Fall 2012 Trend Wrap-up from A-Z: Part 2

Mar 16, 2012
LadyLUX • Fashion

Lady LUX continues the Fall 2012 A-Z trend wrap-up with H-N!

H is for Handbags. The traditional top-handle bag returns after seasons of cross-bodies and hobos. Designers crafted totes, doctor bags and elongated bowling bags for a new silhouette. In a season of essentialism and constructed looks, the carryall bags were structured and boasted lux exotics and supple leathers, but steered away from over-embellishment. Hand-held styles are the new must-have.

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I is for Inky Blues. Inky, shadowy shades of lush, deep blue are the new black. Designers including Balmain and Viktor & Rolf brought depth to the color with tactile materials of velvet and jacquard. Murky tones were featured in prints and imbued in exotic skins, bringing a sense of extravagance.

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J is for Jumpsuits. Jumpsuits abandoned their previous sleekness and embraced a utility sensibility for the season. Silhouettes are more relaxed with a workwear ruggedness. Acne’s dark denim style is paired with a rounded bold shoulder top for the ultimate example. Rodarte and Band of Outsiders combined the jumpsuit with booties to maintain a tough vibe.

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K is for Knee-High Boots. Knee-high boots emerge once again for Fall. The past seasons have been focused on booties and thigh-high booties, but the classic silhouette is back. While some designers kept it simple with soft leather and squarish toes, there were also some updates. Givenchy added the sheath shaft, Proenza Schouler went peep-toe, Calvin Klein Collection opted for crocodile and Versace went with perforated materials. Heels were mainly seen in solid structures.

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L is for Leather. Leather isn’t exactly new to the runway, but this season it expands into new categories and silhouettes. The material was also heavily utilized in several collections with the theme of Dark Romance. Tops in leather were a key piece. Styles went from sleek and fitted to rounded and puffy. In Jil Sander’s ethereal collection, the material was used unexpectedly in panels. Jackets and pants were loosened up and oversized, borrowing details from menswear as seen in Proenza Schouler. Tones were mainly in black, brown and oxbloods and appeared in both matte and shiny finishes.

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M is for Menswear. Never satisfied with what we have, women’s ready-to-wear borrowed from the men this season. Menswear influences were found throughout several collections with the bold shoulder, military details and oversized silhouettes, a complete change from Spring 2012’s ladylike vibes. Balmain capitalized on menswear blazers and outerwear with squared off shoulders, while Proenza Schouler and Gucci went with rounded shapes. Suits were apparent at Miu Miu and Burberry Prorsum referenced the 1930s “town” man complete with newsboy caps.

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N is for Necklines. Designers played with necklines this season and either went high or low. In going high, turtlenecks gained strength this season, appearing in not only knits but in leather and even embossed crocodile as seen in Fendi. The turtleneck played a key part in layering, especially in Missoni. And when designers didn’t go high, it was all about plunging V-necks. Calvin Klein Collection dipped into the necklines with classiness while Yves Saint Laurent took it to a sexy level.