Jamila Robertson on how you can sparkle more than the tinsel
By Jamila Robertson
Christmas is fast approaching as are the countless articles concerning and advising us on gifts and venues. The air is ripe with Christmas party fever and so the desperate fight for a unique look ensues.
This season designers sought to confront the recession head on. The current climate is one of defiance. From designer to high street pieces, opulence and a look of degenerate wealth feature throughout. This season we wave goodbye to simplicity and investment pieces, though the times of throwaway fashion continue to be a distant dream.
Versace, Lanvin, Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton led the way. LV’s drop earrings and bunny ears have reached iconic status and embody Parisian high society and with it, frivolity. Dresses were short, ruched and ruffled and skirts ranged from silk and taffeta to satin.
Dolce and Gabbana heralded ladylike chic, shoulders were big and rounded, hair was scraped back and models chests were adorned with statement necklaces deep set with colourful or classic stones. Stella’s A/W collection oozed sophistication- lace dominated the catwalk and could be found in full-length jump-suits or panelled in velvet cocktail and long dresses.
On the high street Topshop and River Island have the best partywear collections- Topshop’s sequinned puffball mini (£65) and sleeveless sequinned lace dress (sleeveless with an open back and layered full lace skirt) are set to be bestsellers.
River Island’s one-shoulder red dress adorned with a black jewelled brooch (£49.99), and pleated sleeve brocade dress (£49.99) are both unique non-black pieces that will see you though this season and many more.
Black has made a triumphant return to the wardrobes of women everywhere; texture and fabric make the look unique – leather, lace, velvet, sequins, lamé and silks. Harem pants or hot-pants, floor-length or thigh-skimming– anything goes.
Accessorising is key. London girls are perfect ambassadors of the look, teaming pillar box hats with fishnets, lace tights with sequinned hot-pants and mini prom dresses with sky-high ankle boots and leathers.
Look to starlets like Georgia May Jagger, Daisy Lowe, Julia Restoin-Roitfield, Lily Allen and Stella McCartney. Whether you are a Goth, a true romantic or a lady-in-waiting, this season there is a look for you. Whatever you choose wear it with an air of sophistication, insouciance, sex appeal and eyeliner.
Pictured dress £45, Topshop
