Introduction
As we all know, even though there are currently grey skies, wintry winds and dismal downpours outside, fashion designers have already set their sights on sunnier climes and how best to showcase their upcoming spring/summer collections. Although you may currently be wrapping yourself in swathes of fabric in order to protect yourself from the harsh elements, I wanted to give you an insight into the type of trends that will be hitting the high street when the season starts to thaw out. True fashion followers always attempt to stay ahead of the sartorial seasons in order to be a step ahead of the trends ? so although your body might currently be craving woolens and layers, your head should be thinking about what might be when the sun pops his hat back on. And with the winter sales already underway, now is the perfect time to pick up a piece that is projected to last longer than just the current cold months. So, in the first of our upcoming SS13 previews, we will be taking a look at the use of metallics, which is set to become a big hitter for 2013.
Metallics: On The Runways
Key Show: Burberry Prorsum
One of the biggest advocates of the metallic trend for SS13 came from quite an unlikely source ? Burberry Prorsum. Although Burberry Prorsum’s collections traditionally tend to be muted and monochrome, their collection for next season contained several garments with metallic finishes. The traditional double-breasted Burberry trench coat, which we all know and love, was almost unrecognisable in vivid metallic foil colours of fuschia, rich green and royal blue, creating a real statement piece. For a more subtle take on the trend, Burberry Prorsum also featured a black wool overcoat with a contrast metallic blue collar detail, and several foil short sleeved shirts hidden beneath slim fit blazers in monotone colours. Continuing their focus on statement outerwear, blousons in metallic shades of bronze, orange and blue closed the show and, in my opinion, represent the most wearable garments from the whole collection:
Burberry Prorsum SS13 Video
Key Show: Versace
Versace gave a nod to metallics in the form of oversized tailoring in soft, steely greys and polka dot patterns paired with boxer boots and shiny gold button detailing – creating a more casual take on traditional tailoring. Versace also showcased a double-breasted, sleeveless gilet constructed from a pvc-like fabric in both soft pink and baby blue, and an aqua mac with a pearlised sheen. Accessories continued the metallic theme, with trainers and sports shoes featuring reflective patent panels, and holdalls in metallic silver with overtly studded handles. Finally, Versace featured a gold blouson style jacket with matching trousers, which looked a little too MC Hammer when paired together but could work very effectively if the jacket was utilised as a separate:
Key Show: Lanvin
Lanvin followed suit with a blouson jacket in metallic silver, a silver sheen pea coat and a wet-look black leather blazer. Christopher Raeburn adopted an altogether more sports luxe feel, with his metallic oversized parachute-style jacket and metallic grey hooded sports jacket taking centre stage. In my opinion, it is nice to see designer collections which are typically renowned for retaining a sense of traditionalism (such as Burberry Prorsum and Lanvin) adopting a more adventurous look, which would normally be more closely associated with younger, more directional fashion houses such as DSquared or Acne:
The Fashion Press
The fashion press has gone wild for metallics, with magazines and newspapers pinpointing the use of metallics as one of the major trends for SS13. In particular, Details predicted the metallic influence as one of the biggest trends to hit next season, whilst Esquire described Christopher Bailey’s Burberry Prorsum collection as “remarkably wearable” and highlighted the metallic bomber blouson as the go-to SS13 jacket. Still on the subject of Burberry Prorsum, Vogue described the collection as a “candy selection”, emphasising connotations of unwrapping excitingly coloured sweets and chocolates, which is particularly festive for this time of year. Vogue wrote: “Burberry Prorsum’s spring/summer 2013 collection crackled naughtily all the way through” ? highlighting the exciting, fresh, textural and almost aural feel to the brand’s use of metallics. Furthermore, The Guardian complimented the use of metallics in SS13 collections and specifically mentioned Acne’s silver and gold lace-ups. The Guardian added that although they originally saw the metallic trend as a “hard sell” and potentially difficult to carry off successfully, they admitted that it has inevitably proven to be a popular SS13 choice and can work effectively, if done in a subtle manner.
Current Metallic Pieces
Turning to the high street, it is clear to see that metallics have made an impact. With several metallic options to choose from already, I am convinced that as stock turns towards spring/summer the metallic trend will become even more prevalent. At the high fashion end of the metallic spectrum, Mr Porter are offering both Maison Martin Margiela lace-up trainers in a battered gold, and Pierre Hardy hi-tops in metallic silver. Mr Porter are also selling a range of silk twill ties in metallic hues, for a more subtle take on the trend. In addition, Oki-ni are backing the metallic accessories trend with a metallic silver laptop bag and tote bag by Rick Owens, and a black and gold billfold wallet by Paul Smith with a fantastic gold paneling interior:
- Topman Gold Lurex Polo T-shirt
- Topman Black And Gold Lurex Tee
- Unconditional T-shirt With Metalic Fern Print
- Comme Des Garcons Play T130 White & Gold T-shirt
- Unconditional Donkey Metalic Jacket
- Marc By Marc Jacobs Gold Veruschka Lamé Blazer
- Christopher Raeburn Lightweight Parachute Jacket
- Balenciaga Mens Striped Bomber Blouson
- Blood Brother Leather-sleeved Varsity Bomber Jacket
- Lanvin Metallic-print Cotton-piqué Polo Shirt
- Alexander Mcqueen Metallic-collar Slim-fit Shirt
- Dolce & Gabbana Silk-twill Tie
- Ann Demeulemeester Mens Slim Fit Trousers
- Rick Owens Metallic Zipped Laptop Case
- Mens Gold Skinny Plait Belt
- Hugo Boss Metallic Contrast Belt
- Topman Gold Metallic Leather Belt
- Asos Loafers In Leather
- Church Victory Shoes
- Maison Martin Margiela Replica Metallic Leather Sneakers
- Diesel Invasion Nylon Hi-top Trainers
Conclusion
So what do you guys think? Are metallics in fabrics something you would consider or should they be banished to the bottom of the melting pot? Understandably, the majority of the outfits showcased at the various SS13 fashion weeks were possibly a bit over the top and most likely included for the WOW factor alone, rather than wearability. However, some of the metallic items showcased today could work very well as separates, if dressed down with more subtle items (much like you would any statement piece). No matter what you feel about the metallic trend, it is undeniable that the use of metallics in fabrics and garments adds not only an interesting colour and tonal element to any look, but also a textural aspect ? something that is fresh and new for spring/summer.
