Perusing the 2013 Pre-Fall collections, one notices that there seems to be a new girl in town. Or should we say, woman. The collections so far have fashioned a Femme Fatal look for 2013. Laser cut lines and empowering silhouettes were the key motifs for designers; from Alexander Wangs’ hem lines or Bottega Venetas’ 60’s sass to Proenza Schoulers’ fierce future.
The Pre-Fall looks are the final evolution from the masculine look we started to see in early 2012 with military styling playing a heavy role in both mens and womens fashion, while the second half of 2012 saw the next step with sharp tailoring and further masculine aesthetics. Designers, however, did always maintain balance. Couturing writer Darby-Perrin notes that 2013 looks to be the year that designers do the full circle and adopt much macho styling into their womenswear.
Boxy shapes, sharp silhouettes and yet a sexy, strong ensemble looks to be the trend for 2013.
It is the razor lines and harsh profiles that accentuate the feminine qualities of the wearer, complimented by dainty and womanly intricacies for a strong and sexy look.
Designers’ levels of boldness were reflected in their choice of palette, either light or dark, for Fall. Gucci and Bottega Veneta sought inspiration from vintage looks, with big shoulders and cinched waistlines. Bottega was a bit bolder with modern cuts and masculine ensembles; both designers did opt for a dark palette.
Gucci
Bottega Veneta
Alexander Wang and Ann Demeulemeester went a shade darker with muted palettes and Victorian-Gothic styling. Dresses retained a sense of femininity, among school-boy suits and leather braces. These designers balanced the fine line between feminine and masculine perfectly. Particularly noting this with the contrast between an Alexander Wang cropped suit and white crepe dress in his Pre-Fall collection.
Alexander Wang
Ann Demeulemeester
Work this look yourself with a fitted dress, detailed with sharp cut-outs or architectural shoulders. Opt for black or dark navy and pair with thick heels or wedges. Accessorize with black jewelry or leather pieces.
Looks weren’t all so dark and heavy. Proenza Schouler and Opening Ceremony brought colour and print into the mix, whilst Rag & Bone went biker chic for their take on the Femme Fatal look.
Proenza Schouler did what they do best with sharp cuts and original prints. The style oozed a fierce futuristic feel, contrasted with wool and vintage tones. Opening Ceremony had fun as always with their take, adopting a Fahrenheit 451-esqu accessory and the big shoulder construct – with cinched waists, just as Bottega did.
Proenza Schouler
Opening Ceremony
Rag & Bone had suits and leathers galore, with a fun sport-luxe motif throughout. Bright pops of colour and dainty details contrasted the collection. The look still proved tough with tailored jackets and biker-blazers.
Rag & Bone
So embrace the inner empress this year and amp up your fierceness with tailored numbers and bold, brave silhouettes. Masculine cuts and tones can be softened with delicate details like sheer tops or pops of colour in your accessories arsenal. New year, new look.
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