs
Designers from Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz to Joseph Altuzarra are championing a sporty, leg-revealing wrap skirt this season. Sportmax had one of the easiest versions in buttersoft emerald leather, which was paired on the catwalk with a matching ribbed sweater. Recreate the look with Ohne Titel’s striped wrap mini skirts (£114.79, Shopbop).
Y… is for Yoga toned abs
Cropped knits, boleros and midriff-flashing shirts (at Celine, Chloe and Rochas respectively) will all require major devotion to the gym. Alternatively, layer up these pieces for minimal exposure.
Z… is for Ziggy Stardust tickets
One of fashion’s most enduring style icons takes centre stage at the V&A. The exhibition David Bowie Is will bring together costumes, set designs, album artwork and explore his influence, from March 23. – DailyTimes
