Autumn and Winter are made for layering up and making fashion statements, and this season is no different. Digitised, streamed runways for AW21 have us seeing whimsical pieces heading towards a beautiful, relatable fashion season.
Textures, knits, pops of bold colour that murmur rather than roar show in this season as fashion houses realise that the world is changing. A focus on casual, oversized and intriguing trends has created a showstopping season ahead. Take a look and see for yourself. Here are 6 focused trends that embody the AW21 season.
Wear a Mask!
Perhaps the most fascinating trend seen at AW21 - is a literal translation of creating a protective barrier between you and the outside.
Dresses seemed to be the season's silhouette for this trend paired with ornate, dramatic, textured face pieces that either concealed the model’s faces completely or created a see-through veil between the model and the world. Whilst we know you probably will not be rushing out to grab a full face covering, this trend is an unusual and inspiring take on wearing a mask.
As seen on the runways of: Yeezy, Maison Margiela, Comme des Garçons and Marine Serre.
Image: Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, Marine Serre.
Something to Fringe About
There is no doubt that you have seen the fringe trend scattered all over social media. That is no coincidence, this trend is having its moment.
Adorning just about every runway is fringing. Dresses, blazers, skirts, capes and bags all boasted this gorgeous tasselling detail, and we are here for it! From layering fringed pieces under suits to long, trailing fringing neckpieces and flattering, gorgeous, sophisticated silhouettes, this is for sure the hottest trend of the season.
As seen on Bottega Veneta, Prada, Christian Dior, Alberta Ferretti and Jil Sander.
Image: Bottega Veneta, Prada, Alberta Ferretti.
Red Hot
This season, red is in. Subtle and seen on the runway in flashes rather than head-to-toe red, we think the fashion houses knew we needed some colour in our lives.
Particularly in shades of cherry, coral, vermillion and scarlet, own this look by pairing a daring red piece with toned-down neutrals, and you are AW21 ready! Bomber jackets, coats and tailored pieces are all popular this season. The key to this trend is to go red or go home.
As seen on the runways of Casablanca, Isabel Marant, Canali, Louis Vuitton and Etudes.
Image: Casablanca, Isabel Marant, ERL, Canali, Alyx, Louis Vuitton, Wooyoungmi, Etudes, Jil Sander.
You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Shirt and Tie
Business, fresh and unisex, this trend is gorgeous and airy. The models floated down the runway in office formal shirt and tie suits, knits and blazer and skirt ensembles with fitted shirts layered underneath.
Perfect for Zoom meetings or a visit to the office, you really cannot go wrong with this classic and timeless trend.
As seen on the runways of Prada, Toga, Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel.
Image: Chanel, Toga, Toga.
The Work from Home Suit
Think suits, then forget everything you know – welcome to the non-suit suit trend. There is a re-occurring theme throughout all the seasons this year, which is the pandemic's influence.
Without all the extra fuss of padding, lapels and perfectionist tailoring, Matching top and bottoms have been strutted down the runway this AW21. Materials range from soft wools to poly-blends and, above all, a silhouette that screams comfort.
As seen on Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Prada, Paul Smith and Homme Plissé Issey Miyake.
Image: Homme Plissé Issey Miyake, Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, GMBH, Wooyoungmi, Dior, OAMC.
Bad-ass Leather
Hardcore leather was seen blazing down the runways of all shows this season.
Both women and men’s runways had one specific item they focused on with this heavy, luxury fabric: coats. Oversized and tailored silhouettes, with a particular emphasis on the trench coat silhouette, gives us major trend vibes! This edgy, full-look trend is one we are keeping our eyes on for AW21.
As seen on the runways of: Mugler, Hermès, Petar Petrov, Balenciaga, Casablanca, Prada and Fendi.
Image: Mugler, GMBH, Hermès, Fendi.
An interesting year for fashion, with the seasonal trends greatly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic creating chaos within our lives. The Autumn/Winter 2021 trends of fringe, colour, comfort suits and leather are vastly different and thought-provoking. Here’s to seeing what is in store for the fashion industry in the next seasons to come.
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