[Pringle Of Scotland]

Texture… Although quite ambiguous when said to be a trend, when you look closely you can see that for Fall 2011, many designers are doing new things with a variety of textures; and using interesting combinations to make statements- as oppose to loud prints, or interesting silhouettes, for example. 

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, Mohair was a fabric used in many shows- an unmistakable texture that is very suitable (and on trend) for this Autumn. Knitwear as a whole is going to be very chunky & rugged this fall; Pringle used knitwear to its full effect for the upcoming season; there were oversized cardigans, and VERY chunky, turtlenecks- the proportion and sizing was exaggerated  in many looks of the collection. But, keeping in line with the trend for the season, a few other materials were thrown into the mix- leather trousers, leather boots, and fur lined jackets, were styled into the predominantly-knit collection.

Etro was another label playing with texture for next season’s collection: gone are the expected loud prints, instead; animal skin bombers & coats, shearling lined leather jackets, and thick cardigans is what is making the statement. The collection kept to the brown-beige-cammel palette, but did feature some prints (yet, more understated than they have been in previous collections). Also using fur & shearling; Hermès. The texture trend was epitomised in a shearling-lined leather jumpsuit and turtleneck outfit. Knitted turtlenecks seem to be becoming a trend on their own; several featured in the Hermès collection in sky blue, cream, black, and mustard. Fur also appeared in Christopher Baily’s Burberry collection, in the form of black caps.

As for leather; DSquared²  has it covered- with a more edgy, and predominately black, collection. Leather & denim was the combination of choice, lots of leather pants, jackets, and even aprons. The textures and texture-combinations of the collection were a lot more hard, edgy and fetishized than in the other collections mentioned. However the outfits were also styled with soft scarves, which added to the complex texture-layering in the collection.

So, it’s nearly time to fish out the oversized knits, ridiculously chunky scarves, fur lined jackets/anythings, as well as any form of leather at your disposal. Stand out with singular, statement-making fabrics; or layer up a variety of textures, for a complex, hard-meets-soft look, this Autumn.

[DSquared²]

[Etro]

[Givenchy]

[and…

…finally, Dolce & Gabbana using my favourite texture of them all; model muscles.]