Seeing in the new season at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh.
Last week, on a surprisingly mild autumn afternoon in Edinburgh, Harvey Nichols invited me along to their autumn/winter 14 fashion show. Their bi-annual showcase of pieces cherry picked from their in-store offerings got me feeling inspired for the new season ahead; perhaps it was my wishing for cooler, crisper days last week that tempted meteorological fate as the weather’s since taken something of a nosedive, but at least there’s a definite sartorial perk of the autumnal weather – in the form of HN’s covetable new season collections.
As usual, HN has scoured the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris to put together their in-store edit of the best trend-led and investment pieces. For the season ahead, texture, pattern and colour played a big part in Harvey Nichols’ autumn/winter style story: sumptuous brocades, buttersoft leathers and rich reds, with a smattering of polka dots and checks thrown in. We were spoilt for choice of new season style inspiration, and I’m looking forward to interpreting some of the looks in my own (vintage and thrifty!) way over the coming months.
Fashion is re-embracing femininity this autumn/winter (thank goodness!) and playful use of proportion and elegant midi lengths were prominent in the show. Pencil skirts were balanced by androgynous sweatshirts, and ladylike peplums paired with skinny, patterned trews. A flash of a red sole here, a cool-girl leather backpack there – accessories ranged from the classic to the edgy and oozed effortless appeal. I couldn’t take my eyes off a pair of red suede cut-out Alaïas that were calling my name from the catwalk. Best get saving…
I adored the palette, which balanced classic neutrals with autumnal shades and highlights of bold colour – perfect to brighten dark winter days. Red is clearly the new black: there was a whole section of the show dedicated to the little red dress. I’ve been a long believer in the power of the LRD (especially come Christmas!) and the form-fitting designs by Dolce & Gabbana and BCBG Maxazria offered just the right balance of classic tailoring and sophisticated wiggle.
There was a bit of a street style flavour to some of the looks, pairing metallic skirts and oversized knits, boyfriend jeans and bright or printed teddy coats. I loved the spotty skater skirt and it was great to see so many trainers on the catwalk (long may the flats trend continue!).
For the boys, crisp tailoring ruled the catwalk: my favourite was that velvet Dolce & Gabbana jacket and Burberry brogues (above) – swoon. Men’s suits were super-fitted with a tapered leg, giving a bit of a retro, sixties feel with a modern twist in contemporary fabrics, such as that sparkly jacket by DSquared above!
McQueen embellishment and Joseph leather leggings offered an androgynous take on dressing up, while a sumptuous, bejewelled lace Erdem gown provided an exquisitely feminine take on eveningwear to close the show. The real showstopper for me was the Talbot Runhoff head-to-toe sparkler paired with Louboutin heels, pictured below. I won’t be wearing it to class any time soon (shame), but nonetheless it epitomised the glamour of the evening for me – pure, unadulterated fashion escapism. Thanks for having me, Harvey Nichols!
What are your favourite looks from the Harvey Nichols show? What are you coveting for autumn/winter 14?
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