Laura does catwalking

The 80’s are back with a vengeance this coming winter, as seen strutting down the catwalk shows of Marc Jacobs, Alexandra Wang, Brasso and Brooke and Georgio Armani. From big shoulders, clashing colours, crazy animal prints and power dressing. All the things we love and hate about fashion from 1980’s is preparing to explode all over the high street within the coming months…so be prepared. Marc Jacobs led the way with this trend sending out bright pink jackets with enormous shoulder pads, high waisted denim, metallic tones and party dresses that looked like cocktail dresses circa 1984. When thinking 80’s this winter, channel Blade Runner and Banarama hair.

The influence of the masculine was evidence in several AW09 collections, from suits with a twist, dinner jackets and masculine tailoring. Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Hussein Chalayan, Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, Burberry Prorsum all showcased influences from a more typical masculine wardrobe. This look was best seen in the collection of Jean Paul Gaultier, from his relaxed tailored suits to his office inspired skirts. His collection summed up the trend seen in so many AW09 designs.

Fashion reflects the times we live in, the changes that a society goes through and how those living in it are affected. Fashion in times of economic crisis can be said to take on a more sombre mood. This trend turns towards a more sophisticated way of dressing, pencil skirts with matching jackets, tailoring, tweed and hounds tooth print. Shown on a colour pallet of autumn tones such as burgundy, soft browns and dusky oranges. Designers such as Lanvin, Donna Karen, Michael Kors and Dries Van Noten all showed collections that consisted of obvious references to fashion of bygone eras such as the 1930’s, 40’s and 1950’s.

With D& G, Christian Lacroix, Richard Nicoll, Prada and Derek Lam paving the catwalks gold this autumn winter, it made for a bold contrast to the other more subdued trends that can be seen. Think gold lame, metallic fabrics, and leathers. From gold glam rock, futuristic metals and chunky gold jewellery. Flashes of gold could be seen in collections from Zac Posen’s gold embellished belts, D&G quilt inspired gold dresses to Richard Nicoll futuristic gold leather leggings.

By Laura Stonard

Kiss me Quick

Never has a full, colourful pout looked better. Maybe it's the recession sending us all running for old-school glamour, or maybe it's the 80s power resurgence, but most probably it's because hot lips are so flippin' sexy. Whether they're orange, a la Rachel Walker, PINK! (it needs the exclamation mark) like at Antonio Beradi, or grey like at Rodarte, interesting lips are one trend we'll be busting in public as much as possible. They lend a sense of purpose to an outfit. A sort of authority, an air of "That's right, I did take my time getting dressed, now look at me." Over at Spank HQ we're enjoying hard candy pinks and very bright reds. Our number one tip? Get thee to a make-up counter. The wrong shade will make your teeth yellow and your skin old and dead. Other than that - go totally mental.