Last week, Balenciaga’s Spring 2010 show in Paris opened with a series of sleeveless hooded tops, mainly in leather, underlining the sexy sportswear trend we’ve seen hurtling down catwalks in New York, London and Milan. Trousers were tight (think biker-jodhpurs), there were lashings of leather and denim, plus a welcome dollop of neon in a season shaping up to be very beige and pastel. Other key next season trends were ticked off: cut-out details, sharp pleats and peep-toe footwear. Brilliant. Photograph: CATWALKING.COM
Two menswear autumn fashion bi-annuals have united in their celebration of Twilight actor Robert Pattinson. Another Man raves about his sunken eyes, sharp cheekbones and wild hair. The accompanying black-and-white pics (photographed by former Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane) echo James Dean, while over at GQ Style, a line on its cover ponders whether Pattinson might be the Brando of his generation. Expect a slew of ad campaigns featuring RP coming your way soon. Photograph: PR
This week’s pricey treat is chandelier earrings by Vivienne Westwood, boasting both her signature orbs and cute little spikes. Alternatively, if you would rather adorn your walls than your ears, Westwood’s new wallpapers (designed for Cole & Son) could be just the ticket. Our favourite is the Squiggle print, which originally appeared in her autumn/winter 1981/82 Pirate collection.
Earrings, £95, my-wardrobe.com; wallpapers, from £55 per roll, cole-and-son.com Photograph: PR
One of the most hotly anticipated events of Milan fashion week was the unveiling of Christopher Kane’s first full range for Versus, an offshoot of Versace. Following a capsule collection of accessories for this season, Spring 10 saw Kane’s complete vision for the brand laid out. It was reminiscent of his winning graduate collection – cue a series of predominantly sexy, intricately detailed mini-dresses. The colour palette revolved around black, neutral or orange; top accessory were the chainmail mesh sandals. The safety pin – key motif of Liz Hurley’s 1994 Versace dress – made a comeback as the collection’s most recurring detail. Photograph: CATWALKING.COM
Lookalike fur is rampant on the high street now so if this faux-fur H&M jacket gives you the willies, it might be worth taking the season off. In other news, Sonia Rykiel, she of the colourful striped knitwear, is to be H&M’s next designer in residence. Launching in December, we sense a perfectly timed Christmas (80 days to go) shopping shindig.
£69.99, 020-7323 2211 Photograph: PR
Channel your inner-punk, chaps, with this mohair French Connection specimen. As said knit has limited-edition status, we’re telling you about it a whole week ahead of its launch to give you plenty of time to plan your shopping strategy. In other FC news: a new kids’ range is coming (watch this space).
£85, 020-7036 7200 Photograph: PR
