Making the mould
From ancient Greek armour to sophisticated homeware – moulded leather has a thousand uses
Leather might not be the most obvious choice of fabric when it comes to warmer weather dressing, but it’s a versatile one – so it still regularly features prominently on the spring/summer runways. In fact, many fashion houses choose leather as a staple throughout their collections, from the casual nonchalance of Celine’s SS24 show to the cherry red accents at Gucci.
As ever, fashion week presented new and interesting leatherwork techniques, too, namely at Matthieu Blazy’s Bottega Veneta – where he continued with his innovative trompe a l’oeil pieces, as well as introducing new patchwork, sculpture and fringing. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the catwalks offered plenty of new accessories inspiration, too. Read on for the most inspiring leather trends we’ve bookmarked for spring/summer 2024…
Crayon colours
Red is the ‘it’ colour of 2024 according to most trend reports, but we also saw classic pieces reimagined in bottle green Napa at Ferragamo, and intertwined blues and reds at the aforementioned Bottega Veneta. Undoubtedly though, crimson leather had its moment – seen at the likes of Gucci, Hermès, Isabel Marant, Bally and again, Bottega, hues varied from russet to ruby. The ultimate update on the leather jacket for 2024? Racing red, it seems.
The low-slung belt
Millennials might be quaking in their boots at one of the biggest accessory trends on the catwalks, since hip-hugging belts are apparently making a comeback. They last had a heyday in the noughties, when teamed with equally low-slung jeans (and more often than not, a belly-bearing crop top), but thankfully 2024’s outings are a little more refined. We saw a more bohemian take at Louis Vuitton, where crisscross leather belts were looped around billowing skirts, while at Tom Ford, a skimming black gown was accessorised with a statement buckle at the hip.
Little leather dresses
The mini dress had a leather makeover at Hermès, teamed with a matching handbag and sandals, of course. Meanwhile, it was the slip dress that was a hero piece throughout Coach’s SS24 collection – crafted in red, black and lilac leather in mini and maxi lengths. As for showstoppers, it was Bottega Veneta that showed a strapless number made from bold sculptural leather, was well as a unique patent shirt dress with unexpected knot details.
Metallic leather
Sheen-like finishes are showing no sign of waning, as demonstrated at Simone Rocha, who showed statement silver biker jackets and trousers – as well as Italian fashion house Blumarine, which featured rich gold leathers throughout the spring/summer collection. This was reflected in accessories, too, with baguette bags made in gold lambskin at Michael Kors, as well as silver totes at Givenchy.
Knife point
The stiletto is officially back – and with a vengeance. This season’s it-heels come with the sharpest of toe caps, with the likes of Acne Studios and Saint Laurent showing their spikes in smooth leather textures. Alexander McQueen styled its tailoring with sleek pointed shoe boots, while Valentino models walked the runway in the brand’s new ‘Rockstud Wispy’ flat mules, complete with – you guessed it – a knife-point toe.
From ancient Greek armour to sophisticated homeware – moulded leather has a thousand uses
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