Autumn Winter Already?

Depressing as it may be, the shops are currently in mid-swing frantically ridding themselves of their rails of summer stock. This can only mean one thing: autumn is nearly here. 

As heart-wrenching as it is to wave goodbye to jaunty floral tea dresses and exotic fruit prints, several autumn/winter ’11 trends are guaranteed to set your pulse racing and have you embracing blustery winter days like an old friend in no time.

One of the trends everyone (go on, admit it) has been secretly praying to return is animal print. Well, it’s time to dust off your knees, put away your rosary and reveal your inner Kat Slater: animal prints have returned with a roar and it looks like they’re here for the long haul.

Whether it’s faux fur, real fur, leopard print, tiger stripes or snakeskin – you name it, it’s back on the catwalk. From Galliano to Prada, models are adorned with luxurious faux fur pelts, fastened in place by skinny belts or wrapped snugly around cable knit jumpers. Donna Karan and Elie Tahari have gone all out, teaming fur collars with leopard spots; and it looks absolutely fantastic. Chloe has opted for bursts of colour and its models are striding down the catwalks in green snakeskin, a look reminiscent of Proenza Schouler’s love affair in spring/summer ’10 with brilliant blues and turquoises over reptilian-like prints.

Models for Aminaka Wilmont have been wearing yellow contacts in order to look more animal-like. There’s no need to go quite so far, but investing in a few items will have you set for the season. New label Bastyan has peppered its collection with fur stoles and the pièce de résistance is a stunning ‘foxy’ fur cape. If you’re looking for an investment piece, then look no further – this is certainly one that will wow the crowds. But it will set you back a hefty £350.

If you want the glamour without the guilt, however, there are plenty of high street alternatives. Topshop has the standard faux fur coat, or several duffel coat designs with faux fur collars. For more individual, statement pieces, Beyond Retro in Soho has some fantastic fur-lined coats and cropped jackets, while Rokit in Camden and Brick Lane has leopard print waistcoats, blouses and jumpsuits galore.

One other trend set to stay is colour blocking. Instead of teaming neon orange and strong pinks – although this was still seen on the sass & bide catwalk – try autumnal hues for a more sophisticated and seasonal look in the style of 3.1 Phillip Lim’s collection. Models for Jaegar London took to the catwalk in mustards, tans and strong reds. Although more muted, these colours are far more wearable than the summer neons, and just as stunning.

Matthew Williamson was another designer to draw on the colour-blocking trend. His collection still featured the reds and pinks of the summer but this time toned down with camel and black. For those who may be wary of looking like a patchwork quilt, using two tones of the same colour works fantastically and is a great alternative to the bright clashes of red, orange and pink.

So anyone who is loathe to wave goodbye to summer – do not despair. Thanks to the designs showcased last February, there’s still plenty to look forward to.

Image courtesy of Complacency Kills