Although it seems impossible that fall is right around the corner, the East and Midwest still blistering from one of the hottest summers on record, our fashion friends tell us differently. In the past weeks, 
in stores and on the pages of magazines, shorts have been replaced with wool pencil skirts, lightweight Ts left behind for tweed military jackets, and lightweight summer dresses overlooked for gold lamé velvet gowns. Although this transition into fall, one of the most celebrated in the world of fashion, will not be felt by shoppers for at least another month, it is time, once again, for us to turn our heads to the looks of fall.
The cast of Mad Men, having reentered our living rooms only weeks ago with the premiere of season four, has managed to take hold in our closets as Nina Ricci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada gave us a burst of 1950s panache with full skirts, busty bodices, elbow-length leather gloves, and cat eye sunglasses. Although it is hard to beat the debonair Don Draper in his polished suits, Celine and Alexander Wang showcased beautifully tailored men’s inspired suiting complete with fluid trousers, assured to flatter any brave enough to try.
Fur lovers, a note of caution: Beware; tread slowly and carefully, the clothes this fall may send you into a heightened frenzy of soft, fuzzy love. From Fendi, Lanvin, Burberry Prorsum, and Chanel, we have seen a plethora of fur (and yes, faux fur) trimmed on the edges of boots, bags, coats, sweaters and even dresses in deep browns, purples, and winter whites. Continuing the 
decadence, Rag & Bone, Rodarte, and Kenzo added layer upon layer rich with sequins, cashmere, patterned shawls, shearling, and yes, fur, with leggings and lean boots to create looks that any cold-loving soul would envy.
Just when you thought the heavy brocades and metallics of seasons passed had well, passed, they are back again with a vengeance and with undeniable twists of bravery from the catwalks of Diane von Furstenberg, Dries Van Noten, Jason Wu, Peter Som, Rochas, and Balmain. From fitted, long sleeve dresses to suits and bow-necked blouses, gold accents will be anything but absent this coming season.
From 1950s femininity to elegant suiting, fur embellished outerwear to glittered wool, lamé threading to embossed velvet, the evidence is clear: Summer is turning; fall is calling.
Posted by : Courtney O’Kane Academy of Art University Alumna at 04:50 PM (IST)
