Trend Report: 30 key trends for Autumn/Winter 14

Geometry

For Autumn/Winter, a variety of designers presented geometric pieces; this trend is all about sourcing inspiration from your old school textbooks, learning theorems and formulas to calculate a chic ensemble.

Combination of different texture blocks

Simple colour blocking doesn't offer much surprise, however when a variety of textures are combined - especially designs such as a motley coat with inserts of coloured fur and astrakhan fabric, it's a whole different story.

Asymmetry

'Symmetry is so boring' is the message conveyed for next season, with a selection of designers opting for asymmetrical designs.

The 60s

60s style made its way into a host of catwalk shows in both the fashion and beauty department - with Saint Laurent, Gucci, Versace, as well as Nicolas Ghesquière's debut collection for Louis Vuitton all referencing the trend.

Op Art and 3D-modeling

Op-art continues its popularity from spring, appearing as classic black and white puzzles at Matthew Williamson, and psychedelic twists at Dries Van Noten - presented in a more modern way that plays with space and form, similar to the 3D-modelling and computer program 3D Studio Max.

Neon

Neon has been hiding in our cupboards with last season's tags for some time now, but it's back bigger and louder than ever before - seen at shows including Christian Dior, Dries van Noten, Ralph Lauren and many more.

Military

Strong Amazonian warriors raided the podium during fashion week, wearing camouflage, protective overalls, military boots and uniforms elements - meaning that military is definitely in for AW14.

Sport and 90s style

Sports and nineties references are still persistent on the catwalks, only now with a mass pop culture twist - which isn't just limited to couture sneakers.  

Decorative zips

Zip detailing made a lasting impression on dresses, jackets, and skirts on runways including Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Pastels

Pastels are still going strong for Autumn/Winter 14; opposed to the military warriors, the pastel girls prefer candy colours and lace to khaki overalls.

Folk Art

Etro, Louis Vuitton and Kenzo nodded to the folk art trend complete with patchwork and embroidered designs. 

A fresh approach to prints

AW14 prints are much smaller; even Mary Katrantzou, who is renowned for her prints, opted for new applications. Details are layered on top of each other and striped patterns are more emphasised than before.

Soft volumes

Very soft, smooth but strongly expressed volumes are in style for AW14; especially oversized styles - 'supersize' is actually a more fitting description. 

Very large accessories

As well as oversized outerwear, designers displayed gigantic accessories ranging from scarves to huge hats and hand warmer muffs.

Cosiness from head to toe

Knitwear featured heavily on the catwalks during fashion week; the cosy and relaxed trend was presented with trousers and sweaters, elongated tunics, and one-piece knitted dresses.

Coat-robe

Glamorous coat-robes worn with a belt casually slung around the waist were seen at Max Mara, Moschino, Leonard and Céline, exuding a laid-back luxury vibe.

Poncho-blanket

These poncho-like blankets thrown over shoulders refer to African tribe or Indian outfits - although Burberry's version is inspired by British culture. 

Deconstruction

Showing an attitude of carelessness towards life should not be limited to relaxed coat-robes or knitted suits; adding a touch of protruding seams, a couple of scuffs or tattered pants, achieves effortlessly chic style too.

Crazy Fur

Crazy fur coats walked the runway at a host of shows this season; explosive volumes were seen at Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen.

Astrakhan

In addition to multicoloured fur, another furry feature for AW14 is astrakhan fur, presented at Miu Miu, Jason Wu, Christian Dior, and more.

Fur trim

If your coat is not made completely from fur, it should at least be trimmed with fur - coloured stripes accentuate the seams and give it a graphic quality, which is also an important element. 

Red

Red is not the new black, because the new black is certainly only black - we never tire of repeating it; but fiery red is still a noteworthy hue.

Velvet

This traditional trend of autumn and winter seasons returns to our wardrobes; we especially like the gradient effect seen at Elie Saab.

Space

For Autumn/Winter 14, many designers looked to space for inspiration. Rodarte displayed Star Wars characters, while a host of others presented futuristic silhouettes. 

Stars

Designers such as Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, and Alexander McQueen have us starry-eyed over their designs.

Glitter

Closely following futuristic space trends is glitter, which appeared on shimmering coats at Rodarte, as well as on shoes at Matthew Williamson, Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent. 

Quilted items

An array of designers this season proved that quilted patterns don't just look good on Chanel bags - but on everyday outfits too.

Checks

Next season, classic tartan, plaid, and geometric op-art checks are still a force to be reckoned with. 

Capes

Beautiful capes, especially the ones seen at Valentino featuring embroidered butterflies, will help to liven up any winter wardrobe. 

Fairy tales

Designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti, and Valentino, referenced an enchanting wonderland, where childhood characters such as Little Red Riding Hood rule.

Fur Hand Warmer Muff

This charming, if somewhat old fashioned accessory returns from oblivion this season in a variety of colourful hues, presented on runways including Balenciaga, Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch.