This season’s catwalk shows affirmed that a Gothic revival is well and truly in the air. Dior’s models wore an out-of-character dark lip, an abundance of black lace and leather was noted at Alexander McQueen and Burberry’s boots were embellished with bulky metal buckles. It seems like fashion’s mantra for AW16 involves releasing your inner goth, whether that’s in a subtle
credit: vogue.com
It most definitely isn’t a coincidence that this trend creates a buzz around Halloween season. Injecting an element of seasonal dress into your wardrobe in subtle ways is current and fashion-savvy. Executed in the right way, this gothic romance trend can really lift your AW16 wardrobe into high fashion heights. Read on to discover how to wear this mysterious trend with practicality and elegance…
The McQueen powerhouse has never been afraid to shock and scare their audience. You only need to watch their terrifying Autumn/Winter highland rape show during the reign of Lee McQueen in 1995 to recognise that. This season’s collection exuded dark romanticism, fusing couture-worthy lace with plush black leather. Combined with pale florals reminiscent of wild flowers on the moors, there was a certain element of Jane Austen that one couldn’t ignore. Flowing dresses were embellished with butterflies, symbolic of a dreamy world that spawns both beauty and fright.
Lanvin / Michael Kors
The light and airy aesthetic that Raf Simons had built up over the years during his time at Dior was well and truly shaken up at the AW16 show. Models strode onto the catwalk donning porcelain skin and dark lips, symbolising the end of Simons’ magical era at the French fashion house. With no one to replace him just yet, his former team worked from the Dior archives, introducing some of their most iconic and feminine shapes to the world once again. A sleek and glamorous take on the Gothic romance trend, the Dior team embellished with ruffled details and off-the-shoulder cuts.
Prada / Burberry
Rodarte’s AW16 woman walked down the aisle in bridal inspired pieces, this season. With an abundance of netting and lace in floor length styles, this collection screamed Miss Havisham from the rooftops. A gentle contrast of light and dark looks were noted, and fraying techniques were used to give the garments a shabby, worn look. This collection proves that lighter tones don’t have to always portray delicateness – they can be as tough and mysterious as the black numbers.
Anna Sui / Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini
