The autumn/winter runways were a curious contradiction. While fashion is normally a never-ending search for innovation and the Next Big Thing, designers were happy to take their feet off the pedals a little - but that didn't mean a surge of literal retro designs. Instead there was a celebration of timeless pieces that will endure beyond the season. The coming months aren't about restraint; we see a return to maximalism with layers of pattern and texture creating high drama and a rich palette that oozes opulence.
Regardless of how you style it, this is the season for classic silhouettes, luxurious fabrics and, above all, clothes for real women to wear every day. Over the next five days MyDaily will give the lowdown on the key looks for the season ahead.
Wall Street
Peter Pilotto, Rodarte, Missoni, Vivienne Westwood. Photos: Imaxtree
The mood: Autumn sees the return of Gordon Gekko to the cinemas, and with him comes a new fascination with all things Wall Street. Sharp masculine suiting and tailoring hit the runways – either exacted as a traditional men's two- or three-piece suit or subverted, like Alexander Wang did, with cut-outs for something altogether more mischievous.
The must-haves: The trouser suit returns (waistcoat and shirt optional) and with it comes a renewed love serious fabrics like flannel, Prince of Wales check, and – of course - pinstripe.
MyDaily tip: Contrast masculine tailing with fabrics like chiffon, lace and silk for a feminine edge.
Last Days of Decadence
Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Dior, Ralph Lauren. Photos: Imaxtree
The mood: Dreamers, poets and eccentric aristocrats are referenced in fluttering chiffon dresses that nod to 1930s era dressing. Loose-fitting, long silhouettes in diaphanous fabrics are crucial to the romantic mood. There's an almost otherworldly, ethereal sensation created with sheer, often mismatched layers and delicate tones of nude, ivory, lavender and apricot.
Must-haves: Long and lean skirts, chiffon blouses, lace, frills, boudoir-ready camisoles and slip dresses, lace, delicate beading and a flourish of feathers.
MyDaily tip: A slouchy sweater teamed with a sumptuous silk skirt is a terribly chic way to do this look for the evening.
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Akris
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Jil Sander
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Salvatore Ferragamo
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Alexander Wang
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Marc Jacobs
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Bottega Veneta
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Michael Kors
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Giambattista Valli
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Dries Van Noten
Autumn/winter 2010 trend report
Preen