A/W 20 Print Moodboard - Toile De Jouy

Originating in a town outside of Paris in the 18th Century, Toile De Jouy is one of the most instantly recognisable prints within the realm of textiles. Varying ever so slightly in the scene, in which it depicts, it is classic in it's scale and colour (typically blue, red or black). It is especially delicate, it's hand-drawn motifs featuring minute detail. 

Traditionally such prints will portray pastoral scenes, think picnics in a park or farming, but designers of today are reinventing the classic Toile De Jouy with a quirky modern spin. This could be in the form of featuring modern society or the designers hometown, but fashioned in the Toile De Jouy style of handwriting.

On the runway for A/W 20, we saw Toile De Jouy, most noticeably, crop up at both Sies Marjan and Moschino. However this heritage print has been slowly bubbling under the surface for a couple of seasons now, recently also spotted at Christian Dior and Chloe.

Due to the nature of the print, the overall appeal is very soft and romantic. Whilst it may be a print which covers a full surface, it's muted colouring means it is not overbearing. With this is mind, it is likely to have longevity in your wardrobe.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @phillippa22

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Shop The Edit - Rainbow

You will have undoubtedly noticed, that the humble rainbow motif has been cropping up in windows all across the country. As the world looks to survive in these unprecedented times, the symbol of the rainbow is being used to offer hope and brighter times ahead - signifying the sun emerging from behind grey clouds. 

Coming at this from a fashion perspective, we tend not to see actual rainbow motifs on the runway. This standalone motif lends itself more to graphic tee's, whereas on the runway designers look at it from the angle of using the seven rainbow colours. Having said this, one of my all time favourite runway looks came from the Matthew Williamson Spring 05 collection (seen below in my edit) - I am forever on the quest to hunt down this aforementioned dress!

This rainbow concept is nothing new, if you look back to archive fashion images we regularly see full head-to-toe rainbow looks. There is something free-spirited and bohemian about the use of these colours, whereas in today's society it is also representative of equality. It also happen to work exceptionally well for editorial images, especially against a backdrop of rainbow coloured street art.

In the past couple of seasons, we have seen rainbow hues from designers: Christian Siriano, Gabriela Hearst, Halpern, Kitty Joseph, Attico, Moncler x Richard Quinn and Needle and Thread - proving that the use of this colour palette is more than just a fleeting trend.

If you are looking in incorporate some rainbow summer cheer into your wardrobe, I have put together a round-up of some of my favourite premium pieces...

1. Shirt Dress by All Things Mochi £275

2. Dress by Needle & Thread £285

3. Jacket by Etre Cecile £320

4. Boots by Marco De Vincenzo £1180

5. Bag  by By Far £455

6. Earrings by Rosie Fortescue £100

7. Swimsuit by Alberta Ferretti £245

8. Top by Kitty Joseph £135

9. Dress by Michael Kors £311

Phillippa x

Twitter - @phillippa22

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A/W 20 Fashion Trend - Exaggerated Sleeves

'Oh hello' was my first thought when I saw this trend pop up on the runway during fashion month.  Designers did not come to play when they adopted this trend for their A/W 20 collections. It's an unashamedly 'in your face' sleeve which guarantee's a talking point with your outfit. 

Now I think we've all experienced a few tricky moments with oversized sleeves. You know the kind i'm talking about...you buy a gorgeous new dress or blouse, with billowing sleeves, only to find you simply cannot war any outerwear over it. Its a practical problem, but who ever said fashion had to be practical?

This so called trend is, like most trends, is nothing new. I mean, Queen Elizabeth the first was rocking an oversized sleeve way back in the 16th century. There's a huge aspect of this trend which plays into the concept of power dressing, and if you look back to our historical figures, oversized sleeves emphasised power and social status. Fast-forward to the 1980's and voluminous sleeves were back once again, think Joan Collins in Dynasty.

Proportionally, an exaggerated sleeves hides a multitude of sins. Covering up any insecurities one may have with showing their upper arms, whilst at the same time drawing attention to your smaller waist.

Key Designers: Fendi, Emilia Wickstead, Victoria Beckham, Jil Sander, Alexander McQueen, Loewe, Miu Miu, Marco de Vincenzo, Dries Van Noten

Phillippa x

Twitter - @phillippa22

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A/W 20 Colour Trend - Fuchsia

Being my longtime favourite colour, I was thrilled to see fuchsia making countless appearances on the runway during the A/W 20 presentations. 

Kicking things off in style, in New York Tom Ford sent a model down the runway in a floor sweeping hot pink sequinned skirt teamed with a classic knit and matching earrings. It was the unexpected, modern ensemble I never knew I needed. A masterclass in modern evening wear. 

It was however in London, where this trend really started to gain momentum. Michael Halpern, at his namesake brand Halpern, delivered billowing silk gowns in daring hot pink - a real red carpet moment waiting to happen! Richard Quinn opted for regal-esque satin gowns, whilst the offering from Roland Mouret was giving me major throwbacks to Princess Diana's infamous 'revenge dress' - perhaps something to do with that that off-the-shoulder neckline.

This trend works particularly well on luxe fabrics - velvet, silk, satin

Phillippa x

Twitter - @phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign