A/W 2012

Paul Smith



Francesco Scognamiglio



Helmut Lang



Theyskens' Theory



Ralph Lauren



Gucci


Victoria Beckham


Wes Gordon


Burberry Prorsum
Every year I have the same dilemma. I really want to get excited about the spring trends - and indeed, there's always something new I like: this year it's baroque prints, silk pyjama trousers and peplums, for example. But I will never be able to muster much (if any) enthusiasm for pastels, florals and girly summer dresses. My heart belongs to autumn/winter fashion, and it's to the A/W shows that I'm inexorably drawn. Yes, I know, most people do not want to look at pictures of big coats and scarves at the same time as they're hoping for some sunny weather... but while I love the sunshine, the clothes that come with it bore me. On the other hand, the above (personal) highlights of A/W 2012 so far look like a catalogue of things I love to wear: skinny and mannish trousers, pencil skirts and dresses, slouchy layers, shirts with blazers, military coats, big jumpers, tweed, loads of leather and black, black, black. Newsflash: I am not very original. The good news is that it looks like the shops will be full of really nice clothes this autumn.