Fashion Month finally drew to a close with the Louis Vuitton show in Paris earlier this week and what an action-packed, varied four weeks it was. There were snow storms in New York, high winds in London, sunshine in Milan and torrential rain at the open-air Saint Laurent show which kicked off Paris Fashion Week. (Can we take a moment to applaud the fashion editors and influencers who were able to pack for such fluctuating climates?!)
There was also controversy in Paris when James Scully exposed the deplorable behaviour of casting agents for Lanvin and Balenciaga, reminding us of the mistreatment of models that is unfortunately widespread within the industry. But thankfully, there was also a great deal of positivity, not only from uplifting collections but also from Business of Fashion’s unifying #TiedTogether campaign, supported by designers from Raf Simons at Calvin Klein to Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior.
While our attentions were mostly focused on what was hitting the catwalks for AW17, from Ashish’s glittering rainbow show to Chanel’s space-themed collection (where a rocket took off during the finale), we also gained a lot of style inspo from what our favourite fashion faces were wearing on the streets outside the shows.
The analytics team at global fashion search engine Lyst monitored real-time search and sales figures globally during Fashion Month, looking for spikes in consumer interest related to the most liked street style photography. Based on that in-depth data, Lyst has worked out the 10 biggest street style trends from the month, which translated directly into sales. Ahead are the most popular items and trends worn by fashion's elite over the past month...
Striped shirts
Across the international fashion weeks, the style set were frequently seen in striped shirts, whether these were layered up in colder weather or worn off-the-shoulder in warmer climes. But these weren't your typical button-down shirts, these were deconstructed shirts with asymmetric silhouettes or unusual cut-outs.
Follow the lead of Net-A-Porter's fashion director Lisa Aiken or MINT editor-in-chief Irina Lakicevic, both of whom masterfully sported striped shirts on a number of occasions. Here, blogger Viktoria Rader wears a Vetements shirt outside the Alberta Ferretti show.
Plaid
Everyone from Caroline Issa to Lucy Williams (pictured here on the left) was seen in plaid. We actually prefer Lucy's Mango coat to the Isabel Marant original. During Fashion Month, Lyst saw a 'plaid' search increase of 63% and sales increase by 23%.
Blazers
If you associate blazers with school uniforms and frumpy workwear, it's time to have a rethink. Teaming a blazer with jeans and a statement clutch is an easy way to look elegant but effortless. Let the cuffs from your shirt peek out from your blazer sleeves, like designer Yoyo Cao.
Gucci bags
It's impossible to ignore the Gucci mania that has swept through the style set over the past couple of years. During Milan Fashion Week, Gucci was virtually ubiquitous, especially on the day of the show, but the most popular pieces were, of course, the bags. Here, Katherine Ormerod carries the Marmont matelassé mini. Over the past few weeks, searches for Gucci bags rocketed by 102%, with sales increasing by 32%.
Embroidered jackets
Denim jackets are a wardrobe staple for many of us but embroidery can update a tired garment and add some more personality. Embroidered jackets were spotted on Olivia Palermo and Yasmin Sewell; here, Elle Russia's editor-in-chief Ekaterina Mukhina wears a Gucci embroidered denim jacket.
Dark florals
Yes, floral patterns come back into fashion pretty much every spring, but dark or gothic florals are the perfect way to wear flowers in a less girly way and stand out from the crowd. Searches soared by 63% and sales increased by 26%.
Octagonal Ray-Bans
As sunglasses season fast approaches (hooray!) it's time to invest in some new frames. Aviator shades are a timeless classic but why not follow the fashion crowd and pick up a pair of octagonal sunglasses this spring, like Yoyo Cao. They're set to be the biggest shape of the season, considering searches increased by 98% and sales by 46%.
Red
Dior's AW17 show may have focused on the colour blue but red is also setting alight the hearts of bloggers and fashion editors alike. Here, stylist Tess Yopp wears cropped red flares and a patent jacket.
Vinyl
We've raved about the vinyl trend repeatedly but if you're still not on board perhaps the fact that searches for 'vinyl' increased by 79% over the past few weeks might convince you. Here, Jessie Bush wears a Mango vinyl parka.
White boots
If white clothes frighten you – think of the stain potential and visible creasing! – dip your toe into white with shoes. Lyst noticed an increase of searches by 82% and a 30% sale increase. Here, Camille Charrière finishes off her blazer and skirt ensemble with bright white ankle boots.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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