Fur! Now! How offensive! Our air-conditioners are still trying to ward away the heat, but you cannot ignore it any longer. ‘Spring/ Summer' 2016 shows are now being held in Milan, Paris and other Fashion capitals, but we refuse to be rushed. However, we can tarry no longer. Our beach-wear is securely packed, our children are settled in their classrooms, many of us have already voted for our favourite Member of Parliament, others have to wait till the end of next month, now 'what to wear' is the essential question. So off we go on our seasonal hunt for fashion's new trends. But fur? No need for alarm, it is only ‘faux' and easy on the budget. It is also fun, funky, frivolous and fashionable. Moreover it can be used in a zillion ways you have never heard of. Forget coats, jackets and capes —how about big collars, cuffs, scarves, vests, hats, hems, sleeves, purses, boots and gloves. The colours are delicious, in pink and other pastel shades that brighten up dreary winter days, unlike that real stuff in boring blacks and browns. There is more temptation from the faux-fur factory… consider every kind of animal print from jackal to cheetah, geometric and abstract prints and even blooming gardens. Hats off to the superb artisanal workmanship of the designers, as each look is a joyous work of art. Has the season more to offer? Indeed it does… nothing revolutionary or awe-inspiring, like Dior's maxi, London's mini or Saint Laurent's pantsuit. Instead, designers have chosen to pay homage to the 70s, one more time… hard to believe that was almost half a century ago! Culottes, a staple of the 70s, were re-introduced last year and have secured a place as mainstream fashion apparel. Sales have increased by 11 per cent, a boon in the world of fashion. Trousers in 3/4 length may not be for everyone, but according to British designer Stella McCartney, if styled right they are flattering for every figure and age. Maybe! Before you invest, chop off an old pair of pants and see how flattering they are. What is flattering for all are the wide-legged flares as well as the tapered trousers, both a 70s inspiration. The A-Line silhouette is back, as well as another retro look, the flirty, feminine fringe, as we look back to the future. The story of the season's fashion also pays tribute to the 90s with the instant hit of the 5-pocket combat- style pants. The strong masculine colour was kept monochromatic, but with texture and pattern to make it interesting. The Colour-palette, always a major element in fashion, as well as in every aspect of our lives, is both old and new. Reds and browns are dominant with a more reddish brown than we are used to. Bordeaux and burgundy, warm and regal, are presented in a variety of hues and with matching dyed faux-fur trims. The impact is strong and stunning. The most favoured shade on the catwalk for daywear is the classic camel, especially in well-tailored clothes, such as the kimono-styled overcoat. Ice-blue and teal are the new colour entries on the fashion scene and strangely enough have become Winter's instant favourites. Ice-blue—a washed-out winter colour is mixed with black, white and brights, another 70s retro. American Michael Kors and Brit Stella McCartney catered to the working woman in an abundance of rich greys and charcoal. Animal prints have found their way to the office and the night-club in the last few years, and have become an iconic classic, when once they were confined to the bedroom. At Mui Mui the animal prints are amazingly creative. Besides the classic leopard they have included zebra, fox, owl, giraffe and butterfly prints. For the ‘hautes', haute couture's first stop is at Lagerfeld's Chanel, if only out of curiosity to see how the ‘Grand Palais' was transformed this season. The virtuoso chose a ‘Grand Casino' theme that did not disappoint. His tom-boy hairstyle may only look good on his models, but his Chanel jackets were given a new dimension. His 30 suits were painted, embroidered, lined with satin and braided with fur. For the holiday parties the colour of the season, the rarely seen teal, is luxurious and sophisticated in satin and taffeta with fur — faux of course — accessories, as shown by the ever popular house of Monique L'Huillier. Donatella Versace preferred flared chiffon sleeves with tight fitted bodices, and garlands for my lady's hair. There is no winter wardrobe without a polo- neck, so fuzzy and warm and always a sign of reserved elegance. Alexander McQueen shows them in high ruffled necklines and moody lace fur collars. For more warmth choose fur collars, cashmere capes, scarves, capes, hoods and hats to avoid a winter chill. While some boots and shoes are more laughable than wearable, the classic boot remains the ‘boot du jour', so are the high, high heels, another nod to the 90s. Shoes are a treasured female item. Think of Cinderella's glass slipper! The very long, pointed shoe in updated styles looks good for ball gowns and blue jeans. Colour your lips with shades of burnt sienna, brick red, vampy violet and your nails in the timeless crimson and scarlet. Your lady-like purse, from barrel to clutch and a stately necklace seals the deal. Above all, wear your confidence and intelligence. They are your best accessory for all seasons. “Fashions, after all, are only induced epidemics” George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
