Luxe Fall Fashion Preview

This Fall...The Look Is LUXE And More Is More

(browse the bottom of this blog post for clothing photos hand seleceted by the editor as our favs)

In previous seasons, the word ‘embellishment’ alone has sufficed, but to convey the new level of the trend’s autumn/winter 2012 incarnation, it feels like an understatement of vast proportions. This season, forget adding a few studs and a splash of sequins in an effort to jazz up garments: jackets, trousers, skirts, even humble shirts and t-shirts, have all been utterly drenched in the luxury of jacquard fabric and showered with the adornment of jewels, gems and metals. Fashion magpies will rejoice at the news that wearing more than one embellished item at once is to be encouraged: “maximalism” is the order of the day as the tasteful ‘less is more’ diktat is momentarily discarded.

The look’s fiercest incarnations were seen on the AW12 runways at Balmain, which took inspiration from the decadence of Fabergé eggs, and Dolce & Gabbana, where the most luxurious of fabrics (leather, lace, velvet, satin) were piled up with heavy gold threading and jewels. Valentino offered a softer, more folk- inspired version of the trend, with jacquard detailing reminiscent of Russian Dolls, while at Chanel there was a futuristic take on the look with metallics, angular crystals and a bold jewel color palette. The key to working this trend successfully is to keep silhouettes classic and structured. Clean lines will allow the embellishment to do the talking and keep the look sleek: note the skinny trousers and understated shirts that were layered with the more decadent pieces at Balmain.

Luckily for fashionistas on a budget, the high street has whole-heartedly embraced the trend giving you this luxe look and life for less.

River Island has nailed it with a heavily embellished and embroidered collection that could be taken straight from the AW12 catwalks. At a glance, the t-shirts could be Balmain, while the trouser suit will have you simultaneously working the masculine trend. Mint Velvet has updated the classic tux jacket in the spirit of the season’s luxe look, while Diamond by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams has taken inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana with this showstopper dress that will become a wardrobe staple come party season. And for statement jewels that can be layered up to add a unique edge to your embellished ensemble, check out Boticca and Accessorize.

For autumn/winter 2012, the look is luxe, and more is definitely more.

Below are our editor's favorite fall fashion LUXE must haves - Prices are in Euros ( 1 Euro = Approx $1.29 In US Dollar)

Written By Toni DiCappo - All photography courtesy of PRshots