Winter Fashion Trend
2006 - 2007

(2006-2007 Winter Collection Clockwise from Left to Right) - Chanel, Max Mara, and Giorgio Armani.

Tough and Sharp with a touch femininity this winter is the essence. Designers all pour forth pretty and feminine frills and lace for summer. And as winter approaches, the sleek lines and sharp edges are coming out. Clean silhouettes and shapes bring out possibilities of texture and layering in clever palettes, dark and electrifying. A more serious, brainier look than before as Miuccia Prada had intellectually displayed in her 2007 winter collection. Androgyny is the word for designers over the last few weeks, everybody from Paul Smith to Alber Elbaz at Lanvin creating dress up like boys with a feminine touch.

(Dsquared2, winter collection 2006-2007)

The Bubble. Even Donna Karan and Vera Wang are doing it. From bold Balenciaga sculptural shapes to Vera Wang's rendered soft folds of chiffon and Donna Karan's taffeta and wool crepe. Skirts and dresses are puffing up below the waist.

(Vera Wang, winter collection 2006-2007, and Donna Karan, winter collection 2006-2007)

Fur is in full swing this season. Big, bold and luxe with striking colors. Do try on some faux fur before committing to PETA related issue. Old school British heritage is a major theme for the season – it even took over Paris' Colette store in the end: elbow length gloves, a bow blouse (make a big feature of them this time round to fight for attention with your coat's ornate, bubble collar), a pair of thick tights (that you can wear with peep-toe shoes, for once), a show-stealing coat.

(Burberry, winter collection 2006-2007, Dsquared2, winter collection 2006-2007)

The Eighties references didn't stop at LBDs - leggings are definitely back for winter. "They're actually a classic. They're easy and functional… If you style them wrong, they look bad, but that's with everything," says stylist Patricia Field (of Sex And The City fame).

(Ghost, winter collection 2006-2007)

Have something, anything - in red. Professional means sleeker, more of an uptown look. "A sophisticated look that is polished but doesn't shout money: the antithesis of bling" - Lucinda Chambers, fashion director. Accessories add punch to ladylike styles: think stacked bangles, towering heels, oversized bags and long gloves. Cinch layers at the waist for added shape, add a pretty chiffon blouse for a soft touch.

(Dolce & Gabbana, winter collection 2006-2007)

Decadence. Metallic and Napoleonic. Shiny, decadent, glamour, all that glitter, Studio 54. Highly polished style in accent or go militia for this winter's designer collections. Cropped jackets have gone higher for winter, with versions from Dolce and Gabbana, Marni, Celine and Moschino that are right up on the ribs, and capes, as are the long shorts. Dashing golden embellishment, sharp tailored jacket, brass buttons. Glamour has no era.

(Ralph Lauren, winter collection 2006-2007)

Decadence is not only in metallic hue and sharp tailoring, drama also brings out decadence in oversize and layering. Yards and yards of fabric provide comfort as well as protection with room to spare. Contrasting with skinny pants, capes, or bellowing skirts. Fashion doesn't get more romantic than this.