Autumn 2011 Accessories Roundup

Come rain or shine, there be an accessory for all weathers this season. Forties glamour reigned supreme at Donna Karen, Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu, with slim belts, larger than life pearls and ladylike gloves, whilst designers including Marc Jacobs and Gucci made a nod to the Sixties with a smattering of clean-cut structured accessories.   The catwalks were awash with neck candy, as the likes of Chanel, Giambattista Valli and Michael Kors exhibited an abundance of cuffs and collars. From oversized pearls, to S&M leather and glistening bejewelled numbers, there’s a style to suit all. Elie Saab’s baroque gold choker is a personal favourite, but for something more decorative opt for this outsized antique collar from Giambattista Valli.

The catwalks were awash with neck candy, as the likes of Chanel, Giambattista Valli and Michael Kors exhibited an abundance of cuffs and collars. From oversized pearls, to S&M leather and glistening bejewelled numbers, there’s a style to suit all. Ellie Saab’s baroque gold choker is a personal favourite, but for something more decorative opt for this outsized antique collar from Giambattista Valli.

Bags came in all manner of hides and hues this autumn, yet one style seemed to dominate. The mini is the antithesis of the modern working woman’s wardrobe staple. Not quite big enough to fit the kitchen sink, it is a perfectly formed version of its fashionable predecessor; the “bucket” bag, which literally did fit everything. Minis came in a rainbow palette of brights, surprisingly more suited to the summer collections. The ‘Gucci 1973’ orange lizard version is set to be a sell-out with its quaint flap fastening and double G detail. Other key pieces included a quilted black number by Dior and Mulberry’s “bright cabbage” mini Alexa, sure to be a cult favourite this year.

Moving on to footwear, this season’s catwalks demonstrated three defining styles. There were mannish brogues and loafers – still clinging onto the fashion ladder – pilgrim stacked heels, and knee high boots, perfect for autumn’s retro Sixties styling. Marc by Marc Jacobs epitomised the stacked heel trend with their two-tone lace-ups, whilst Valentino made “Editor’s Picks” with their snakeskin leather knee-highs.

Other accessories to watch out for as the nights grow shorter include gloves, in all manner of styles – wrist length, ruched and voluminous – as seen at Vera Wang and Marios Schwab, and ultra-skinny belts for every occasion. Take Oscar De La Renta’s crystal and pearl-embellished belt, for example. It is the ideal accompaniment to a lavish dinner engagement, whilst Chloé has a melt-in-the-mouth minimalist two-tone leather offering. Cinch in your waist in the new “18 hour” dress, or weave through the loops of your new Rock and Republic skinnies.

Article by Jodie Hart – Stilorama Magazine’s Accessories’ Editor

Images: Elie Saab catwalk look gold choker - Giambattista Valli outsized collar - ‘Gucci 1973’ orange lizard mini - Mulberry green mini Alexa – Alexandre Birman black knee highs - Marc by Marc Jacobs catwalk look stacked heels – Valentino 70s style snakeskin boots – Vera Wang catwalk look leather gloves – Marios Schwab catwalk look orange wrist gloves – Oscar de la Renta embellished belt - Chloé two-tone leather belt.

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