Ponchos are in for AW14. As are flats and all things lilac. Here's what our Fashion Features Director learned at New York Fashion Week.
1. Beckham take over
Last season Harper Beckham stole the front pages, this season, brand Beckham upped the ante with a full complement of miniature affiliates (or children, your choice) on the frow. We were frankly beside ourselves, and then all around Manhattan, we were confronted with David's rather fresh new H&M undies ads. Too much! But our favourite Beckhams fact? Victoria Beckham was up-up-up the morning after her super, super show (interesting note: she did fabulous eveningwear for the first time, plus did great great things with pleats. Sold) and at Barry's bootcamp in the 8.20am arms and abs class. VB, we bow down.
2. DVF's frow We were totally transfixed by Paris and Nicky Hilton on the frow right bang opposite the Brit press contingent. Paris admirably spent the show applying her pink lip gloss and taking pictures on her Chanel-covered iPhone. Nicky had a big spangly clutch bag with 'Nicky' spelt out on it. Must be so handy when you forget your name. Also, Lady Victoria Hervey. Indeed.
3. The poncho We're not going to get too worked up just yet about this, but one emerging item, which, if we think about it, probably is the next logical/worrying step in the 90s rehash, is the poncho. Thakoon did a cropped version, Tommy Hilfiger had prairie grunge versions, and Ralph Lauren had rather fabulous oversized ones which drenched le body. Yes, they look cosy! But they are, let us say, 'difficult' when it comes to flattery, and one might say, can go a little GSCE art teacher. Approach with caution.
4. Michael Douglas at Michael Kors The ultimate silver fox. He was really quite delicious. Plus, Gerard Butler at Hugo Boss and Hugh Jackman at Donna Karan. We're quite into this boys on the frow theme. London, line up Harry Styles, please.
5. Lilac Pastels and pink are still knocking around. But a soft rather pretty mauve hue is trickling through. Our favourite version was by the adorable Phillip Lim, especially when put on the chunky heel of his awesome ankle boots. Cult item alert.
6. Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley have made our fashion dreams come true If Alice In Wonderland went to ninja training school, picked up a samurai sword and got dressed, this is what she would wear. It was a genius combination of themes which perfectly combined the triumvirate of Katie (bunny hop slogans), Luella (lush giant bows) and Marc (perfect layered looks). Everything about this show worked, and most importantly, we want to wear it all. Game changer.
7. New blood Jason Wu debuted his first collection for Hugo Boss and boy, boy, boy was it a winner. Sharp modern tailoring, chic Tippi Hedren doctor bags and beautiful cream silk sheafs which screamed seduce me. While ex Loewe and Mulberry head Stuart Vevers whipped up a ready-to-wear first at US mega accessories house Coach. Yummy 70s short shearling coats, jaunty red duffels and mega-mega chunky boots. HELLO.
8. The blizzard Team fashion got in a serious frenzy about the impending storm. Some babies even jetted out a day early to avoid the terror. Please, nothing stops team MC from seeing fashion in action. Come Thursday morning, and two foot of snow, and a howling snow storm later, hell yeah, did we make it to the Ralph Lauren show. And, hell yes, people were still posing for street style photographers. And yes, some people really were in a high heeled boot. Us? Hunters and parkas all the way. Chic, default Brit countrywear - works every time.
9. Three hot flats At Calvin Klein, Proenza Schouler and Phillip Lim. Sign us up.
See all the gorgeous frow pics from New York Fashion Week.
