The 5 Collections from Fashion Month that Caught My Attention

#1 Alexander McQueen

It's no surprise that women empowerment became the overarching theme of fashion month in the wake of Me Too and Time's Up. Each designer seemed to allow these movements to affect their collections in one way or another, ending in the presentation of the women they envision for the future; and the near future at that. For Sarah Burton, the image was of a warrior princess and a blossoming butterfly queen. Leather bodices and corsets acted as armor while hues of blood red, wine, forest green and plum gave the collection an overall statement that said, "we're prepared for battle". The stand out pieces for me were the modest, black and green leather dress with deconstructed zippers, and the simple chiffon slip dress embroidered with the silk image of what I see as a fleeing phoenix. 

#2 Olivier Theyskens

For this fall 2018 ready-to-wear collection, it's all about a provocative juxtaposition. Imagine platform combat boots, oversized biker jackets and low-rise leather trousers along side slinky slips, royal satin gloves and delicate sheer lace tops. Touches of velvet and a ruffle here and there add to the projection of a women who owns her femininity, and is never someone you'd want to upset.

#3 Paul & Joe

If anything, this collection made me want to knit myself a floor length cherry red scarf. As a whole, this show was an eclectic mix of pieces one would die to find at a vintage shop. Even the elegant, flowing dresses were made from nostalgic prints. In the midst of the highlighter orange trousers and cartoon embroidered knitwear, the most memorable look was #12; a granny-esc floral skirt with pops of bubblegum pink to tie into the florescent shade of a turtle neck. Now imagine this ensemble worn with lime green satin heels, mushroom hued socks and an extremely oversized black biker jacket, and you have a thoroughly thought provoking look.  

#4 Elie Saab 

Imagine the equivalent of a street style star in the Victorian era. This Fall 2018 ready-to-wear collection was the perfect mix of royal ruffles and elegant high collared silhouettes paired with more accessible pieces like cropped jackets, thin silk scarves and trendy fur coats. What caught my eye most of all was the odd black top hat worn every few looks, aiding in the collection's theme of a royally powerful woman. It's as if she stole the top hat off a carriage boy and said, "I can drive myself, thank you very much!"

#5 Mulberry 

This collection reminded me more than anything that seasons are becoming less and less relevant to the world of fashion. Cheerful floral prints, brightly coloured ruching, and preppy button up collars gave the impression of possible 80's inspiration. Perhaps the ideas of an 80's prom, a private school uniform, or the wardrobe of a rich 80's parent are what gives this collection it's infectious energy. My personal favorite aspects were the bookends of most of the looks; wide brimmed hats fitting for summers in the Hamptons on one end, and fluffy primary coloured socks and kitten heels at the other.

All photos retrieved from Vogue Runway


Thanks for reading.

- Emily