The actual definition of couture is debated. (Fashionista summed it up well.) Though the garments shown in the Fall 2012 show are one-of-a-kind, they will influence trends in the months to come. Mainly look out for autumnal pastels, peplum skirts and lace embellishments.
Padding & Tie-Dye
Christian Dior introduced the return of the power suit, sans extreme shoulder pads. A little padding never hurt anyone though. Despite my personal distaste for it, peplum really wants to be a trend as it appeared on this runway and in many other shows. Watch out for it in dresses and corporate tops. Tie-dye, often in a way that depicts a night sky or skyline, and pointillism also appeared on the Dior runway.
Copper & Curves
Iris Van Herpen showed metallics, specifically copper and blue. The shapes of these dresses look more like earrings or pendants than apparel so take cues from this line for your upcoming jewelry and accessories promotions.
Butterflies & Botanicals
Not only did butterflies appear over the lace-covered faces of the models in the Giambattista Valli show, they also adorned the garments in the style of watercolor paintings. Also shown were reds, ruffles, kelly green and more peplum.
Deep Vs & Fur
Alexandre Vauthier added scandal to the couture shows with plunging V-necklines and fur embellishments. The belly-button level V-necks were not quite as scandalous as Ben Stiller’s from the V-Vault on SNL, but they came close. For promotional use, these necklines are better used for blazers and vests so the wearer can add a tank top or blouse underneath. Peplum also found its way onto this runway. Champagne was combined with standard autumnal metallic gold to bring elegance to fall color schemes.
Masks & Doorknockers
For Maison Martin Margiela bejeweled facemasks were all the rage. Also on the runway menu: literal doorknob buttons and accessories. Unrelated to the ridiculous, this line showed lace blazers and vests that could easily translate to corporate wear.
Sheer & Lace
Elie Saab never seems to disappoint. With masterful combinations of lace, jewels and sheers, the designer ushered in a classy new couture season. The main promotional takeaway from this line is the aquamarine blue shown on the gowns. The color looks great on tank tops, polos, sweaters and any other garment or product you can think of.
Lannisters & Livestock
More fit for Game of Thrones than a boardroom, the blood-red, deer-tan and sheep-white line from Stephane Rolland did something the others did not: dressed models for fall weather. The dresses are floor-length, the tops have long sleeves and the materials used are velvet and other cold-weather wears. Take a cue from this medieval line by incorporating garnet and red wine hues into your fall promotions.
