The return of the 'woman'

JUST AS unflattering, on-trend tailoring threatened to rein supreme (harems I’m looking at you), the ‘woman’ in all her curvy glory returns - spotted on the AW10 catwalks.

From London, Milan, Paris to New York nipped-in waists were a recurrent feature. Prada even went as far as emphasising the bust with pretty ruffles – goodbye size zero?




Prada AW10

Sweetheart necklines at Richard Nicoll created curves on even the skinniest of supers, while Erdem remained demur with high necklines but structured skirts and dresses, creating the hourglass effect with the help of bold shoulders and tight waistlines, playing on the traditional female form.




Erdem AW10

Dolce & Gabbana, in true Italian style, sexed things up with 1950’s knickers and corsets (this ain’t no underwear as outerwear trend mind). The inclusion of pencil skirts, big for AW, and tuxedo jackets make this a positively grown-up look and once again a celebration of women looking good, sexy even...



Dolce & Gabbana AW10

But womanly doesn't just mean skirts, trousers are BACK and in line with making the most of the all ‘woman’ look these are no ordinary offerings, particularly from Giannini at Gucci...

 Leg lengthening
 Flattering
 Bum minimising even?

Check! And in an array of Camel and Autumnal tones, immaculately tailored and belted for ultimate womanly sophistication.



Gucci AW10

Likewise, Phoebe Philo’s second Céline collection played on this theme but with a harder edge in monochrome. The Céline ‘woman’ certainly means business!

And we couldn’t talk about the return of the ‘woman’ without mentioning the sexy, all woman, almost all Camel (it goes without saying the colour of the season) collection from the house of Chloé. Trousers were again a key feature, like Gucci gorgeously tailored and high waisted, but with the inclusion of a very feminine pussy-bow either on tops or accessories. Also making sure things are belted to highlight the female form.



Chloé AW10

What I love most about this collection and actually the whole ‘woman’ return – second to the trousers – is the hair! Beyond the clothes Hannah MacGibbon was brave enough to let long, shiny, bouncy hair act as an accessory. For me the ultimate weapon in a woman’s armour when looking super glamorous .

The final nod to the return of the ‘woman'? Elle ‘the body’ Macpherson walking for Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton, a concrete signal that this AW is all about celebrating the female form.


Louis V AW10

Tara xoxo

Pictures: Style.com