If there’s anything worse than dressing for the heavy, dense, soupy UAE air, it’s dressing for a climate unknown.
Only those who have spent the last few seasons rationalising a wardrobe towards a relentlessly unforgiving climate will understand the obstacles in planning a wardrobe for all seasons.
The trouble with most UAE wardrobes is that they’re often a product of necessity, rather than choice. Having whittled everything down to the bare minimum, we’re often left with nothing suitable for the differing seasons when we travel.
Planning an operative and adaptable wardrobe is a serious business, and one that most of us neglect while living in 50°C sunshine. So while it may seem rather half-witted to discuss winter clothes when it’s as hot as molten lava outside, it’s often the perfect time to consider future investments.
Believe it or not, industry professionals will engineer their wardrobes with the precision of a finely tuned orchestra. By investing in one or two big ticket purchases, (assuming that you have all of the basics covered) you should be able to build a well-rounded wardrobe that will last a lifetime.
So what should we be looking out for in the coming collections?
It was certainly a season of embellishment – the mood defiantly gutsy, with flashes of anything that shines or entices. Think liquid, sensual fabrics with a smattering of tassels, metal appliqué and an abundance of beading. Chloé closed the show with an embroidered dress compiled of metallic discs, while Dolce & Gabbana took a more literal interpretation with heavy gothic-inspired embroidery and gilding, with studded hoods made out of crystals.
There was a distinct preference for patchwork from the likes of Jonathan Saunders and Bottega Veneta, while elements of quilting were also experimented with at Temperley London, Christian Dior and Balenciaga.
With the feverish excitement surrounding the newest episode of Star Wars, things were always going to get a little "intergalactic". A smattering of stars were seen in Diane von Furstenberg, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Preen – while the normally grown-up Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte went as far as using a giant Luke Skywalker and C-3PO print in their collection.
Utilitarianism was the theme for accessories across the board, with unrefined brushed-steel hardware used for necklaces at Giambattista Valli, and irregular bangles at Ann Demeulemeester. Fendi, Max Mara and Missoni used the androgynous trend to toughen the sugary-sweet pastel palette on offer in powdery shades of blush, lavender and bubblegum pink.
But perhaps the season’s most prominent player was the coat, in all its differing versions. Oversized blanket scarves were seen at Burberry and Issa in durable fabrics such as cashmere and alpaca-wool blends, while Valentino, The Row, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen all championed the hooded cape. For the slightly less brave, the long belted coat cinched in a contrasting colour, as seen at Carven, Marni and Céline, made a good alternative.
Often when it comes to experimenting with the new season, all it takes is a little jolt to kick us back into shape. For all the trends and inspirations, we need to focus on how the clothes will work for us.
Think practically: your purchases have to last, both in quality and taste, so forget about a trend-led, whimsical buy or one that pulls on the heartstrings, because I can almost guarantee it will be packed up never to be seen again next season.
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