Published: September 23, 2010

A season marked by leather, lace and legion-inspired ensembles, fall 2010 promises to introduce a season of delicate feminism. Whether it is in remembrance of the past decades or an exhibition of future trends, the fashion of fall 2010 surely promises to introduce the world to art and beauty as we’ve never seen it before.

A Military Sort of Regime

Military-inspired jackets are finding their way back on to the runways of household names such as Balmain, Rag & Bone and Charlotte Ronson, who for the last couple of seasons have been the main advocates of structured and razor-cut details. The combination of khaki colored jackets with simple or more extravagant blouses, finished off by a vibrant and edgy shoe is an essential part of fashion for the fall.

A Lacy Situation

Despite the apparent trend of legion inspired clothing, fall 2010 also highlights the more fragile and evangelical side of the female form. Lace has been a favorite on the runways of Dolce & Gabbana for a number of years. This year marks lace’s shift from its usual place on wedding gowns to more risqué and provocative apparel. However, the delicate and ethereal aspect of white lace is re-emerging as well. Its new application of combining the  fierce with the gentle proves to be a massive hit among upcoming trends. Whether paired with a combat leather boot, as seen on the runway looks of Givenchy, or styled against the traditional midnight black suit of the house of Chanel, lace plays a significant part in the ongoing trend of masculine femininity.

The Great Impression

Fall 2010 also welcomes the return of fashion marked by the era of the “Great Depression.” The 1930s were known for the “humble” and “reserved” fashion of the great black and white screen, personified by icons Jean Harlow and Austrian actress Tilly Losch. It is in this particular decade that fashion found its love for floral prints, lack of jewelry, the disappearance of the heel and shrunken totes. This attire of comfort and female emancipation can be found in the latest collections of Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, the London based designer Erdem and even Italian houses such as Roberto Cavalli and Salvatore Ferragamo. Don’t be afraid of mixing different types of fabrics in one silhouette. A simple silk dress would go perfectly with a masculine tweed blazer or an oversized corduroy vest.

The Weather of Leather

Leather has been a fashion favorite for the last couple of decades, and its importance was once again highlighted on the runways of Balenciaga, Dsquared and Yves Saint Laurent. But this fall, leather is changing its tone from black to natural tones such as chocolate and tan. It’s the perfect representation of the colors of the season, with its shades of gold, auburn and chestnut. Don’t be afraid of combining more than one leather or suede piece in an outfit. Combine a statement piece such as a leather skirt with a basic item such as a classical white blouse.