Posted on Thu, 22 Sep 2011
A/W Fashion 2011 @ Warehouse
They say in Hong Kong that Autumn unofficially starts after the mid- Autumn festival. So last week on the public holiday evening (yes the mooncake festival is celebrated in Hong Kong with a public holiday – imagine that!) I went down to meet friends for a lantern and mooncake date with our kids and yes, I noticed that the evening that greeted me was surprisingly breezier and the weather less clawingly humid.
So… its time to stop all the sneak peeks that we have been sharing and instead tell you all about the trends that are undoubtedly now in store. In Hong Kong especially, all the store windows have sold away Summer and instead you only see leather and wool in the stores… but truthfully, it is still way to warm at 29 degrees to buy cashmere so instead we recommend the look rather than the layers, especially if you are still sweltering in sunny Singapore.
At Warehouse, the look is all about attitude and simple tailoring. There is a slight masculinity to this season’s work wear so if you can carry off that silhouette, look out for two tone Teddy boy inspired pieces featuring long lined single button jackets with contrast lapels worn with skinny fit trousers creating an androgynous appeal. The monotone shirt is also back in giving the look a clean finish. If you are living in a Wintery climate, throw on the faux fur and leather and your outfit immediately takes on a rock and roll edge.
There is the more womanly tailored look as well with pea coats and wide leg trousers softened with silk blouses carrying a classic palette of camel, grenadine, cream and midnight blue that run throughout, complimented by a felt fedora.
Vintage 70s chic and that ghetto Harlem style are still in for weekend wear. In Winter, they are restyled as bold faux fur patchwork jackets and lamb gilets. Don’t pack the printed dresses away yet as these go great under leather themed with vintage inspired leather bags.
Also still in fashion is the 60s look – ‘Mod’ updated with tough edge leather details. Graphic stripes and checks appear in a monochrome colour palette – brought to life with flashes of poppy red. The sheer snake print shirt with contrast collar and cuffs is a standout piece in this story, creating the perfect blend when worn with a front pleat pencil skirt. Accessories pack a punch in animal prints.
For the evening, tunic dresses take on a heavy sequin detail whilst slouchy tops find themselves spun into a series of metallic shades. A new take on this look is worked with stripe and block embellished detailed separates themed with chain and studded detail bags. There are also a few dramatic pieces that can be worn as dressed up daywear through to the evening. Luxurious silks and satins skim the body whilst flamboyant faux furs add a touch of decadence. Stripes, chevrons and zig zag prints nod to late 70’s/ early 80’s glamour. Vivid jewel colours of hot pink, purple orchid and jade feature throughout.
