Stay ahead of the game with some of the key trends and moments from the latest international fashion weeks.
Unconventional models
And by unconventional we mean those who are not teenagers and not tiny. Jean Paul Gaultier put singer Beth Ditto on his runway, while Balenciaga sent out veteran models Amber Valletta and Stella Tennant, a pregnant Miranda Kerr and new faces plucked from the street. The famously picky Karl Lagerfeld
included 53-year-old model Ines de la Fressange on his Chanel catwalk. Whether these are welcome changes or just shock casting remains to be seen.
White out
Bold colour was prevalent elsewhere, but some stuck to classicism with shades of white. In Paris, Celine featured white on white outfits and Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci contrasted white with black; while in New York Alexander Wang embraced the whiteout and in Milan Versace opened with a parade of all-white dresses, and Dolce & Gabbana presented a collection that was almost completely white.
Colour me bad
Noticeable in Milan was the emergence of bold colour after a season of neutral minimalism - those Italians were never one for subtlety anyway. Acid brights were seen at Jil Sander, Max Mara, Prada, Missoni, Marni, Fendi and Gucci. In Paris, bold colour appeared at Lanvin, Damir Doma and, at Margiela, even bright pink.
Shoulder to shoulder
Claimed to be the the "new erogenous zone", shoulders were an area of interest for many designers with Fendi, D&G, Etro, Bottega Veneta and Versus all exposing shoulders. But it was Versace who claimed the look with sexy cut-out detailing and belts showing off shoulders and framing the back.
That 70s show
Marc Jacobs summed up the season with his 70s-inspired show that included flared trousers, long gowns, rich colour and bold prints. Also feeling the 70s vibe in New York? Rodarte, who showed a beautiful collection inspired by 70s suburbia. Think wood prints, ugly colours that work and platform wooden wedges carved with butterflies and flowers. Seventies bohemia was given another modern update with fringing, earthy tones, and nature-inspired prints at Roberto Cavalli, Alberta Ferretti and Altuzarra.
