September was quite the month for the fashion world, a truly whirlwind experience both for models, designers, celebrities and journalists alike. The Met Gala kicked the month off with an almighty bang, then there was the VMA’s and the 2021 Emmy awards. Throughout this, there was official fashion month, the four most important weeks in the fashion industry where designers, models and media travel around four major cities to showcase designs for the upcoming seasons. Beginning with New York on September 8th and concluding in Paris this past Wednesday (October 6th), it has been a time of watching, learning and taking note. Fashion weeks are there to set trends and tones for up and coming seasons, to give consumers style ideals to strive for and give other fashion brands recommendations to copy.

Figuring out what is in vogue, and what shall become in vogue, means carefully cross-referencing several shows to find similarities, and of course, this month was no different than any other. Here are some of the emerging fashion trends from fashion month, and everything you should know about them!

Sparkling and Shimmering

Glittery, shimmery and sparkly fabrics are having a comeback and for many, this will be a trend they can’t wait to stick their teeth into. The Koche show in Paris featured a vast amount of iridescent looks, that commanded attention while still looking delicate and airy. “I wanted to work on the artisanal, but with refinement.”, said designer Christelle Kocher about the collection.

Brunello Cucinelli’s collection, shown in Milan, also followed the shimmering memo however this time the overall tone was harsher. Athletic wear was an overriding theme for this collection, and given the global climate we are currently living in, we’re all happy to see comfortable clothing being showcased. But, let us not forget this is fashion month, and more importantly than that, this is Milan, so a bit of glamour can never be avoided. This resulted in the addition of sequins to several garments, as well as other luminescent fabrics, and while on paper that may seem an odd combination, in practice it worked a real treat.

Image Courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli

Airy and delicate was also on the menu for the Mame Kurogouchi ready-to-wear collection. While there was not a use of coarse sequins, many of the materials used were reminiscent of cellophane.

The LaQuan Smith show in New York must also be mentioned, not just because of the high levels of craftsmanship shown in the designs, but also the use of sequined fabrics that, when placed with the backdrop of an evening at the Empire State Building, truly dazzled and amazed.

Suiting Up

Who had two-piece suits on their fashion month bingo card? All designers looked to the world climate for inspiration, it would be impossible not to, but the results were differing. Designers either decided to embrace a more relaxed style, while others were more than ready to get back into formality. What is most interesting, however, is that most of these tailored looks hark back to the 50s and 60s in their design.

Moschino had a distinct 1960s inspiration for their collection, with big updos and Jackie Kennedy esque silhouettes. Michael Kors also went down this route, albeit in a more toned-down way, with a variety of two-piece looks that would be perfect in any professional situation.

Thom Browne also said ‘suits’, but his designs took inspiration from traditional men’s tailoring. The large collection featured a myriad of full-length coats and waistcoats perhaps suggesting that sharp dressing will soon be taking the world by storm.

Nehera also went down the route of traditional tailoring, featuring functional details, pinstriped fabrics and wool. Playing around with convention Nehera, much like Thom Browne, experimented with differing collar and sleeve placements sometimes removing them entirely! The overall impression created was put together yet casual and relaxed.

Bright is Back

Unless you have been living under a rock, bright is back and better than ever. After times of great difficulty and distress, we look to liven things up a tad, and a vast majority of the designers showcased this month proved they understood the assignment. One of the first shows of the month was Christian Siriano’s Spring 2022 ready-to-wear collection in New York, and from this moment on it was clear that bright is here to stay. With a focus on bold yellows and gorgeous greens, these designs delight the eye.

It is no real surprise that Moschino chose intense colours, after all, it is Moschino! Following suit from Siriano, yellow and green (and sometimes yellowy-green) was on the cards, as was baby blue and pastel pinks.

Oscar De La Renta made sure to include plenty of eye-catching orange looks and David Koma in London brought neon yellow back to the party.

Image: Courtesy of Oscar De La Renta

Twenties Tassels

It’s not truly the roaring twenties again if tassels don’t make a miraculous comeback! While we don’t necessarily see this becoming the most popular fashion trend, it was certainly visible in Milan. The Alberta Ferretti show really had something for everyone, from bold colours to neutrals and Grecian-like silhouettes...and tassels. “It’s very feminine..sensual but not vulgar,” said Ferretti of this new collection. The subtle use of fluttering tassels created the idea of birds or insects flying away to somewhere new and exciting, perhaps a nod to the world we find ourselves in.

The No.21 show in Milan also featured delicate feathered fabrics, creating a luxe and sometimes even couture feeling to the collection. Bonus points to this collection for managing to merge both tassels and sequins into several garments at once!

Low Rise Pants

As much as many of us may not like it, it would seem low rise jeans aren’t going anywhere just yet. After seeing a renaissance of 90s fashion trends from gen z since the pandemic, the low rise jean has inevitably made its way into high fashion. It is of no surprise to anybody that Blurmarine would take the opportunity to indulge in this fashion trend, resulting in several low rise moments that looks straight out of a 1990s magazine spread.