Trendwatch: Forties Glamour AW 2011/12

Just a quickie today, as my laptop has decided to have a nervy-b and apparently is suffering from some sort of 'fatal error', squeaking angrily at me whenever I try to turn it on. Ergo, I am on my little sister's ancient computer, so bear with the intermittent blogging in the interim.

Basically, I am very overexcited about the Autumn/Winter trends for 2011. One of the most exciting to emerge has to be the Forties glamour trend, with its numerous references to the heyday classics of Aquascutum and Burberry; capes, tweed, leather, tailoring, pearls and fur. Heaven. I have, for some reason, fixated on procuring a pair of soft-as-butter leather driving gloves, which would obviously improve my quality of life tenfold, and a [faux] fur stole [ditto]. In actual fact, I would love an antique ivory cigarette holder, but as I don't smoke I probably can't justify its purchase, even to myself. Unless I take to smoking lilac Sobraine cocktail cigarettes a la homosexual thespians of the 1920's? Hmmm...

Anyway, back to the shows; Gaultier sexed the Forties look up on the catwalk, with thigh-high slits added to otherwise demure pencil and midi-length skirts, while Gucci added pussybow blouses and a jaunty fedora or two, perhaps in a nod to the other 2011 AW heavyweight trend; the androgynous silhouette.  Strong, glamorous and grown up, leather and fur add a quirky twist to this otherwise sophisticated trend.

Meanwhile, makeup tended to lean towards a classic strong red lip, teamed with arched eyebrows and long, natural-looking eyelashes. The look was updated with natural, glowing and dewy skin [rather than the traditional 1940's matte face]. Easy, versatile and striking, the perfect look for AW.

All hail the return of the Forties Fashionista!