This week I was invited to shop the trends with Westfield London, which of course I jumped at the chance of doing, shopping isn’t a chore is it!!! My trend was Gothic, which I know for some they will instantly be thinking it isn’t for them as it is quite grungy, but forget the look of season’s past for autumn/winter 2012 Gothic is more romantic, feminine and seductive.
Seen on the catwalks of Valentino, Versace, Gucci, Nina Ricci, Helmut Lang, Givenchy, and Etro, the trend is full of black, a given really, but this season the trend really works contrasting fabrics to the max. So when out and about shopping keep an eye out for leather skirts, black lace, velvet touches, sheer shirts, and chunky knits, and embellishments are key, lots of studs, crosses, and black sparkles. Also don’t forget it isn’t all about black, I love it when you piece Oxblood red and white into the mix with black staples.
If you are not ready to do the Gothic head-to-toe look, why not just dip into the trend with a key piece – whether that is a pair of chunky ankle boots, or leather-effect leggings, a few long layered cross necklaces, or how about a studded handbag. This is a trend that is easy to work, and come on who doesn’t love black and studs!!!
You will also notice a lot of black and lace on the red carpet, one of my favourite looks has to be the gorgeous Michelle Williams in Mulberry looking amazing in a leather dress with a lace overlay. Simply stunning.
For Westfield London I put together a video on the trend and picked out a few key pieces. I teamed a faux leather pencil skirt with a figure-flattering lace peplum top, and also picked up a few key leather accessories including a gorgeous lace-effect collar and a subtle studded bag.
Gothic shopping – from left to right: Topshop laser cut collar, £16; Warehouse lace panel dress, £120; River Island dark red lace t-shirt, £16; Zara shopper with studs, £129; River Island cross earrings, £3; Topshop pin stud boots, £90; and New Look dress.
Check it out below, and be kind I haven’t done one of these videos before but it was lots of fun.
