Future fashion: become an early investor in the autumn trends

Despite the sun shining outside, Brown Thomas was all about wrapping up on this morning at the Autumn Winter 2014 preview. The heat and humidity we are all enjoying will soon be replaced by a crisp winter breeze, and the trends for the next season are already emerging.  The most important item of autumn winter is of course the coat, and there was no lack of outerwear in the Brown Thomas show.

So what are the trends emerging from the Brown Thomas floor?

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Victoria Beckham autumn winter 2014. Photograph: Getty Images

The era’s referenced ranged from 1930s, to the 1960s, to the decade of the moment, the 1990s. Midi-length seemed to be the measure of choice, with coats resting just on the knee, although some beautiful full length coats were also on show. In terms of colour there was little surprise as neutral classics such as camel, black, and grey reigned supreme, winter whites also seemed a popular choice among brands like Victoria Beckham.

Victoria Beckham’s line was a favourite among the style mavens present, featuring a heavy Japanese influence. Origami style pleats, obi belts and Kimono style layering made for a classic yet modern collection. A particular favourite was a white asymmetrical look with a gold chain detail, as well as a masculine black oversize coat, also with gold chain (above).

Decadent details were embraced by many of the designers, Dries Van Noten in particular showing heavily embellished and textured pieces. A masculine metallic coat (Right: Rhonda Coat) with oversized lapels and a more feminine, yet still oversize coat in purple and grey (above) stole the show with their swirling, trippy 90’s and geometric patterns.

Erdem pieces were also decedent in style, but rather than the 90’s the designer seemed to be influenced by the Baroque period, resulting in sumptuous textured pieces. Another detail that was seen on many of the autumn winter pieces were tassels. From Manolo Blanik to Alexander Wang and Alexander McQueen the tassel emerged as a big trend, whether featured on shoes, clothes or bags.

For those fonder of the understated, fear not. Classic shapes in neutral colours were not in short supply. The oversize coat is here to stay as shown by Chloe (above), however more flattering silhouettes with cinched in waists and curve enhancing tailoring proved to also be a trend for autumn winter 2014. Hourglass shapes were shown by Dior, Roland Mouret and Alexander McQueen. In particular Celine’s full coat (above left) with asymmetrical button detailing, ticked all the boxes.

The 1960’s were given a nod with the inclusion of the cape by a few designers. Saint Laurent showed a beautiful red cape, while Valentino showed a paired back modern take on the cape in grey, with over the knee  boots. OTK and mid calf boots also emerged as somewhat of a trend, shown by Balenciaga and Valentino.  The sturdy, heavy bottom shoes of the current few seasons also remain, with many platforms only getting larger.

Finally the label Jenny Packham (left) has just arrived at Brown Thomas and with highly embellished, floor-length evening gowns to die for, it’s fair to say she will be popular this coming season.