Fall Winter 2009/2010 runways represent a season of strong silhouettes and sophisticated glamour. With the current financial gloom, many designers echoed the spirit of bygone troubled eras.
Key looks paid homage to the '40s and '80s, influenced by pre-war designs of Elsa Schiaparelli or an '80s disco-diva. Either way with their bold shoulders and dramatic silhouettes, these are clothes for feminine empowerment.
An A - Z of Key Looks for Fall Winter 2009
Artistic footwear — shoes have a surrealist flourish with arty exaggerated heels and dramatic designs. Mohican fringed heels from Prada are one of the season's most dramatic footwear styles.
Bold shoulders — exaggerated shoulders make their mark once again. From the runways of Oscar de la Renta to Dolce & Gabbana
Chain bags — influenced by one of the most classic bags of all time, the Chanel 2.55, the eternally chic chain strap bag takes on more petite shapes and across-body styles.Dark Red Lipstick — the glamour of the forties, set against luminous skin. Lipstick should be deep ruby red.
Eighties trend — a strong disco-diva vibe, spearheaded by Marc Jacobs and Pam Hogg. Think colors that pop (purple, tangerine and red), lamè dresses, sequined skirts, leather jackets, graphic tees and large polka dots.
French chic — Parisian chic makes a come-back with sassy Breton stripes and strong sexy silhouettes with bold shoulders and cinched waists, and figure-hugging pencil skirts.
Glitter — Glitzy shimmering fabrics provide some dazzling evening wear but are compensated with demure cuts.
Hero Jacket — a bold jacket that makes a statement all of its own. Exagerrated shoulders, a cinched or peplum waist in a rich texture such as velvet. A masculine tailored blazer is one of fall winter’s key pieces too.
Iron – represents the new black. One of the top 10 colors for Fall Winter 2009 from leading color institute Pantone, this is cross between a gray and brown and is a staple color of the season.
Jewelry — Costume jewelry big and bold, sets off dramatic silhouettes. Huge chunky rings and cuffs and leather bracelets.
Knits — big, bulky and bold with modern shoulders. These are statement knits which can be worn over super short skirts or skinny-leg pants. Keep everything else streamlined.
Leather — add some feminine glamour and polish with long leather gloves in all the colors of the rainbow. Sharply cut coats in leather also channel a warrior woman look.
Men's fabrics — classic houndstooth and tweed fabrics find themselves reinvented in sexy silhouettes and unconventional cuts such as sleeveless jackets and shift dresses in crisp black and white.
Nomadic trend — courtesy of the wrap dress queen, Diana von Furstenberg, the nomad trend embodied the flavor of the middle east with tapestry, embroidery and desert tones.
Over-the-knee boots — Pretty Woman meets Puss-in-Boots, lean and long, keep legs stylishly covered with the must-have fashion footwear of the season. These long suede, leather or PVC thigh-high boots win over stilettos.
Prints — take on a soft sophisticated edge in bold sizes but subtle hues. The clashing prints of last year make way for one statement print only.
Quirky Capes — cropped funky capes provide an alternative to sharp tailored jackets and long leather coats. Wear them over sleek shift dresses.
Rich rusts — caramels, bronzes, ochres and chocolates embody the tones of fall, with a fierce edge (Prada). These deep rich hues need to be mixed in both hard and soft textures. Wear brown head-to-toe for a luxe modern feel.
Snoods — the coziest accessory of the season drape a snood over the head or around the neck as a neck warmer; a nod to this season’s nomadic trend.
Thigh-high boots — black skinny leg boots (as seen on the runways of Stella McCartney and Gucci) channels the Catwoman look. Sexy thigh-grazing power boots in sleek black suede are one of the biggest looks of the winter.
Unexpected bursts of color — Forget the clashing colors of last spring summer, a strong single color such as tangerine and yellow contrasted against a base of solid black provide a dramatic statement. When wearing color, avoid bright lipstick but highlight eyes instead.
Velvet — elegant velvets in jewel colors make up many of the season’s rich textured must-have pieces. Nicolas Ghesquière has reinvented devore velvet for a new generation at Balenciaga.
Waist-cinching cuts — nipped in and peplum waists, influenced by the fashionable '40s are a must-have for Fall 2009.
Xtra-large accessories — oversized chains and studs add a hard edge to super-sized accessories, be it hardware embellished clutches, heels or cuffs.
Yeti-like coats — nicknamed "the Chubby", short shaggy jackets that channel a yeti-look. Wear them in vibrant shades, thigh-high boots and plenty of attitude.
Zebra prints — and leopard spots, exaggerated animal prints provide some feminine empowerment in strong shapes, embodied by Dolce and Gabbana and Oscar de la Renta.
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