Summer has just begun (here in Switzerland it feels more like fall), but in true form the fashion universe has already started spinning its own narrative for the possibilities that lie ahead. The F/W 2021 season will go down in history as it marks a year of no-contact, virtual fashion weeks. How is it to watch a fashion show behind your laptop screen? Let me assure you, it is not the same, you miss the energy, part of the message the designer wants to transport and of course the theater of fashion surrounding the event.
The outcome? F/W 2021 doesn’t wrap up as succinctly as previous ones. Designers have been working in exceedingly unusual circumstances, from home, with zoom meetings, in a vacuum, catering to an audience whose lives are forever changed. And yet, creativity reigns. For F/W 2021, the collections fell in line with the times by embracing that new positive joyful everyday outdoor, prepping for a new-wave Roaring ’20s, finding stability in leather, and keeping comfort key in elevated knitwear. A statement coat is one of the must-haves, proof, we have the urge to spend time outside.
There is something for everyone. Show some skin or cover it up! Be comfortable or be crazy! The choice is yours!
LoL, Sandra
Designers skipped the minimalism in favor of something optimistic and grand with a clear message: Let your light shine, ladies, the future is looking bright.
Conscious and respectful of the animal cause, brands are coming up with faux fur that is both cozy and seemingly more realistic than the real thing.
Statement coats are a must this fall but who says a blanket isn’t a garment? JW Anderson’s artful throws definitely do double duty and fashion’s newest hybrid, the puffcho, a blanket poncho that Gabriela Hearst hybridised with a high puffer collar for Chloé, will surely be seen on fashionistas around the globe.
Cosmonaut, alien or astronomer? A bit of everything at the same time. Fashion is dreaming of elsewhere and further afield, to say the least, rocketing winter into the sphere of futurewear, with inspirations ranging from sci-fi to NASA.
A feat of geometric style, fashion is displaying its taste for mixing and matching, juxtaposing and seeing together a variety of fabrics and leathers (vegan at Chloé by Gabriela Hearst).
A variation on a theme that springs eternal. This season, leather comes with a bourgeois 19eline and a baby doll biker look at Dior.
This season, fashion has taken to the slopes, with salopettes, parkas and quilted pieces revisited for the woman about town. A modern twist for keeping warm this winter in comfort and style.
The obsession of the season, knitwear goes for a comfy yet sexy silhouette. Dresses worn long, showing skin here and there, or are see-through for a more daring effect.
Branding is still a big game with these all-over logo prints. It is more subtle than wearing the designer name on your chest.
The classic skirt suits of recent seasons have morphed into quirky but prim pleated skirt sets.
The trusted suit has gotten a revamp. Traditionally, the style is composed of a blazer-and-trouser combo. For F/W 2021, designers introduced something new into the fold: coats with matching pants.
Cropped jackets and tops are still trending. However, these elegant, midriff-baring looks are far from the mini tees of your youth. Sophisticated and chic, these short takes are for posh girls only.
This fall, many runways showed an ode to the famous movie «Clueless». This 1990s interpretation means retro varsity jackets, and Clueless-esque skirts. Rodarte actually tapped ‘90s style icon, Clueless’ Cher Horowitz (aka Alicia Silverstone), for their latest lookbook.
Sweatpants are not forever. Slouchy, wide-leg jeans emerged as key looks for fall. Consider these ’90s pants for your post-pandemic life.
The Swinging Sixties revisited for the digital age get top billing this season, with monochrome, streamlined variations that are both sexy and tasteful.
Bulbous, bubble-like shapes started trending early in the lockdowns. For F/W 2021, the silhouettes show an emphasis on the hips and thighs. Both womanly and protective, these new orbs offer coziness and a little forgiveness from the skintight silhouettes seen elsewhere.
Whimsical flamingo motifs spread their wings over ruched mini dresses at Moschino, oversized shoulders walked down the catwalk at Dolce & Gabbana, and ’80s-inspired pieces lit up the runway at Emporio Armani. Miami Vice or Dynasty, the choice is yours.
For those who subscribe to the idea of a new Roaring ’20s on the horizon, you’ll be perfectly outfitted for the occasion with these new flapper dresses.
There is a festive air about the collections this season. With dreams as a leitmotif, evening dresses come out of the closet, and a deluge of silver is shaking up fashion, with strength and character.
No matter your taste, there is a F/W 2021 catsuit to match your lifestyle. Those sexy one-piece wonders are perfect to dance the night away.
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
Hey Reilly’s illustrations of Lagerfeld and Venturini Fendi are on display in Fendi’s store windows.
