From The Straits Times    |

Photos: Showbit

It’s been a bold and daring year, and from the in-your-face rainbows of Burberry, to the slogan emblazoned hoodies of Henry Holland, the designers certainly weren’t afraid to shy away from a celebration of colour, texture and political statement. But what have been the highlights of London Fashion Week A/W ‘18 and, most importantly, what trends can we steal to start preparing our own wardrobes for next season?!

Whilst London fashionistas step back and take a collective sigh that another jam-packed fashion week is over, we’re taking an energetic dive-in to discover the hottest new trends to emerge from the British capital. So let’s jump right into that proverbial pool of fashion and see what juicy new trends we can extract from the runways.

 

1. Kaleidoscope colour

Photos: Showbit

With Burberry’s Christopher Bailey giving us a masterclass in how to rock the colour spectrum in his last ever show for the brand (and a nod to the LGBTQ community), he set the catwalk alive with rainbow hues on everything from puffa jackets to a full technicolour faux-fur cape, worn by Cara Delevingne to close the show in ultimate *mic drop* style.

Ashish’s collection exploded with a bright array of tinselled jumpsuits and dresses, exuding a ‘disco Christmas’ vibe, whilst Peter Pilotto showcased dresses and oversized coats in a more muted version of the spectrum.

 

How to work the trend

The great thing about this look is you can make it as bold or as understated as you want. If you’re not feeling like going all out colour-explosion, it’s possible to tweak this trend into an everyday wearable look. Try layering a multi-coloured jumper or tee underneath a black coat, or use accessories to make a plain look pop, as demonstrated with rainbow bags against all black on the Burberry catwalk.

 

2. PVC trench coats

Photos: Showbit

If you’re a messy eater, then we’ve got great news. Wipe-clean PVC is in for AW18, meaning you’ll never have to worry about spilling coffee over yourself ever again. Not sure on PVC in our tropical climate? Here’s how to wear PVC in Singapore’s hot weather.

Bright PVC trenches dominated at Pam Hogg with hot pinks and greens, laid over high shine black leggings for contrast, whilst over at Simone Rocha, shiny khakis took centre stage with a slightly vintage feel. Roland Mouret, Gareth Pugh and Malan Breton also championed PVC black trenches, with striking structure and hard edges.

How to work the trend

Drape a PVC trench over your shoulders and wear all black for an ensemble that’ll have every head in the room turning your way. If you’re sticking to one colour head-to-toe, try and mix up the textures by adding some softer, fluffier layers to contrast against the slick PVC.

 

3. Even-more-powerful power suits

Photos: Showbit

Suits were all over the runways for next season, providing styles for every type of girl boss out there.

Mulberry kept them simple and bold, cutting a strikingly elegant figure in lemon yellows, lime greens and pale greens, whilst Roland Mouret stuck to slouchier, loose fits in classic blues and greys for an androgynous high fashion edge.

Meanwhile, Peter Pilotto displayed sumptuous robe-like satin suits in rich ambers, magentas, reds and royal blues, pleasing the comfort-seekers amongst us. Finally, Erdem showed us that it’s completely possible to create a day to night suit look, with their longline blazers layered over magnificent silver dresses. Who says you can’t wear your favourite party dress to the office eh?  For more inspiration, here’s luxury two-pieces for easy styling this spring

How to work the trend

A matching suit jacket and trousers will speak for itself, so just pair with heels and you’re ready to go. It doesn’t always have to be worn as a two-piece, so be inventive with your styling. Try wearing a long blazer over a dress, à la Peter Pilotto, or wear over a t-shirt and smart trousers (or even jeans) for a more casual, dressed-down feel.

 

4. Slip dresses over jumpers

Photos: Showbit

Slip dresses have been a versatile saviour for the past year, giving us something flattering to wear at night, as well as day, by layering over a tee. So we’re happy to see that this is continuing into A/W ’18 with a simple swap to a sweater under-layer.

Take note from Burberry, who used embellished sheer slips over a slogan sweater to create the perfect casual, yet high-fashion look. Delicate, layered pieces over chunky jumpers also provided a balanced, wearable look that can be easily replicated. Win.

Roland Mouret also created long silhouettes using a hot red slip over a high-neck black underlayer, giving elegance for a more formal take on the style. For work, here’s our top 10 picks that are stylish and comfy too.

How to work the trend

This look is so easy to create, and even better, you’ll most likely be able to use existing pieces in your wardrobe. Wear a satin-like slip over a sweater, or invest in a mesh slip, which you can wear over a sweater or jumper, and jeans for a new take on A/W.

 

5. Statement hoodies

Photos: Showbit

The off-duty, ‘comfy day’ hoodie has been given a couture makeover for AW18. Burberry featured sleeveless versions worn over maxi skirts and layered under leather jackets.

Ashley Williams overhauled the classic with bold slogans reading ‘Don’t Know, Don’t Care’, which were also echoed on the Ashish catwalk, with the Delhi-born designer making a quirky statement on consumerism with sequinned ‘American Excess’, and ‘Viva’ (instead of Visa) credit card logos. Henry Holland also got in on the slogan action with his hoodies featuring the word ‘Groundbreaking’ stretching from one sleeve to the other, with his usual tongue-in-cheek approach to design.

How to work the trend

You don’t need to be so political with your own wardrobe, so dig out those old hoodies and try layering them under a leather jacket with a maxi skirt. You could even go as far as customising your own hoodie with sequins or other flourishes to breathe new life into old pieces.

 

ALSO READ: THE TREND EDIT: NEW YORK FASHION WEEK A/W’18