Winter 2010

Fashion’s favourite season is finally upon us and this year designers have really embraced the fact we need to rug up, given that some of the strongest trends would never translate if the mercury was even a touch higher.

Think plush, soft textured velvet, in deep, rich jewel tones as well as black. What traditionally wears as a fusty old-fashioned fabric has been transformed by the cut of a simple tunic dress, the abbreviated length of a flippy mini or the slim leg of a pair of jeans. Sera Lilly’s luxurious red velvet wrap dress is an upbeat choice for a mid winter cocktail affair, or throw Nom D’s mottled velvet tunic over skinny jeans for the weekend.   

Where once you would be sad to cover an on-trend outfit with a coat to step outside, now women are considering buying more than one, given the beautiful new options available, and their current status as key to a chic and stylish winter look.

Crisp navy with gold buttons, thick ankle-length camel wool, a traditional Burberry-style trench and bold, swishy capes are all top of the shopping list. Karen Walker’s navy coat with striped lining is the epitome of version of nautical chic and Kate Sylvester’s copped faux fur jacket makes the perfect addition to an evening dress for those dashes between the car and the door.

Animal print has been long been a contentious issue in fashion land, those against saying it’s outdated and garish, those for, chic and cool. No matter which side you take you’ll be seeing it everywhere, such is the renewed vigour for it this season. Leather too is popping up plenty in our local designer’s collections. A flow on from international designers who have been focusing on a clean pared back aesthetic, leather makes an interesting change of texture for simple, structured garments, rather than the boots and bags it has traditionally been restricted to.

Moochi and Lonely Hearts have done some daringly slick leather leggings while handbag heroes Deadly Ponies have recently branched out to clothing with some have-them-forever jackets, vests and skirts. Breton stripes are the easy option for weekend wear, worn simply with relaxed tan drill pants or somewhat controversially in double denim - jeans and a chambray shirt.

Twenty-Seven Names’ three quarter sleeve version is the pick of the bunch but there are plenty of great offerings available in chain stores too. For footwear little black ankle boots are still hanging in there, but you might notice something interesting about them, their heel heights are becoming much more sensible. Summer’s strappy heels get another go around paired with fine gauge socks scrunched down. Clunky wooden sole heels and bold wedges are also on the fashion radar.

And it makes sense that in a land of plentiful sheep, our knitwear would be to the highest standard. Our nation’s designers are embracing the fact, most notably with chunky cable knit sweaters or exquisitely soft and delicate cashmere. Salasai take the bold road with loopy hand knits that come in fresh white or dip dyed a kaleidoscope of rust red and navy. On a more work appropriate scale Standard Issue continue to produce interesting knitwear from simple and exquisitely soft cashmere cardies to colourful cable jumpers and beanies.

In beauty land old lady lavender has been reclaimed as today’s sexiest hade for eyes while lipsticks go for a bolder plum shade. Thick and bold plaits came from the runways of Alexander Wang and Miu Miu to inspire us out of a boring old pony tale and a slightly mussed up topknot or low slung French knot are the ‘dos to choose for evening events. The in thing for skin is an arsenal of serums which will tackle everything from fine lines to pigmentation. And to really define a modern make up, strengthen your brows with a professional shape and fill in with a shadow or pencil just one shade lighter than your hair colour.

Think plush, soft textured velvet, in deep, rich jewel tones as well as black. What traditionally wears as a fusty old-fashioned fabric has been transformed by the cut of a simple tunic dress, the abbreviated length of a flippy mini or the slim leg of a pair of jeans. Sera Lilly’s luxurious red velvet wrap dress is an upbeat choice for a mid winter cocktail affair, or throw Nom D’s mottled velvet tunic over skinny jeans for the weekend.