An overwhelming divide between two camps swept the Autumn/Winter 19 runways earlier this year, with many of the collections that graced the catwalks falling firmly into one of two sartorial categories: minimalism and maximalism.

For the minimalists, Tory Burch and Céline unveiled a plethora of back-to-basic bourgeois essentials, Alexander Wang featured understated supple leather, while neutral hues dominated at Victoria Beckham and The Row. At the other end of the spectrum, volume, drama, rich colours and embellishment – in other words, a maximalist’s dream – reigned supreme, with no shortage of seasonal sparkle. With December fast approaching and party season on the horizon, look to the runways for the key ingredients to scoring the perfect festive party look – warning, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

High on glamour, the holiday season is as good an excuse as any to load up on sparkle. With the season’s mantra that ‘more is more’, nothing is too extra when it comes to the party pieces to get you noticed. Imitate the high-shine styles found on the AW19 catwalks, with options abound for glittering looks that’ll slide effortlessly into your party season wardrobe. Seek blinding seasonal sparkle at Michael Kors, where matching feather boas offered the perfect accoutrement to plunging purple halter-necks and royal azure cut-out glitter dresses. Make a festive statement in a black and silver sequin mini dress with a giant outlandish bow, as donned by Kaia Gerber on the Saint Laurent runway. Or, if you’re looking for something a little less OTT, pair a silk shirt with high-waisted sequin trousers that’ll work hard to uplift a winter soirée, as seen at Paco Rabanne, or an all-over glitter blouse with ombre flares and chunky silver heels as demonstrated by Halpern. A little black dress is a fail-safe number for the office Christmas do – add a layer of edge and swathe yourself in sequins with a glittering black blazer dress inspired by Saint Laurent.

Catch the light in disco metallics, which held sway at Altuzurra in the form of a golden pleated tier dress. At Gucci, shimmering leopard print midi skirts were paired with lace blouses and emerald green mermaid pleats took form in a balloon-sleeve blouse worn with opulent lace red tights. Speaking of which, tights are the accessory du jour. From fishnets to polka dots and diamantée embellishment, a pair of tights adds the perfect finishing touch to a luxurious party look.

Have a penchant for roaring 20s Gatsby glam? A jewel-encrusted mini dress serves as the perfect +1 to accompany you to an upcoming Christmas party – add diamond tassel earrings for an extra dose of glamour as seen as Paco Rabanne, or black studded accessories at Balmain for a flapper-meets-90s grunge look. Take inspiration from Michael Kors and go tonal with a copper fringe dress, matching heels and a (faux) fur coat for that extra layer of warmth – the perfect pick-me-up for dark winter nights. Black-tie occasion? Plunge into luxurious plumage inspired by Marc Jacobs’ decadent ball gowns. Feather trimmings were equally plentiful, with feather-lined shoes worn with sparkling hot pants and a fur shawl at Saint Laurent, and a feather-hemmed black blazer dress unveiled at Balmain. Alternatively, opt for an evening tuxedo as the go-to alternative to a dress – but not without a dose of opulence in the form of rich, jewel-toned puff sleeves as seen at Alexander McQueen.

For the minimalists, there’s still plenty of inspiration to be had, with an abundance of classic all-black silhouettes to imitate. Whether you’re looking for a glittering ensemble, disco brights or luxe textures, there’s no shortage of options to help you solve your festive party outfit conundrum.

Words by Ruby McAuliffe

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post ‘Tis The Season: AW19 Party Outfit Inspiration appeared first on Voir Fashion.

No accessory has been quite as polarising as the bucket hat. And this A/W, it has made a reappearance, this time with a luxurious overhaul. Anna Sui, Prada and Dior all showcased the relaxed, drop-brim hat in opulent new textures, giving the bucket hat a new lavish lease of life.

The bucket hat is the great equaliser – no fashion trend has simultaneously united middle-aged fishermen and catwalk models alike. Arguably, its most famous incarnation is during the rave underground scenes of 1990s ‘Madchester’ and atop the bopping heads of anti-establishment bands like the Stone Roses, Sticky Fingers and Oasis. After this, they were nicknamed the ‘session hat’, ideal for those sweaty-haired students and ravers dancing until midday the day after they arrived at the party.

Now, they’re making a re-emergence on the runways, this time with a sumptuous twist. Prada, Tom Ford and Anna Sui all espoused floppy, oversized bucket hats in rich purples and blues, resplendent velvet animal prints and faux-fur textures, making them winter-wardrobe appropriate, while Valentino showed us black, red and beige hats that seemed suited more to The Handmaid’s Tale – perhaps an ironic nod to the current political climate. Dior gave us structured black leather and vinyl bucket hats with Parisian lace veil accents elevating them even further. Paired with utilitarian coats, cinched waists, and work-wear suits, the collection welcomed the bucket hat into the boardroom. Maria Grazia Chiuri styled a masterclass in gender-play, offsetting a leather androgyne bucket hat and buttoned up collared shirts with belted waistlines, full tulle A-line skirts and pearl chokers, effortlessly matching masculinity with femininity, flirting delicacy with utility. Prada also walked several styles down the runway, atop the heads of both male and female models, illustrating its versatility and unisexuality.

Love them or hate them, bucket hats are back in a big way. The redux of the bucket hat could be seen as politically reactionary, appealing to the gender anti-conformists and reminiscent of counter-cultural figureheads, certainly echoing Atwood’s vision in Valentino’s case. Fashion has always been a precursor to social movements, so maybe the bucket hat signals the next big thing; unisexuality beckons an inclusive and exciting future, breaking moulds and creating new boundaries regarding sexuality and gender. So whether you’re heading to all-night rave or an all-nighter in the library, chuck a bucket hat on. Fight the system.

The post From Rave to Runway: The Bucket Hat appeared first on Voir Fashion.

What’s a better way to kick start the year than 76 fashion shows and three days worth of looks for A/W19? Nothing. That’s right, London Fashion Week Men’s has come to an end and we’re here to give you our Voir round-up of the LFWM shows.

We’ve seen experimenting with shell suits at C2H4 and pinstripes mixed with sportswear at Astrid Andersen to give you the smartest leisurewear looks, as well as back to the future pieces from Xander Zhou that bring a modern twist to classically retro looks. Not forgetting key seasonal colours seen at Feng Chen Wang and fantastic prints such as camo, flames and Pokémon at Bobby Abley. Whatever your style, we’ve picked out some key pieces to get you inspired for the year ahead.

Shell suit experimenting at C2H4

Pinstripes X Sportswear at Astrid Andersen

Back to the future at Xander Zhou

70s Flare at Nicholas DailyLeather at Fashion East

Earthy Greens at Cottweiler

Leather at Fashion East

Soft Silk at Danshan

A touch of blush at Feng Chen Wang

Pokemon play at Bobby Abley

Bringing neon back at Qasimi

Electric blue at Oliver Spencer

Puffers at Iceberg

Camo at Wood Wood

#2019

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