Leather Globe Trotting

6th April 2022

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The buzz around this fashion month felt like pre-pandemic levels of excitement.

While last September saw the return of catwalk shows and front rows, there was still an air of uncertainty about what life might bring and how the industry will look.

But this year, progression, fun and frivolity filled the unique venues of the world’s biggest designers.

Looking towards trends for autumn, each of the four fashion capitals provided standout leather pieces in modern shapes and clever accents proving yet again the fabric has an unwavering fashion foundation.

Here, we’ve singled out a show from each city that will have you drooling over your next season choices.

Khaite at New York Fashion Week

Founded in 2016 by Catherine Holstein, the cult label has a celebrity following that has seen the relative newcomer reach great heights. This New York brand produced a show that felt achingly cool and accessible at the same time. The outerwear is particularly impressive with oversized blazers, long trench coats, cropped bikers and aviator jackets all in buttery soft leather bringing a new wave of smart layering. The muted colour palette gave a gritty feel while leather trims and exaggerated collars enhanced that urban edge. Khaite is a brand to have on your radar.

Erdem at London Fashion Week

A regular on red carpets, British designer Erdem put on one of his darkest shows yet and the effect was mesmerising. Taking inspiration from progressive Berlin nightclubs of the 1930s, the collection combined beautifully feminine dresses with tougher details. Moody bloom prints with ethereal fringing were layered under black bralettes, but it was the finishing touches that really wowed. Elbow length leather gloves adorned with gunmetal studs accessorised a number of looks paired with knee-length black chunky boots that gave the glamorous outfits an androgynous feel. And we have our eyes on these for next season.

Prada at Milan Fashion Week

One of the most talked about shows of the month, not only for the clothes but because of the models themselves. The catwalk was awash with big names like Kaia Gerber, Kendall Jenner and Hunter Schafer showcasing reimagined looks inspired by the Prada archive. Attention-grabbing oversized leather jackets in an array of colours teamed with seductive sheer skirts with relaxed tank tops made for looks that met high fashion with street style. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons undoubtedly have their fingers on the pulse for what the modern woman wants to wear.

Off-White at Paris Fashion Week

There are certain shows that will stick with fashion fans for a lifetime and this season’s Off-White showcase did just that. After the sudden death of founder Virgil Abloh last year, the ready-to-wear and couture collections were a celebration of his creativity and influence. Leather minidresses, oversized cargo pants and relaxed co-ords were worn by the world’s top models as hordes of famous faces sat in the front row to watch his vision live on. Flags with the phrase “Question Everything” were flown along the catwalk, as coats and bags covered with slogans paved the way for Abloh’s incredible legacy to continue.

By Joely Chilcott