Future warrior: what is it

A mixture of the military fashion trend and the more savage side of the tribal fashion trend, the new warrior leaves the formal and festooned style of military detailing behind. The ancient world is at the center of this trend – from ancient Rome, to Egypt, to the Celtic warrior woman. To bring the look into 2010, the past elements are modernized or melded with innovative twists.

Elements of the future warrior trend

·    Metal plating
·    Tunics; especially in leather
·    Chain-mail inspired detailing
·    Tribal inspired motifs

The warrior fashion trend: how to wear it

This isn’t the sort of trend where regulations should be laid down; it’s open to construal and rich with option. It’s not planned to be taken too factually either, and works best when an outfit gives the feeling of some fundamental fierceness rather than the overt look of a costume. So again no strict rules, but some pointers:
·    Be creative, be confident; wear it with conviction.
·    Mix some of the elements listed above in with more glamorous pieces. Sequins as a perfect example can give a look that’s modern mixed with metal.
·    Mix ultra-feminine with tough warriors. For example soft, flowing fabric against sharp metal plating or studded straps.
·    Invest in accessories that will give any outfit a warrior edge; like studded leather belts, new and edgier takes on the gladiator sandal, jewelry based on ancient cultures.

For more motivation on how to wear the look, visit the gallery of warrior trend pictures below.

Fashion trends complimentary to ‘warrior clothes’

·    With anything warrior inspired be sure to not overlook leather. It can add a hard edge or historical authenticity
·    Look to the tribal fashion trend for inspiration. But remember that in 2010, the warrior trend is more Dark Ages than bright kaftan. Thus look to the detailing, particularly in tribal accessories and jewelry.
·    If you’re wearing warrior inspired clothing during the colder autumn (Fall) / winter months consider pairing your pieces with ripped tights for an edgy look.
·    If you’re wearing a tribal piece that is just a top and not a full dress or outfit, consider pairing it with short shorts or boy shorts. Particularly good here would be to wear them with khaki colored shorts in the vein of ‘Westerner gone native’.

Styles & who has designed them

Sass & Bide duo Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton mixed tribal and Amazonian influences into their profoundly detailed Spring 2010 assortment. Some uses of metal plating – like the label’s armored leggings – were definitely innovative in feel. Others seemed to conjure up the spirits of wild Amazonian warriors, with breastplate-like detailing and strong womanly undertones.

If Amazon warriors were forging battles in the imaginations of Sass & Bide, then Tin Hinan was sortie the thoughts of Todd Lynn. Mixed with Lynn’s trademark darkness, giant horned shoulders ensued for a captivating and inflexible take on the modern warrior trend. Lynn cited the legendary Tuareg queen as his motivation.
Dontatella Versace’s vision of the warrior woman was much more romantic. Metallic detail on the busts of dresses was subtly breast-plate inspired, but from there cascaded into flowing pastel fabrics; part knight, part maiden.
Balmain’s take had its root in the Ancient Roman soldier; with tunic dresses, drapes of fabric, and shoulder epaulettes.

Balenciaga’s urban warrior takes her battle to the streets with gladiator tunics, plating, and makeup that hint at urban war paint.
A fascinating mix of deconstructed shapes and simple fabrics were worked into Rick Owens’ latest assortment. But don’t let that fool you – the ancient warriors lie within loincloth-style skirts and spiked gold cuffs. Meanwhile the pale skin, khol eyeliner, and slicked back hair are a tryst with ancient Egyptian history.

Rodarte’s Woad warrior is perhaps the fiercest of all; with tattered fabrics, interwoven leather, and tribal body-paint all bringing an exclusive mix of prehistoric culture and dystopian future to the runway.

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High dress splits trend: what it is

Long slit skirts or maxi dresses in light, flowing fabrics that give a not-so-subtle hint of leg as one walks – or quite struts – along. In fact, they give more than a hint of leg. They show off the whole leg with the split attainment the top of the thigh. For an even greater image impact, the split will pass the top of the thigh and reach the hip. There may be a single side split, a center split, or dual side splits with a panel of fabric that falls along the middle section. Dress splits on the runway It will most likely come as no shock that the most knockout examples of thigh-high dress splits were on the Versace runway. After all, infusing pure sex into a dress is a Versace specialty. Other famous examples came from Gucci – breezy, free flowing, and ultimately sensual – and Lanvin, who’s draping Grecian styles were given an inoculation of thigh-baring modernity.

How to wear dresses with splits in 2010

Heels are a must. Flat shoes don’t do the look righteousness, and will cancel out the utter sexiness of the above the thigh split. Tanned, toned, bare legs are perfect for this look in summer. But you can also test with a peep of motivating stockings. Look to Francesco Scognamiglio’s fishnet idea for stimulation (pictures below); or if you’re daring enough, try a peek of exposed stay ups. Go for light, breezy fabrics for the Spring / Summer season. Faction and flow are a big part of the charm. Take motivation from the Grecian trend and marry a draping Goddess dress with a high split for the eventual in summer sultriness. Perceptibly this is not best as a day-to-day street trend nor as daywear. Pull it out on occasions where you really want to turn heads.

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For King and Country

The men’s military fashion trend is zilch new to us. Revitalized in 2008/2009 as part of a larger 1980s stimulation it had, to date, the lurid style popularised by the likes of Adam Ant. Not so for Autumn (Fall) / 2010. Ant, in turn, had taken his motivation from a time when the European superpowers were at their acme, and military uniforms were less about functionality and more about how grand your country was.

The 1980s fashion reinforcement is, however, on the wane. A new decade calls for a new swatch, and the focus on delicacy and quality that I hope will shape the next decade of men’s fashion will see the men’s military trend evolve in 2010 to be far more eloquent.

So if the motivation no longer comes from the 1980s, then when? The Second World War. An era of rationing, clean cuts, functionality, and, of course, the elegant bloke off to fight for King and Country.

Key Pieces

If you propose to indulge in the 2010 / 2011 version of the men’s military fashion trend there are two key pieces you’ll need:

A greatcoat. Color choices here sit strongest with Army green and Navy / Air Force navy hues. The greatcoat can be single or double-breasted, and should be thorough with brass buttons. For legitimate authenticity, find some antique buttons on eBay and pull out a needle and thread, or simply purchase an era piece and have the cut distorted consequently. Further, the greatcoat can be belted or unbelted: it needs only to have a fitted waist.

Aviator boots with shearling

It’s worth zilch that shearling can also be practical to the collar of a greatcoat or an aviator jacket, mostly if you’re trending towards the fighter ace look. Be vigilant about moving into the empire of costuming however: being on trend doesn’t translate to looking like you’re off to a fancy dress party dressed as the Red Baron.

Other Trends To Wear It With

One of the great things about this trend is that it is made to be efficient; after all, it comes from a era when people could recurrently be heard to say “there’s a war on!” Thus the trend can be worn with many a toned down piece, mainly darker colors. As an example, in the trouser unit look for solid colored pants or darker denim. For a touch of flair, look for shiny trousers.

For maximum outcome be sure to turn to either of the key 2010 men’s hairstyles: the classic part or the fringe. While the fringe adds a very youthful quality to the look, I’d propose choosing between the two based solely on what suits your facial shape and hair.

Who Designed It / Where To Buy It

On the Autumn / Fall 2010 catwalks there is one designer who reigned superlative when it came to this new version of the men’s military fashion trend: Christopher Bailey. His work for the Burberry Autumn (Fall) 2010 catwalk was second to none.

New pieces aside, don’t forget that the Second World War was roughly in the middle of the last century. Therefore, it’s not all that hard to find era pieces from that era to impart into your closet.

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Alexander Wang’s matchless cool factor puts him at the fore of this trend. The young, fresh construal he sent down the runway for Spring 2010 means we’ll all be looking to American football for an booster of youthful tomboy cool into our wardrobes come Spring. But while football is key, it’s not the only sportswear stimulation: we’ll also be looking to sports like baseball & hockey, tennis, scuba-diving, and dance.

Sports trend: the looks

The potential for 2010’s sportswear fashion trend are many – but it’s also easy to go off beam. Thus, we’ve singled out four key looks for how to wear this trend in 2010: the tomboy, the sporty flapper, the urban dancer, and the Bond bombshell.

The tomboy

She’s the pretty girl at school with the rough-and-tumble approach, the one who’s supremely oblivious of her own gorgeousness; the one that kicks the ball with the boys insensible to their crushes. Alexander Wang epitomised this look with his Spring 2010 anthology: youthful, inconceivably cool, and eventually sexy. The cool aspect is engineered by way of cropped tops, pants low slung to expose the waistband of an under-layer; leather cross-lacing, jersey fabrics, football-style shoulders. Woven into the effortless tomboy look are super-feminine rudiments like sheer fabrics and high heeled shoes, placing the look steadily in 2010.

Along with American football – which was also an muse behind Alexandre Herchcovitch’s Spring 2010 assortment – you can also take your fashionable sportswear motivation from other tomboyish sports like hockey, baseball, rugby league, and soccer.

The sporty flapper

If she were a character, she’d be The Great Gatsby’s Jordan Baker; athletic, boyish, cynical, seductive. Golf or tennis are the flapper girl’s games, so in 2010 it’s preppy with a 1920s twist. Look no more than Hermes – with drop-waist pleated skirts and sports stripes in classic colors – for insight.

The urban dancer

She’s a slight more Dirty Dancing than Swan Lake; but that said it’s not an 80s outfit party free-for-all either. We simply mean that – as with any take on the sports trend in 2010 – it’s best when femaleness is kept low key. There’s an element of the urban, of the street. A little bit of robustness and negligence. Look to Charlotte Ronson as a perfect example, with a subtly stonewashed bodysuit given modern flair; soft ballet pinks and creams transferred into skinny pants and flowing sheer hoodies, her looks capped off by topknots and understated braided sweatbands. Bottega Veneta’s slouchy sweats in pastel yellows are  further leading illustrations.

The Bond bombshell

You know all those knock-out Bond Girl bikinis that someway imply an ingredient of the efficient, and yet are really nothing more than sex bomb swimwear? Ursula Andress’ belted bikini, or the red scuba suit in Thunderball… that’s what to think of when you effort this look.

Based greatly in scuba and diving wear, sleek modern takes were seen on the runways of Gucci, Julien Macdonald, and Alexander McQueen for Spring 2010. Any dabbling in this type of sporty look should be skin-hugging, sexy, and most of all – risky.

How to style it

As described above, there are many ways to add a sporty look to your clothing for Spring 2010. For any sporty style, the significant thing is not to look too shoddy like you’ve just spent an hour at the gym, or too “glamorous” either – no Juicy Couture velour tracksuits please. Here are a few things more commonly that you can try to work the look:

Messy long hair, the side braid

Sexed up with super high yet sport motivated heels

Integrate some knee-high socks – look to Alexander Wang’s cut-out back socks, or sports socks with stripes – but in luxe fabrics. The right kind of leg-warmers can also work

Cross-lacing – particularly in leather – reminiscent of baseball gloves and boot laces

Shoulder pads, football player style

Work in the hot pants trend for a sporty take on hot pants or bodysuits

Cut off tees

Jersey fabrics; mesh

Pleated tunics (elegant ones – no super-short cheerleader skirts)

Efficacy elements like plastic buckles, snap closures, and rope tie

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Jumpsuit & Playsuit Styles

Overalls: While we saw denim overalls on the Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2010 catwalk, this was in actuality an omission. We don’t imagine denim overalls to take off as part of this trend in 2010.

Evening: A new take on tranquil glamour, no-one has nailed this rather like Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. Single-shouldered and sequin roofed jumpsuits were an arresting option to the customary evening dress.

Tailored: Elegant and chic, a tailored playsuit can be office-ready as well as dressed up for day or night. Look for crisper fabrics, cuffed shorts, and cinched in waists – a la Karl Lagerfeld.

Loose and flowing: The wonderful take for Spring/Summer, this look has a dash of hippy – working best when united with soft floral prints. Fabrics should be free-flowing, legs wide and long. The likes of Roberto Cavalli and Etro shaped the great examples.

Sporty: Julien MacDonald, Lacoste and Walter all took sportier options, in line with Spring 2010’s sports trend; from hoods and zips to trouble-free cotton jersey fabrics.

Basic: While some designers have gone for prints and obscure detailing, the likes of Stella McCartney and Givenchy obtainable the ideal basic options. A more multitalented wardrobe staple, go for black, white or nude colours and simple straight cuts.
Pictures of these styles and others can be found in the gallery of jumpsuit and playsuit pictures below.

Jumpsuit & Playsuit Lengths

Judging by the runways of spring 2010, something goes when it comes to length. At their shortest, we saw playsuits and rompers that were almost as petite as hot pants (in a way blurring the lines between playsuits and bodysuits). At their fastest they reached the ankles as full jumpsuits, and in between were knee length and mid-calf versions like those seen on the runways of Badgley Mischka and DKNY.

How To Wear Jumpsuits & Playsuits
While you can get a pretty clear idea of some of the style options via the clause above, here are some more common tips and ideas of how to wear the trend:
If you have curves or a pear-shaped figure, try for a lead jumpsuit or playsuit, belted in firmly at the waist, for a bombshell silhouette.
For night time opt for deluxe fabrics like silks; details like sequins or sheer panels; or leather for an edgier look.
If you go for a basic block-color piece, the options are practically endless. Try a cropped jacket in a contrasting color, a la Givenchy; bold statement jewellery; any range of belts or ties; or some out there add-ons like detachable shoulder epaulettes, badges, chains, or motivating layers.
A further way to wear the jumpsuit in 2010 is with an out of the ordinary feel: to work this style look for billowing harem-style pants with gathered-in ankles.

Visit the gallery below for picture motivation on the jumpsuit and playsuit trend.

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In 2010, pants are getting their own back.

As one of the Spring 2010 fashion trends printed and patterned pants are bringing us a whole variety of new attire options.

Patterned pants: styles and prints

Stripes, florals, graphic prints and abstract shapes. Bright and bold, or subtle and stylish. Almost whatever thing goes when it comes to trouser prints in 2010.

And cuts? Again, the selection is yours. Skinny like Balenciaga or free flowing like Roberto Cavalli are both strong styles. Some takes, like those from DKNY and Etro, are so stress-free they fall more under the category of loungewear (further blurring the line between underwear and outerwear). But the style we wait for to see more of on the streets – at least more instantly – is a toned-down take on the harem pant, comfortable at the hips and tapered in to the ankles.

Avoid: boot-cuts and flares; fabrics that are too heavy. Lighter fabrics work best for Spring.

For pictures of the dissimilar styles and prints seen on the runways, see the motivation gallery below.

How to wear printed pants

Don’t be frightened to mix patterns. Clashing prints can give a sense of careless charm. Just don’t exceed it or you’ll risk looking clown-like.

Bold prints will draw notice to your lower-half, so if it’s not the best part of your figure shun skinny cuts and try for stress-free fits as an alternative

If going for a loose fit pant, pair with either a fitted top; or a baggier top that’s part tucked in, part untucked for a nonchalant look.

The right pair of relaxed pants is ideal for a 1940s loungewear look. Add soft waves, red lips, and chunky cocktail rings.

For a youthful, urban look try 80’s enthused graphic prints like those at Topshop Unique. As an asset however, bear in mind that this style will be more short-lived.

If complexity is more your goal, look for tailored, high-waisted styles like those seen at Matthew Williamson and Luella. Wear them with a pointed pair of heels.

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Who has designed them?

While you’re best off trawling epoch stores for a truly sole boyfriend blazer, the look has featured amid numerous of the Spring 2010 catwalks. These embrace Araks, Charlotte Ronson, Cynthia Rowley, Boy by Band of Outsiders (one look is pictured above), and Elie Tahari.

Who has been wearing the boyfriend blazer trend?

Coming very soon.

How to wear a boyfriend blazer

There are two, simple rules for wearing the boyfriend blazer.

Make it whopping

Every boyfriend fashion trend is about wearing clothing that looks a size too big for you, therefore, as if you’ve lent it from your boyfriend. It’s no different with the boyfriend blazer fashion trend here. The key is to only go up one size; it shouldn’t ingest you. Look to have the jacket’s shoulders coming no more than an inch and a half away from your own, ideal for accented shoulders.

Roll up your sleeves

No, this isn’t a commendation to get to work but rather the vital constituent of the boyfriend blazer trend. Rolling or approaching up the sleeves on the blazer goes to poise out the look by implying that the sleeves would or else be too long for your arms; also revealing the wrists to make the look more womanly.

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Where we’ve seen jodhpurs

Dolce & Gabbana have taken the customary Spanish equestrian look and, with their dark colour palette, have evoked the cinematic inspiration of Zorro. With high-necked blouses and layered lace netting they’ve tailored womanly lines, whilst traditional equestrian clothes shapes. such as cropped blazers and jodhpurs. have been modified for a more masculine look and feel.

Tommy Hilfiger has also created his Spring 2010 collection using the jodhpur shape. Overall the look has softened with crisp Summer ensign that gives the famed shape some lift and depth.

Graeme Black brought a 1940s deco feel to his collection, mixing customary jodhpur cuts with elegant night-time fabrics; while Chloe’s stirrup / dressage jodhpurs in unbiased tones were more stress-free in their cuts.

For a style that has traditionally been uniform or functionality focussed, jodhpurs have disobediently taken their shape into the realm of day wear. Let’s just hope that women of all sizes can enjoy this look and not be too hipped out.

Jodhpurs: how to wear them

Wearing this style for Spring 2010 can be tricky, but possible.

For the fashion trend setter, wearing the style with high-necked collar blouse and cropped jacket will look very smart and chic.

For those less positive in the look, a simple silk jumbo top or long patterned cotton t-shirt will take the rim off of the staged shape and still make it look nervous.

For those unsure of this style, many of Spring 2010’s harem trousers are a similar shape but not as ‘hip’ orientated. This can easily been worn with a simple vest top and sequin waistcoat or with a cropped top over the vest to show a layered affect which looks effective and un-dated.

For more inspiration on how to wear the trend, visit the gallery of jodhpur pictures below.

Complimentary fashion trends to jodhpurs

Jodhpurs can be paired with the cape trend, a la Chloe.

The female dandy trend is of course a natural partner to everything equestrian. Add riding boots or lace-up brogues, and flourishes like fob chains, pocket handkerchiefs and brooches for a dandy look.

For a sexy, modern take, plenty of designers turned to exposed midriff. Add a cropped top to high-waisted jodhpurs for a fresh and bold spring look.

A sharp military jacket is the perfect match; or go harder with 2010’s fierce trend relative, the future warrior.

For skinny or slim cut riding pants, over the knee boots are another great on-trend option.

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So what will be our favorite this month? I petitioned hard for Lily Cole’s Elle Canada cover. I argued that redheads for January 2010 were amongst our 2010 hair trends for women. I was though quickly over-ruled for showing favoritism and accord on another cover was reached. To find out which it was keep reading after the jump.

At the end we couldn’t pass up the chance to showcase Lara Stone in her full amazing glory, after all she was one of our top 10 models for 2009. The shot taken by Mert and Marcus is a wonderful homage to the great Helmut Newton, and we’re sure if he were alive today he would be very happy to have lenses it himself.