Winter 18 + 19 Fashion Report

This trend completely obliterates the assumption that cold weather calls for navy, black, charcoal, and brick. Frosty shades of wintergreen, blush pink, lavender, and silver enlivens any outfit, adding a necessary lightness to winter layering.

Alexis Mabille’s fall/winter couture collection capitalized on the romantic subtlety of the winter pastel. Cinderella blue transformed a garment into a magical gown with the allusion of emanating sparkles at the turn of a heel. Another flowy dress of satiny periwinkle nodded to snowy walks, mistletoe flowers, and wisteria draped over country brick.

Gemma Arterton wore a petal pink Delpozo gown, making a compelling argument for the feminine winter pastel. And taking the trend in a different route, Tessa Thompson’s sage and light gold Christopher John Rogers getup was understated in color, and dramatic in proportion.

Embrace the quiet drama of the winter pastel and dance the winter blues away in a gown of nutmeg, marshmallow, peppermint, or rose.

When Armani Privé moved from the Palais de Chaillot to the Italian embassy in Paris, the historiated design house promised a collection with classic silhouettes, expert tailoring, and a little something new – perfect for the iconic location and all of the brand’s associated connotations. A traditional black checkered blazer breathed new life when coupled with a pair of silky, pearly pants. A velvety, black strapless dress received a modern twist with the addition of a sculptural, asymmetrical element on the hip. And finally, one confection resembling a champagne flute got a facelift with the help of a frothy cape.

This trend experiences a Renaissance every few years. Ladylike, indulgent, and reliable, the classic silhouettes, minimalist aesthetic, and elegant fabrics truly are timeless. All shades of pink, cream, white, gray, and black are invited to this decadent style party.

For example, Margot Robbie donned a Chanel gown with slight shoulder pads and a jewel-encrusted bodice that gently rejuvenated the otherwise simple silhouette.

Equally inspiring, Victoria Beckham wore a well-tailored suit in a shimmering snowflake hue from her eponymous brand. Beckham added a contemporary twist to the classic look with a slightly oversized jacket and a lingerie-inspired top.

Translate this trend to the dance floor by looking for princess cuts, a-line silhouettes, and thoughtful tailoring in shades of black and white. Add an interesting decal or an innovative sleeve to modernize this timeless look.

This trend boldly took flight during the fall/winter couture and ready-to-wear fashion shows last summer. The bird phenomenon relies on the art of suggestion – while it can be an embroidered swallow dipping along the hem of a gown, it can also simply be a dress in peacock hues or a full skirt with feathery accents that catch in the wind.

Giambattista Valli is one excellent example of the bird allusion done well. Floral elements punctuated the design house’s collection, placing the trend in its natural context. A cardinal red number contains extra fabric that kisses the ground like a tail. One white slip dress acted as the canvas for feathery accents along the collar, hem, and wrist. And finally, one minty, cascading gown evoked the illusion of wings, much like a cerulean warbler or cedar waxwing.

On the red carpet, Adwoa Aboah wore a sunflower yellow and black floral Erdem suit, reminiscent of radiant goldfinch in the height of summer.

Similarly, Leila George wore an Oscar de la Renta gown that interpreted this trend quite literally. Victorian illustrations of birds (and a few other woodland creatures) decorated the luxurious bunches of fabric.

With a hint of a feather and an embroidered bird motif, this trend beautifully carries over to the world of ballroom dresses.