MAGIC CARPET RIDE
London: Kapow! Tom Ford’s runway show this morning was an explosion of print, color and rich fabrics that gave his signature decadence an electrifyingly youthful over-haul. Ford is clearly soaking up the London energy and the decorative, print-heavy work of the city’s new leading fashion lights such as Peter Pilotto and Mary Katrantzou. Like them, Ford wasn’t afraid to lay it on thick, dazzling the senses with a mix of Chinoiserie prints, bright bead-encrusted brocades, comic book starburst prints, exotic tapestry embroideries and leopard fur in an eccentric, eclectic collection that still exuded Tom Ford polish and precision. It was like an amphetamine-fueled megamix of references from early YSL Rive Gauche, Studio 54 hedonism, 70s Mick Jagger stage costumes, hip-hop extravagance and some of Ford’s own greatest hits from his Gucci and Saint Laurent days (the fringing, the zebra, the lingerie lace chiffon) that’s sure to have minds reeling and tongues wagging for days. — Natalie Shukur
Silhouette: Body-conscious / Layered / Soft
Color: Black / Azure / Fuchsia / Violet / Hot pink / Sunshine yellow / White / Lipstick red / Chartreuse / Ochre
Key Items: Bomber jackets / Harem pants / Pencil skirts / Parka coats / Cropped fur chubbies / Ponchos / Long-sleeve Chantilly lace blouses / Fur coats / Long sheath dresses
Materials: Satin / Lace / Leather / Suede / Velvet / Angora / Wool felt / Chiffon
Print + Pattern: Chinoiserie florals / Chevrons / Starbursts / Leopard / Geometric blocks / Chevrons / Zebra / Checkerboard / Tapestry
Details + Trim: Fur trim / Fringing / Tapestry / Beading / Embroidery / Stand-away jacket collars / Sequin paillette / Cut-outs
Accessories + Footwear: Zebra ankle-strap peep-toe pumps / Brocade and tapestry embroidered peep-toe boots / Minaudiere clutches / Cat-eye sunglasses
