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
Im loving the military look this year, its quite sharpe so i like the idea of a silk blouse under the jacket to soften it up.