Like everything else in today’s world, the F/W 18 collections from different fashion houses around the world featured items that were heavily inspired by Instagram currents and modes. These collections are for the most part very loud, eccentric and outlandish but a few classic vogues have also resurfaced. A lot of designers have also jumped on the androgynous silhouette bandwagon. Another big trend this year is mixing and matching unconventional textures, designs and pieces. This week, we bring you a roundup of a handful of the most popular fashion trends for F/W 2018/19.

Crystals
Crystals are a huge part of the upcoming season. And no, we don’t just mean crystals in accessories and jewelries. Everything from sneakers to jackets and vests has been getting a sparkly crystallized makeover this season. Crystals are being incorporated into clothes in the most ridiculously creative ways. Alessandro Michele incorporated crystal chains into chunky dad sneakers in Gucci’s f/w 18 show and Victoria Beckham incorporated crystals in a lot of her pre fall 2018 collection. Ashley William’s (crystal) bejeweled barretts have taken over Instagram with everyone from Selena Gomez to Alexa Chung flaunting these clips on their mane. In a somewhat related note, trend forecasters also mention faux diamonds as a mode that can take off this season.

Layering
Probably the most functional trend from this list, layering is getting a reboot for the new season. The fashion industry is getting more wild, creative and experimental when it comes to matching and adding stuff to make a statement look. Models were seen wearing a heavy duster coat over a cropped denim jacket with a long dress underneath at the Paco Rabanne f/w 18 show while the ones walking the runway at Acne Studios f/w 18 show had huge woolen shawls draped over their trench coats that functioned more like an outerwear than a scarf. Balenciaga also had some epic layering combinations one of which was a model wearing a long pleated skirt, a pair of velvet knee high boots, a chunky high neck sweater dress with a parka coat, a pink fluffy scarf hanging off of shoulders and a huge puffer jacket.

Animal prints
The boldest trend for the upcoming colder weather is going to be fast fashion presented in animal prints. Everything from cheetah, zebra, and leopard to ocelot, python, and tiger prints were prominently featured in the f/w 18 collections from design houses like Dolce & Gabbana, Max Mara, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Victoria Beckham and Tom Ford to name a few. While most of these prints are in neutral or muted tones with hints of yellow and green, there are some eminently wild prints and patterns that have popped up. Who What Wear names leopard print as the chintz that is going to lead this trend’s prevalence – especially in oversized coats and ankle booties. Animal print were a big trend even during the Seoul f/w 18 Fashion Week with big fashion houses like Chung Chung Lee and Youn Hee Park adopting it into their collections.

Plaids and tweed
Plaid and tweed prints come as strong competitions willing to fight (with animal print) for the title of the most popular pattern trend for the upcoming season – plaid more so than tweed. London Fashion Week showcased some amazing tartan tops and blouses and New York Fashion Week exhibited pretty and collegiate plaid suits and formal wear. Versace and Isa Arfen were more into turning plaid and tartan to pieces that demonstrated a more rock and roll vibe. The Marc Jacobs f/w 18 collection also had some unexpected texture matchings – like shiny leather skirts paired with oversized coats made of tweed – that were heavily praised by fashion critiques. Louis Vuitton f/w 18 runway rocked some eye catching tweed skirts and Calvin Klein went all out by pairing eccentric long plaid dresses over heavy sweaters with balloon-ish sleeves.

Loud jumpers
During winter and fall seasons, muted neutral and dark colors are primarily what people dress themselves in. That is going to change this year because if the f/w 18 runways are anything to go by, bright and colorful sweaters and jumpers are going to take center stage this season. Blouses, high necks and pullovers in every color, shape, pattern and silhouette have been released in the f/w 18. One of the most talked about pieces from f/w 18 is probably Chirstopher Kane’s high neck red jumper fronting the word “Special” in bold black lettering. Prada also came out with long and cozy looking sweaters in logo patterns and Etro’s ponchos and tops with tribal patterns and side fringes are nothing short of genius. Logo jumpers from Fendi, Versace and Max Mara are some other items that fashion critiques loved from f/w 18 shows.

 
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