KEY POINTS:
The Herald's fashion experts make their picks of looks for next winter
Canvas fashion editor: Alice Rycroft
THEMES
Grown-up elegance. Grunge with punky references. Romantic-pretty ruffles, tiered skirts and sheer blouses. Volume-full skirts puffed up with net petticoats or futuristic architectural shapes.
COLOURS
Black, midnight blue, indigo, apricot, scarlet, sulphur, grey, ivory.
Design details-frills, scalloping, paneling, patchwork, tiered skirts and dresses, military pockets and epaulets, surface decoration-sequins and feather trims.
FABRICS
Lace in black, gold or cream, wet- look fabric (mostly used in black skinny pants) chiffon, silk satin, leather, stone washed denim, net and tulle.
Patterns-Paisley, blotchy and dip dyed effects, tartan, star prints, winter florals.
LENGTHS
Mini, knee length, full length.
SILHOUETTES
Team big with small. Fitted bodices complement full skirts. Oversized shirts and tunics are teamed with skinny pants or paneled leggings. Otherwise romantic chiffon and silk satin dresses, tunics and full sleeves leave a romantic billowing trail in their wake.
TAILORING
Cropped jackets, blazers, oversized boyfriend jackets, riding jackets, slim cropped pants, fitted bodices and interesting paneled or intricate cutting.
BEST SHOWS OVERALL
Trelise Cooper for her new more elegant vision. A feast of heirloom evening wear in exquisite fabrics, prints and colours accompanied by uplifting classical music and a backdrop of fresh creamy scented flowers-it made me weep it was so beautiful.
Zambesi for banging the simultaneously `sophisticated and subversive' nail on the head. Great tailored pieces, top notch fabrics, interesting design details, plus prints and colours that complemented their underlying sober palette.
Also brilliant were World for their polished show. The crystal studded section was a knock out-especially the crystal trimmed tuxedo, riding jacket and full length coat.
Juliette Hogan for wearable feminine daywear and a particularly ravishing full length printed chiffon tea-dress.
Twenty Seven Names for fresh edgy streetwear.
Viva fashion editor: Ana Macdonald
TRENDS
Grunge, punk, gothic, bogan. A resurgence of these looks was everywhere. Plaids, rips, holes, fluffy knits, tie or dip dye and black, black, black. All trends in themselves. Tunics and swing dresses, loose and short.
Denim, be it acidwash, icewash, tie dyed or just plain faded.
Drawstrings appeared at the back or front of necklines, waists and hips, gathering in to create folds and drapes.
Ditto for ruffles. Mostly fine and in lots of layers on minis and frocks.
Florals, though more painterly, abstract patterns or tiny clusters.
Sleeve details ... puff, fluted, slashed or caped.
FAVOURITES
I'm a Cybele fan. I loved her wing-sleeved dresses, panelling and feathering on garments, shoes and eyes and I liked her colour combination of teal, sunflower yellow and cobalt.
Alexandra Owen was a favourite with her minimalist, futuristic range. Cleverly crafted and sculptural, my faves included a black coat with voluminous skirt and the chocolate ruffled leather jacket.
Chelsea Thorpe's show had a Jackie O vibe with wearable and sophisticated pieces. Loved the billowing maxi frock and acid yellow ruffled mini.
Lonely Hearts presented Westie dressing at its finest. Grungy checks, holey knits and dip dyes ... it reminded me of teenage clothes-customising.
Relatively new but coming along nicely ... Salasai played Neneh Cherry. Brilliant. Also liked the grapey plaid baggies and rouched zip front skirts.
Favourite dresses were Juliette Hogan's two floaty maxis: a cream floral chiffon and a caramel/gold confection.
