The fashion week odes to decades past - London, New York and Milan (so far)

I've finally gotten around to checking out most of the London,New York and what's started of Milan Fashion Weeks. A trend which hasn't gone unnoticed amongst a lot of the big names is the kitsch throwbacks to some of fashion's favourite decades, namely the 20's, 40's, 50's & 60's.
This was probably summed up the most with Prada's latest offering, with 50's style coats and cartoonish racing cars emblazoned across them. Cute? Undoubtedly. And the shapes are just beautiful and womanly. Would I pay the big money for a racing-car emblazoned coat, though? Probably not. (eh, not that I have that sort of money, I should point out) But I can't wait to see what the high street will give us, inspired by Prada.

I also liked the very ladylike pleats seen at Prada - which is a good thing, as many people have invested in pleats, be it maxi skirts or midi skirts, so it's good to see that they're not going anywhere for a while. 

Also seen was plenty of prints - graphic, tribal, flowers. Fabrics were sheer and loose with dashes of leather thrown in here & there. Lots of laser cut fabrics brought the designs up to date and lace thrown in here & there gave a certain vintage feel. Altogether a very feminine season with some fun and fresh twists. 

Clockwise from Top Left: Versace, Diane Von Furstenberg, Erdem, Rebecca Minkoff, Jason Wu, Giles

Metallics were also present in a lot of the collections. From straight out silver and golds, to sheer fabrics embellished with shimmery, metallic strands.

From L-R: Sass & Bide, Marc Jacobs, Giles

There were some tribal influences noted, none moreso than in Sass & Bide and Michael Kors collections. Kors going for a full on safari feel and Sass & Bide more in their high-necked accessories juxtaposed against graphic prints. 

Michael Kors and Sass & Bide

Some of the colour trends for S/S are bright, but not too in-your-face-neon. Oranges, yellows and reds were seen in abundance. Colourblocking was also still apparent as a trend that's not going anywhere for a while.

These bright colours were offset by some of the prettier, pastel colours shown in collections by names such as House of Holland, as well as the aforementioned Prada. 

Derek Lam, Preen, Roksanda Ilincic & House of Holland

Sportswear was another trend noted in a few collections, including old spicey, Victoria Beckham, Alexander Wang with his racing car driver influenced pieces and another personal favourite of mine, Charlotte Ronson.

Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs & Charlotte Ronson

 During these fashion  week shows it's hard not to spot red carpet ready dresses as they sashay down the runway. Marchesa and Temperley are eternal favourites of celebrities and models alike, and S/S is no diffferent. 

Prabal Garung, Jason Wu, Marchesa & Temperley

One of my favourite collections, personally, was Jason Wu. His pieces are wearable and have appeal to every woman, shapes and fabrics are flattering and in this collection there wasn't a piece that I wouldn't wear. Cynthia Rowley also had a fairly faultless collection, in my eyes, as well as 3.1 Philip Lim - I seem to be a NYFW gal at heart.  Here's a few of the most wearable outfits that I could see myself recreating. 

Clockwise from to Left : Cynthia  Rowley, Jason Wu, Prabal Garung, Sass & Bide, Proenza Schouler, Leandra Medine AKA The Man Repeller in Rebecca Minkoff and Theysken's Theory

Now tell me, what have been your favourites so far?

images via style.com