Fall Forward
Step into the new season with STELLA McCARTNEY’s FW18 offering
Soft, oversized chunky knitwear; precisely tailored slim-fit suiting; lace-trimmed slip dresses; oversized checked tweed coats… Stella McCartney once again redefines masculine/feminine dressing for FW18 and brings the two together in a modern, ultra-desirable way.
Striking the perfect balance between the contemporary and the classic, the British designer is renowned for creating pieces that are both sensual and incredibly easy to wear. Having cut her teeth on Savile Row, it seems only natural that McCartney draws inspiration from English heritage and tradition while creating thoroughly of-the-moment collections. And this season is no different; taking timeless pieces from a man and woman’s wardrobe, McCartney deconstructs familiar shapes and reinvents them as something entirely new.
The lining of a man’s coat becomes a fluid dress sitting beneath the jacket it was cut from, with bare seams and exposed darts. Reconstructed waistcoats are stacked upon each other to recreate fluid tailored jackets in camel and champagne. Playful double-take styles feature shorts appearing as if they are worn over long slouchy pants, except that from behind they are cut from the same cloth. Traditional Aran sweaters come enlarged and falling off the body or shrunken and worn tight, knitted in a soft wool and alpaca mix in charcoal gray mélange. And yet, while all is not as it seems, one thing remains at the heart of the collection: an ease and effortlessness that means each piece can slot perfectly into a woman’s wardrobe and be mixed and matched with her existing style essentials.
“McCartney draws inspiration from English heritage and tradition while creating thoroughly of-the-moment collections
”
What are the key buys to invest in this season? Trophy outerwear will be your everyday go-to, instantly elevating anything you slip it over. Featuring an oversized checked print, a longline camel coat has both timeless appeal and current fashion status. Another key trend for FW18, the pantsuit maintains both a smart, elegant feel, while becoming something much cooler when paired with bright white sneakers and a tee for a more laid-back look.
“Trophy outerwear will be your everyday go-to, instantly elevating anything you slip it over
”
For off duty, meanwhile, sweater dressing is exactly what this time of year has you craving. Oversized slouchy knitted dresses are the sartorial solution to tricky trans-seasonal weather; try layering over floaty midi skirts and team with bare legs and sneakers for crisp fall days, then switch up the look with tights and boots once the temperature drops. The trend isn’t reserved for daytime, either. Playing on FW18’s ’90s nostalgia, the statement cardigan is given new life after dark as the perfect partner to slinky slip dresses. Simply add ‘barely there’ strappy sandals to offset the look’s minimalist roots with a hint of bohemian decadence.
What about accessories? This season, the Falabella bag’s iconic chain detailing is reworked with a new fine chain colored to match the rest of the piece; think white nappa with a white chain, camel with gold, and black on black. And, illustrating a design ethos supportive of a more circular economy, the new Loop sneaker uses specially designed hooks and stitching to avoid the use of glues in the sole construction. Start filling up your wish list now…