In case you’ve missed out on the action, here are some of the biggest Fall/Winter 2019 shows to catch up on.
The Big Four Fashion Weeks of the Fall/Winter 2019 calendar has officially come to a close, leaving us with much to look forward to next season.
Among the key themes we’ve noticed from our favourite shows include romance (cue Valentino), masculine femininity (Dior, of course) and a new brand of bourgeoise to suit younger clientele (we’re looking at Burberry, Giambattista Valli and LV). And then there was Karl Lagerfeld’s final collection, which we’re sure his loyal fans will die to get their hands on.
In case you’ve missed out on the action, here are some of the biggest Fall/Winter 2019 shows to catch up on.
Giambattista Valli
There’s an edginess to Giambattista Valli’s collection this season. Or as the designer himself describes it, an “indiscreet charm of a kind of bourgeoise”. Amidst the designer’s staple florals and soft yet architectural silhouettes were leather jackets, animal print dresses (looks like the trend is here to stay for the rest of 2019) and strappy boots. The collection also nods to ethical fashion with shearling replacing traditional mink, as seen on one particularly eye-catching aviator collar coat.
Christian Dior
Feminism will always be front and center at the house of Dior as long as Maria Grazia Chiuri remains its creative director. This time, the fact was embodied in a collection inspired by one of the first British subcultures, Teddy Boy; or rather, its female counterpart, Teddy Girl. Edwardian-style jackets, full skirts, denim and velvet scarves recalled the post-war era which Chiuri associated with Princess Margaret, who chose to wear Dior over British dressmakers for her 21st birthday (the dress is now showcased at the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition). Bodysuits and rompers continue to form part of Chiuri’s narrative, worn under evening dresses or paired with check and gingham pieces. Here, the Teddy Girl personifies an idea of femininity that transcends gender and anatomy.
Valentino
There are many forms of poetry, of which Valentino’s latest show is one. From the light installation reading “The people you love become ghosts inside of you and like this you keep them alive” decorating the runway set; to the “Valentino on Love” book of poetry placed on every seat; and the collection comprising neoclassical graphics of intimate couples – everything was pure, poetic romance. Prints of butterflies and roses as well as passionate quotes adorned coats, dresses and tunic, with eveningwear complemented by fine embroidery and ruffled layers of tulle. Love was in the air, indeed.
Louis Vuitton
The backdrop at Louis Vuitton’s show was a big clue as to what inspired Nicolas Ghesquiere’s latest ready-to-wear collection. Mirroring the Centre Pompidou in Paris, both the set and collection were made out of a vibrant burst of colours and metallic elements. Ghesquiere clearly had individuality in mind, given the mix of prints (spotted: checks, florals and motifs), fabrics and textures. This is a Louis Vuitton that’s breaking away from the basics – but is the world ready for it? Time will tell.
Chanel
Following Karl Lagerfeld’s passing, his final collection for Chanel was a bubble of emotions for many. True to his repute for imaginative sets, guests were taken into a captivating winter wonderland replete with alpine chalets at the iconic Grand Palais. Models walked down the snow-covered runway in a series of tweed coats and wide-legged trousers, followed by tribal print dresses, neon tweed suits and finally, a succession of monochromatic looks. It all captured the remarkable genius of the fashion legend and how he will leave a mark in the industry, always.
Burberry
Taking cue from his inaugural collection for the British house, Riccardo Tisci continues to develop his cross-generational characters of the girl, the boy, the lady and the gentleman. Starting the show with looks for the youth, there were bombers and leather jackets layered over rugby shirts as well as corsets worn over T-shirts and dresses. A series of tailored formalwear took over halfway through the show, consisting of classic trenches, midi skirts and dresses in a neutral palette that British aristocrats will approve of.
See more: NYFW Fall 2019 highlights from Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and more