Trends a/w 2009 - Architecture

ARCHITECTURE

Bold shapes, strong cuts, sharp shoulders, geometric details: fashion gets architectural this season.

While some designers indulge in frivolity and others take the commercial route, Raf Simons has got very serious indeed at Jil Sander. His dresses swooped round the body, flashes of orange or yellow highlighting an extended curve or unexpected volume. And, he’s not the only one experimenting – Calvin Klein played with texture and cut, while Christopher Kane tried Charles Rennie Mackintosh-inspired patterns on dresses and plaid checks on luxe cashmere sweatshirts. This isn’t a trend that has to be scary – work it with graphic detailing, monochrome and, of course, a padded shoulder.

By Avril Mair