Anna Bromilow Shares Her Fashion Month Highlights

THE TREND: Folk

A trend which always seems to be around in some way or another, the boho look is usually based on hippy detailing, easy silhouettes, rich colour and texture – not only is it flattering and wearable for most women, it’s also pretty relevant amid the current circumstances. It might not have been Isabel Marant’s strongest collection, but she pulled out an array of the usual polished separates. One stand-out look was a dark paisley print dress styled with a pompom embellished cropped gilet. Decorative sleeveless jackets which work well for layering are often hard to come by, but Marant had a variety – from shearling styles to sequin embroidered velvet.

Ulla Johnson produced her usual magic, too, this time in the form of a rich and voluminous collection full of autumnal hues – think mustard and burnt orange. It’s always hard to pick a favourite, as her collections work so beautifully together, but a black dress with an inverted embellished bodice encompassed a more modern attitude. Gabriella Hearst was a surprise hit, too. For a brand synonymous with clean, minimalist lines, her colourful ruanas (ponchos and capes are a major tend for next autumn/winter) are made by the Manos de Uraguay in her native country. It illustrated just how apt artisan-inspired clothing feels right now.

Altuzurra also diverted from his usual ladylike approach and veered into folk territory, reviving popular decades-old tie-dye frocks and turning them into more wearable versions in deeply rich tones. From a sustainability point of view, boho pieces often feel like a wise investment – they don’t date, and they’re also the ideal pieces to dress up and down.

THE STAPLE: Trenches

A trench coat is without doubt one of the hardest working pieces in any woman’s wardrobe. Trans-seasonal, versatile, and usually washable, it’s a universal symbol of chic – you just can't go wrong. 

It's no wonder, then, that designers have tended to rely on this iconic item during unpredictable times. Everyone from Adam Lippes to Alaïa spent time this season perfecting their proportions and finding new ways to style this classic piece. But the absolute stand out was Gabriela Hearst – again. Her bow sleeves added a feminine twist on the usual silhouette, while the painstakingly accurate proportions made it even more desirable. Tonal, simple styling ensured the look felt contemporary and unfussy, too.

THE HIGHLIGHT: Louis Vuitton Jackets

I loved this collection by Nicolas Ghesquière – it was a real highlight. Optimistic, textural, and the perfect balance between high and low, the enigmatic designer provided plenty of moments for us to dream about more glamorous times ahead. It had drama and wearability, reality and fantasy… fashion for now and fashion for later. 

But what really resonated for me – and not just because I love coats, was the staggering array of jackets in this collection: a two-tone cocoon puffa; a pale-yellow parka with a silver foil lining; a double-breasted military jacket; tweed and camel oversized blazers… after months of only being able to socialise outdoors, it seems completely right to give over so much time to outerwear. Practical, but still with plenty of fashion appeal, for me it ticked all the major boxes.