Key Trends: Menswear A/W12

Here are some of the key trends I spotted over the past couple of weeks, from the collections shown in Paris and Milan. While some were predictable (carrying over from last season), some may come as a surprise and some are not for the faint-hearted. By that of course I mean, Joe Bloggs may find it a bit arresting but if incorporated well with his current wardrobe, these little touches can propel him into style heaven and keep his armoir full of fresh and up-to-date pieces. 

COLOUR POP- Break up the static conservatism of the typical Fall wardrobe with a shot of intense and vibrant hues.Most of the looks this fall had a neutral colour base, very practical, but were spruced up with bright pops of colour via accessories and details on the garment. The palette ranged from rich earthy ochres to bright jewel tones.

Burberry Prorsum, Maison Martin Margiela, Kenzo, Anne Demeulmeester, Burberry Prorsum

DRAPED OUTERWEAR- Since it is Fall, outerwear is key in our wardrobes and what was very warming about this season's collections was the presence of cozy knits and jackets. There were blanket coats, woollen capes and even tweed got a similar treatment.  

Yohji Yamamoto, Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Emporio Armani, Comme des Garçons Homme Plus

MILITARY- The men came down the runways, dressed impeccably in military influenced ensembles. Amongst the sea of khakis and navy blues were double breasted jackets, stiff shirts and loose-fitting trousers, fit for the style trenches. 

Dior Homme, John Galliano, Kris van Assche, Yohji Yamamoto, Prada Homme

PLAID- The collections were more or less unanimous in their ode to the highlands with plaid-heavy pieces omnipresent this season. Dive into a cornucopia of checks, plaids and tartans and have your fill. 

Kris van Assche, Walter van Beirendonck, Yohji Yamamoto, Vivienne Westwood, Kenzo

DECONSTRUCTED/ABSTRACT- For the chic savants who continue to elevate themselves in the style ranks, here's a trend that could make or break their stride. Suits were deconstructed and reimagined five ways to Sunday this season, and the touches go from simple colour panelling to psychedelic and patchwork prints. If you think you have the balls to pull this off, my hat's off to you. 

Ann Demeulmeester, Comme des Garçons Homme Plus, Walter van Beirendonck, Dries Van Noten, Bottega Veneta

QUIRKY JUMPERS- Instead of the ubiquitous winter cable knits that feature snowflakes and the cast of Santa's Reindeer show, this season's jumpers had a bite to it. Gone are the simple mish mash of colour, and instead we welcome solid colour bases embellished and decorated boldly. There were glittery fox faces, black star constellations, Gold Bullion embroidery and even big and colourful 70s inspired flower prints. Take your pick, and make it fierce!

Burberry Prorsum, Dolce and Gabbana, Kenzo, Givenchy, Jil Sander

SCARLET FEVER- Perhaps the most prominent colour swatch this season, red dominated the runways of Paris and Milan, If only we could adapt the song and change it to La Vie en Rouge, we could but there were so many shades of red that stomped the runway, I can't choose which one my favourite is. There was dubonnet, claret, bordeaux, fire engine red (thank you Donatella), tomato, scarlet...the list goes on. Obviously, unless you wish to solicit a bull fight, I'd go easy on the full ensemble, but if you decide to incorporate flashes of ruby in your Fall wardrobe, it would be a sure traffic stopper. 

Versace, Prada, Viktor and Rolf, Yohji Yamamoto, Givenchy

VELVET TOUCH- Carrying over from last season, Velvet remains to be the fabric du jour, a favourite across the board and it is not very surprising. It exudes an instantaneous dose of sheer luxury and decadence, and as a choice for evening wear, it will always be a winner. The added features this season however, amped up the volume of sartorial opulence through a more varied colour swatch and other details such as embroidery and combining other fabrics such as satin to further polish the look. If you're daring enough to go all the way, take a cue from Dolce and Gabbana and bask in all that ostentation. 

Burberry Prorsum, Versace, Trussardi, Dries van Noten, Dolce and Gabbana

Which trend will you be incorporating with your wardrobe?