There was one colour that was visible on every catwalk and on everyone in the front row and is set to filter down to the masses very soon.  Camel is the new name for beige apparently and will be a major look for Autumn/Winter ’10.  The most common item in this colour was the coat.  Even though Spring is among us, the coat was out in full swing over the Autumn/Winter ’10 fashion weeks due to tempestuous weather conditions in London and Paris.  It seems fashionista’s were taking inspiration from the catwalks straight away instead of waiting until September by the looks of these street style snaps by Scott Schuman, aka the Sartorialsit (above middle/right).  Fashion blogger Susie Lau (above left) is a fan of the new popular shade, and was photographed at Paris Fashion Week wrapped up in a vintage camel toned coat but kept it fresh with a powder pink chiffon scarf.

A palette of browns and oranges were the backdrop for the Chloé (bottom) collection this season with an older woman feel to the collection.  High waisted trousers with silk pussy bow blouses were evident, with a mix woollen and tweed coats in similar shades being exhibited.  Beige, beige, and more beige as Sarah Mower put it, it seems the colour has become a signature element of the season.  Street style saw people in herds donning the range of beige shades from alpaca to caramel.  Giles by Giles Deacon (above) was awash with the same tones mixed with 60′s inspired hair and make up.  The colour came in shift dresses, leather skirts and scarves.  Marc Jacobs (below) also hinted at the trend with the odd piece flickering in and out of his collection.

Easy to wear with everything, try to avoid looking too washed out with a beige and camel overload.  Do mix tones with accessories or liven the outfit up with some red lips or towering sandals with chunky knit socks.

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Straight from Pier54, unassuming tourists were treated to Alexander Wang’s Autumn/Winter ’10 collection. The show was streamed onto screens in Times Square that had the models storming down the catwalk in Wang’s latest collection. The Wall St banker aesthetic juxtaposed against the mantra of the gypsies is a statement to the tough economic times we are living in but also a rebellion against the banks restraints on creativity. Certainly no restraints were visible from any of the New York Fashion Week shows.

Wang had a strong vision for this collection: “I wanted this season to have this buttoned up, strict pristine feeling in the suiting. It’s well-tailored men’s jacket but taking that idea and not make it boring, dated and conservative. It’s the silhouette of kind of making the shoulders really tight and then longer in the sleeves so that it goes past the hands and taking off all the buttons off the jacket so that it almost becomes like a layering piece like a cardigan. Then taking the jacket from the top and using it as a skirt, the lapel and using it as a bra top.”

The texture most visible was ‘velour du jour’, velvet pieces for every occasion that could be carried from day into night. Deconstructed suits, capes reminiscent of hippies and his classic chiffon mixed dresses made this collection an enviable one. For such a young and new designer, the others should be shaking in their Prada boots. Images above of Wang‘s collection – below Rodarte.

Rodarte, the spearheads of romanticism didn’t disappoint either. The Mulleavy sisters built their collection on the idea of sleepwalking which carried a dream like quality around the room. They said that their collection had been influenced by a recent drive through Mexico and the town of Ciudad Juárez disturbed them.

The models looked like a haze floating down the catwalk in crisp whites and creams mixed with colourful print work. Their take on the wool jumper added a fresh feel to the worn out designs that have come before them – wrapping the fabric from around the neck to under the arm. The Mexican ethnicity was visible in tasselled skirts and patchwork, and their lace leggings are sure to reverberate in collections to come. Nicholas Kirkwood’s heels set off the collection perfectly and the dark washed hair of the models slicked back added the Rodarte edge to a more feminine collection. The show ended with a white lace gown, resembling a distressed wedding dress – A perfect day for a Rodarte wedding.

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On her labels 25th anniversary, Donna Karan (above) delved into her back catalogue but made sure not to dwell too much on the past. Her use of a multitude of textured fabrics went down a treat with fur, tweed, satin and wool all sculpted and draped onto the models in mostly dark colours. An electric blue washed bubble dress lightened the Fall mood ever so slightly but she was keen to filter the main dark note through the collection.

It must be difficult for Marc Jacobs not to rework his old collection over and over after almost twenty years of designing but he insists that “There’s so much striving for newness now that newness feels less new”. Perhaps this is why his collection for Autumn/Winter ’10 was reminiscent of previous collections and styles but he kept a steady vibe flowing through the entire show. The show opened to a model in a grey sweatshirt with tweedy grey culottes and ankle socks – a key trend from Spring/Summer that has carried on into this season. Overcoats trimmed with fur, leather armlets and a flicker of embellishment here and there kept the collection exciting at every model turn as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” echoed around Bryant Park.

Peter Jensen confirmed his British aesthetic by calling his collection ‘Muriel’ after the novel and Oscar winning film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. This meant that the backdrop was the set of Miss Brodie’s classroom with the models dressed in tweed uniform that has been slashed short and made do of the make-do and mend mantra that has been reverberating in the fashion industry since the credit crunch took hold. Ankle socks were also present in Jensen’s display. One key piece that had the audience in salute was a jumpsuit printed with the changing of the Guards and the model was styled in a bobble hat – a nod to his London life no doubt. Nine Perssin from the Cardigans provided the music for the Valentine’s Day show channelling John Lennon with love songs that left everyone feeling elated.

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Once a gentleman’s outdoor shoe, now a staple in anyone’s wardrobe, the brogue has transformed its outlook to suit every style. The resurgence of the brogue, mainly the classic Oxford shape but the introduction of the Correspondent brogue in recent collections has proved to be a favourite.

Instead of walking in the countryside in the hardwearing leather shoe, both men and women have opted to don the brogue at summer festivals and on the streets. The now unisex shoe has become a hit with celebrities, with Alex Turner and Alexa Chung both wearing them, and also Agyness Deyn, Sienna Miller and Chloe Sevigny.

How do you avoid looking like the gent that wore them in the 19th Century? If teamed with a floral dress for spring, the brogue will add a touch of androgyny to an already girly get-up, and tan brogue look best with blue jeans to set a nice contrast. If it is the male look you are channelling this season, try wearing them with high-waisted chino’s to stay on trend, or classic black trousers echoing YSL’s ‘Le Smoking’ silhouette – if the leg is not tapered however, make sure the brogue has somewhat of a heel to them to keep the elegant look. Most styles are available with a mid-heel to take office wear into night.

There are many places to buy the ultimate brogue to suit your own personal style. The best place would be vintage stores, such as Wild Child in Georges Street Arcade or the Harlequin just outside it. Urban Outfitters cater for the ‘already worn’ brogue look. But also offer brand new pairs that will look perfect with their Spring/Summer ensembles. Topshop have a lot of different styles on offer, from classic tan to patent black, and come with a reasonable price tag. Office has both a classic brogue version and a reworked ankle boot type that combines both styles excellently. Whether it’s tan, patent or two-tone with tweed or studded, be sure and exude your inner masculinity whilst power-walking through the streets with a new air of exuberance.

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Denim is a staple piece in any wardrobe. From the perfect pair of jeans to a denim jacket or shirt, it is interchangeable and infinite. This season, channel your inner Debbie Harry and mix your denim with denim. The key piece in this look is the denim shirt. It is strong, simple and can be understated or sexy depending on the shape and indeed your mood. Indigo, stonewashed and even white denim is making a comeback and the most affordable way to stay on trend is with the trusty denim shirt.

On the cover on this months Vogue, Alexa Chung is slouched in a pair of denim jeans with black Chanel clogs (another one to watch out for). Inside, she describes her love for all things denim and I couldn’t help but both agree with her and feel overwhelmingly jealous. While us mere mortal’s scour the high street for that perfect pair of jeans to emulate the comfort of our Levis 501 hand-me-downs, Alexa notes that she found her dream pair at Balenciaga. And that’s all it will be for us, a dream.

The denim shirt has exploded into every store this season (Topshop, Topman, New Look and Penneys to name but a few), but it has been present in fashion since it was almost a uniform for hippies in the 70s at Woodstock and has also been filtering down from the catwalks over the past few seasons. Spring/Summer ’10 catwalks saw troops of models clad head to toe in denim, but the shirt was the piece that shone through.

There is a range of different ways to wear this ultimate piece. A loose fitted man-sized shirt, such as these shirts from Topman, can be left open as a jacket or buttoned and belted, and it can look chic when tucked into the waist. Denim on denim was a favourite at Chloé with a loose fitting denim shirt that had the pockets ripped off to reveal deep indigo patches and dark fitted jeans with lighter denim shins. Take note from this look by wearing the denim on denim with contrasting washes; lighter on top and darker on the bottom for the body conscious fashionista’s among us. With such a denim overload it is important that accessories do not overpower the look and shoe choice is essential to avoid looking like you’ve just come from a rodeo. Pin this image of Britney and Justin to your wardrobe to remind you what happens when denim attacks.

Denim shirts are widely available from designer to high street but all seem very similar – it’s how you wear it that stands out. To revamp the classic 70s look, try adding lace into the mix. By attaching a strip of lace under the collar and across the shoulders, it immediately updates this classic look and adds a modern twist.

The denim shirt (first Topshop, second New Look) will last for seasons to come and is a great item to have in multiple shades and shapes as this will allow you to either look chilled out for a day look. With the right belt and shoes can transform into an evening silhouette – just remember to back away from the cowboy boots.

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Last week the haute couture shows took Paris by storm. The golden oldies were present; Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Armani Privé, Valentino and Givenchy. Others that took part in this extraordinary example of fashion at it’s finest were Alexis Mabille, Elle Saab, Thimister and Anne Valérie Hash.

The shows were awash with creative ideas inspired by both ethnicities and pop culture. Jean Paul Gaultier kept his tailoring title this year with clean cuts and a cream day suit with lattice jacket everyone will be pining after. However the rest of the collection left a lot to be desired. Gauchos, sombreros and Spanish shawls were styled with feathers and basket weave detailing that had the audience thinking they were in Mexico. He was just short of handing out burritos at the close of the show with the matador dressed models taming bulls.

Chanel surprised everyone (I think Lagerfeld was quite surprised himself) with a futuristic collection that was a definite change for the fashion house. He admitted that “It took me 54 collections to get there”, perhaps it took that long to create a time travelling mechanism. The sorbet shades were a delightful contrast to the usual monochrome looks and there wasn’t a navy blazer or a gold button in sight. Stockings glistened as much as the models hair- that was mounted in a love-heart shape on top of each models head with a streak of silver to add couture edge. Sarah Mower of style.com noted the rococo heels as a favourite and the ‘ethereal cloud colours’ had the models floating down the runway.

Held in the Dior house, Galliano’s collection was inspired by Charles James and the Gibson Girls. Snug fitted jackets and long draped skirts were not far off creations from Christian Dior himself back in the 50′s. Some of the editors sitting in the front row had to strain their necks to get a glimpse at these looks as Tavi, fashion blogger extraordinaire, donned an elaborate Dior headpiece. People were in awe at how Valentino models were able to walk unscathed down the catwalk as they were blindfolded with matching flowing fabrics. The multi-coloured garments match the kaleidoscope of colour the make-up artists had created and had one confused that perhaps Valentino had hired Avatar extras to model for them this year.

Ricardo Tisci at Givenchy delved into the houses’ archive to produce a 70′s inspired collection. He couldn’t help but admire the powerful, strong, erotic phase of Parisian women back then and he related to them. The tailoring created a masculine exterior to the feminine beauty of the models with tuxedo tailcoats paired with ostrich printed t-shirts. The flamenco influenced layers and the midnight blue column dresses juxtaposed the androgynous aesthetic eloquently and made for an all-round risk taking collection that went down a treat.

One that was certainly a shock to the system was the looks created at Alexis Mabille. The two-tone suit of pink on one side and black on the other really set the mood at couture week which screamed surprise. The two-tone detail was present from the shoes on either foot to the hair and even eyebrows of each model, an attention to detail all of the other houses should make note of and admire.

Couture week in Paris always has high expectations and these were certainly met, but not outshone. All shows had a similar idea-to out do the other, but only a few of them managed to create looks that will certainly inspire other designers and trends to come in 2010.

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A new wave of uber cool starlets are about to cause a tidal wave in the fashion industry. Forget Agyness, Alice and Alexa, these new faces are a younger, more daring bunch that are already making a name for themselves.

First up is Taylor Momsen (above). The Gossip Girl star is surprisingly similar to her on screen person, Jenny Humphrey, both in age and style. Momsen is a rebellious 16 year old that not only stars in one of the biggest shows since The OC, but has recently fronted a modelling campaign for New Look. The collection (in stores now) boasts grungy pieces mixed with girly symbols such as cute love hearts to match sweetheart necklines. Teaming them with over the knee socks will unleash the goth within you. With a feature in The Sunday Times Style magazine and fronting the girl band Pretty Reckless, it’s a blessing in disguise that she was pipped by Miley Cyrus to attain the role of Hannah Montana at the last minute – her look would have been extremely different no doubt.

A lot of young stars recently are the offspring of famous musicians, models and designers. Take Daisy Lowe for example, daughter of Pearl Lowe and Gavin Rosedale. How else could they afford to support their shopping habits that keep them looking on trend? Coco Sumner, Sting’s daughter (above), used her father’s music connections to make a name for herself in the music industry. Her musical alter ego, I Blame Coco, have just released a debut album with collaborations with Swedish electro pop queen Robyn. But it is still her clothes that get the attention. She too has a modelling contract and was apart of the star studded Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer ’10 campaign (pictured top). Blessed with the good looking gene, her look is more dishevelled that Momsen’s but with a similar overall aesthetic with ripped tights and smudged eyeliner. She has an uncanny resemblance to Alexa Chung at first glance – perhaps it’s the Kurt Kobain locks and signature pout, but is more fashionably daring than her predecessor.

Another descendent of rock and roll royalty is Georgia May Jagger. Much like Taylor and Coco, she too has a modelling contract and has numerous campaigns and magazine covers under her studded belt. She fronted the Rimmel campaign last year, taking over from Kate Moss and Lily Cole, and her luscious lips mimic that of her fathers and provide a perfect canvas to advertise their lipsticks, especially the scarlet shade. She has also modelled for Hudson and Versace and has strutted down the catwalk for both labels. Her signature gap toothed smirk has made for interesting conversation, saying in an interview in Vanity Fair that “I think my gap adds character”. She has had editorials in Vogue, I.D Magazine and Vanity Fair, and will undoubtedly continue on this season with a few more.

These ‘style iconettes’ are every girls style envy, and we too can take inspiration from them by incorporating little aspects into our everyday wear. Their music leaves a lot to be desired and not comparable to their famous parents but what they all have in common is style, undercuts and suspenders; the effect might be just as devastating to mothers as a tsunami.

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This Springs new trend that emerged back in September on the Spring/Summer ’10 catwalks of all the major fashion houses has been coined the Utility Trend. It has been deemed both hard-wearing and chic. It isn’t a far cry from last years fashion safari with a similar colour palate-muted beiges, greens and browns that overpower this trend.

The key items in this military derived trend are oversized parkas, cargo trousers in cotton or silk and military jackets. However much a re-run of the nineties this trend may resemble, it does not mean you should dig out your copy of What’s the Story Morning Glory or the parka worn to mimic the Gallagher’s and Richard Ashcroft. This time around it is more refined and clean cut, not the baggy and dirty Brit pop look. Louise Trotter, Joseph’s creative director says “Less nineties grunge, more Brigitte Bardot in the sixties. This look is strong but sexy, and best worn with heels, not hunters.”

The jacket has been reworked by many different designers. At Louis Vuitton, the classic bouclé jacket has been transformed into a Sergeants dream with large button down pockets. The shoulder silhouette-loving Christopher Decarnin has declared war on rival fashion houses with his brass buttoned tail coats and dripping sequined shoulders at Balmain. Jackets are to be worn belted, not slouchy, and chinos should be teamed with chunky heels for the added edge.

Phoebe Philo, new creative director at Céline has created utility work-wear that will have you marching in line around the office. In Hessian shades, starched fabrics are a testament to military wear. She also included leather skirts in a variety of colours, and leather t-shirts that will have everyone vying after them. Christopher Bailey is always at the forefront of any look that boasts a muted colour palette and this season trenches at Burberry Prorsum will have you ticking all the right boxes. Bailey also introduced another trend into the mix- socks and chunky sandals. What was once associated with unfashionable men in the summer, has now been reinvented and made quirky. Get your pair from the high street in stores such as Topshop, Gap and River Island. Knitted and ribbed, these wonders should tide you over until that Burberry trench finally becomes affordable.

Fashionistas- Forward march!

Top L-R: Balmain, Burberry Prorsum, Celine, Rag & Bone, Liam Gallagher

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I stumbled across this online store and upon further investigation, I immediately fell in love. Focussing mainly in handmade jewellery and handbags, the stores’ owner and main designer, Rachel Lamb, makes an online shopping experience as personal as actually going into a store.

Hannah Zakari, meaning ‘blossom’ in Japanese, promotes smaller, more independent designers that fear that their work will be no match to their high street contemporaries. However, all the UK designers, and some international ones, are unique in their own right and are extremely talented. Each item on sale on Hannah Zakari is hand picked keeping that unique ideal in mind, and Lamb has certainly created an intimate online shopping environment that is perfect for a personal treat or a gift for a friend. Ranging from intricate handmade items to wonderful vintage pieces, Hannah Zakari is the place to hide from the grasps of the high street and opt for something original no one else will have.

The charm necklaces are a personal favourite formed of rusty keys, watches and lockets, and most of them are one of a kind which makes them that bit more special than the ubiquitous charm bracelet craze that has exploded with the introduction of the Pandora design. Treat yourself to a pair of bow earrings or a teapot necklace everyone will be vying for!

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Everyone can note ‘exercise more’ on their dreaded New Years resolution list this year but a new trend that is set to explode this spring will have us looking the part. Unfortunately it cannot guarantee the getting into shape aspect of the bargain.

Track pants are the new take on tracksuits bottoms, keeping a similar shape but using cotton and jersey materials for that comfortable feel and effortless look. Seen on the Spring/Summer ’10 catwalks of Proenza Schouler (above) and Bottega Veneta, these pants are set to transform the street silhouette. Bottega Veneta have opted to stick to the harem shape, but changing the fabrics and ensemble to fit in with this new look.

However, it is important not to get confused and actually wear these to the gym; unless of course you have the pins to wear them with flats. The idea is to team them with some sort of chunky heel and a tight upper half piece to stop looking like you’ve just come from a gruelling game of tennis. The chic transformation of the ubiquitous tracksuit is a saviour for those of us who have been squeezing into tight trousers and jeans over the Christmas period. What’s great about them is that you won’t end up looking like Madonna or Missy Elliot in their favoured Adidas get up, or indeed the Hilton’s with their love of Juicy Couture. These high end trousers certainly do not have anything scrawled across the backside or hideous stripes going down the side of each leg. Instead, they are available in a variety of muted colours and for the more daring fashionista- the not so garish stripes of the navy silk Proenza Schouler pair should suit your tasteful palette.

It’s nice to know that when you come in from a hard day of work (or shopping for those of you who can still afford to splurge), that you can curl up in your outfit without having to change. It’s like being a sporty young teenager all over again!

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