Something You Said’s year in fashion 2013
Liana Gow-Killingbeck considers the highs and lows of the last twelve months in farshun, darling:
This year has passed by almost too quickly, even for the fast-paced industry of fashion. It’s flown by at such a rate that even Road Runner himself would be proud. As it draws to a close, it’s time now to look back upon 2013 and reflect on what a darn-tootin’ interesting year it has been in the weird and wondrous realm of fashion.
News wise, a crap load of changes have been made within several big-game fashion companies this year. Debuting a fabulously marbled collection in February, young design prodigy Alexander Wang grasped the reins at French fashion house Balenciaga, with the former creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière snapping up the legendary Marc Jacobs’ role at Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Paco Rabanne appointed yet another creative director (that’s the third in three years—crikey y’all!), and Geraldo Da Conceicao debuted his first collections at Sonia Rykiel.
Ashley Olsen landed herself a position on the board of the CFDA, whilst Christopher Bailey was appointed CEO at Burberry, and fashion queen Kate Moss joined the British Vogue team as a contributing fashion editor.
On a less optimistic note, personal favourite, Ann Demeulemeester decided to exit her eponymous label, similarly to Australian designer Collette Dinnigan, who recently threw in the towel on her sophisticated label altogether.
Trends wise in 2013, we’ve witnessed some delightful fashions and some utterly spew-worthy ones too.
For Autumn/Winter 2013-14 it’s hip to be square, man. With tartan, plaid and checks dominating as the season’s most popular print. Oversized tartan coats emerged at Celine, Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton, there was a very British take on plaid at Moschino, and beautifully tailored dresses sporting a squared pattern appeared at Jil Sander.
Modesty made a comeback with high necked styles making several appearances on the Autumn/Winter catwalk, and the sophisticated knee-length skirt was eagerly embraced by many designers too.
For Spring/Summer the bralette became the new midriff. It oozed a sultry sex appeal. However do note, the bralette is borderline skanky, so it’s advisable that when styled, the utmost care should be taken. Miley or Bad Gal RiRi may encourage you to bare it all and be ‘bad ass’ when utilising this trend, but always remember they’re popstars. They’re allowed to be trashy.
Pleats pretty please! Delicate and feminine pleated skirts floated about at Givenchy, Rochas, Lanvin and Christian Dior. Sheer pleated skirts made from iridescent organza shined at Antipodium and the metallic pleats at Proenza Schouler were a sensation. Heavier, more androgynous pleated designs were shown at Viktor and Rolf, Victoria Beckham and Alexander Wang. Whatever rings your bells, if you’re a tomboy, a girly girl, or just plain neutral, there’s a pleated style out there just for you.
Slides and Birkenstocks were shuffling around as the sandal of the season. Some designs were so-so, but frankly, most were bloody hideous! Unfortunately now the alternative hipster population seems to have decided that it is okay to pair Adidas slides with socks…*facepalm*. A tip? The only way to roll with this trend is to opt for a more minimalistic slide…and leave the socks at home. Puhhh-leaaase!
The 90’s influence still proved strong, with the sexy slip dress circulating about several shows, particularly in New York. The indigo raw-edged denim pieces shown at Marques Almeida and Jen Kao were the new take on grunge-inspired denim (pictured, top). However, Acne, Rachel Zoe or even the Valentino Resort collection offered stylish alternatives for those who prefer more of a clean cut hemline.
All things art inspired Paris this year, with the Chanel Spring 14 show encapsulating the very essence of fine art in not only the colourful garments themselves, but in the show’s presentation too. Similarly, the outstanding Celine Spring collection displayed influences from graffiti and fine art, with Phoebe Philo sculpting her range with a powerful, 80s feel to it…totally bold, utterly beautiful (hands down, favourite collection of the year).
And finally, The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the highly popular, most glamorous fashion event which concludes each year triumphed once again. The ostentatious, sexy and feminine designs paired with the music of mainstream pop stars and bang-a-licious “Angels” (whose rigs would even make a priest curse out loud) received a huge amount of attention and praise. Bodacious babe Candice Swanepoel attained the honour of walking the 10 million dollar bra down the runway this year, much to the drooling audience’s approval.
All in all, it’s been a pretty good year for fashion. 2013 proved to present some incredible collections and refreshing new trends. There was a heck load of rearranging within the big companies this year, confusing some, saddening others and conjuring excitement in more than a few. And you know what? That’s okay. These changes were what kept things interesting, they stirred the pot, they shook things up. Fashion after all is one big soap opera. The dramatic changes, embarrassing mistakes and brilliant successes is what draws us all in, no? It may be superficial and frivolous, but my goodness, it’s oh-so-awesome.
Bring on 2014!
Words by Liana Gow-Killingbeck. Pictures from style.com.
