You may have noticed that fashion has taken on a spookier guise this season but don’t be mistaken into thinking it is just because we are approaching Halloween. The goth trend is huge for this autumn-winter, so slick on some dark lipstick, swath yourself in black lace and get in touch with your dark side.
Camden has long been famed for the alternative style of its inhabitants. Its streets are awash with stalls selling chunky, metal studded boots and this little corner of North London plays host to The Devonshire Arms, a favourite haunt of London’s most fantastically funereal, leather clad Goths.
Camden is also the well known playground of rockier celebrities such as Noel Fielding, Russell Brand, and Daisy Lowe, all of whom were often seen falling out of The Hawley Arms wearing deliciously alternative ensembles before it burned down earlier this year.
It is no co-incidence then that the prevalent gothic style touted about this part of town has ceased to be sported solely by rebellious teenagers and Cradle of Filth fans and has made its way into the wider sartorial sphere, with rock royalty Kelly Osborne seamlessly bridging the gap between NW1 and the high street.
Indeed, a dark shadow also prevailed over the catwalks during the Autumn-Winter 08/09 shows. Jean Paul Gaultier flirted with the dark side via witchy black maxi dresses and jagged edged knitwear, while Luella went all out sending models down the catwalk in black pointed hats and garish orange hosiery. Balmain took a punkier approach to the trend with skin-tight leather trousers as did Rodarte who teamed vertiginous, spike encrusted platforms with spidery webbed tights.
Of course, where the catwalk dares to go, the high-street shortly follows, with Topshop’s aptly named Pagan collection, heavy on black lace and studded lace up boots, leading the way.
For a little Friday afternoon work avoidance/shopping porn, I decided to head on over to Net-a-Porter and peruse their Shoe Boot selection. I am pretty drawn to this latest trend in footwear at the moment as I love their slightly clunky yet elegant nature, and would you look at this rather lovely pair our good, foot-loving friend Christian Louboutin has on offer!
Firstly, the high, closed front makes them a good proper shoe boot, unlike a lot of brogues that I think are being wrongly given this title of late.
Secondly, I love the big button detail on the side as it adds a real touch of Victoriana and reminds me of a gorgeous pair of quilted, patent leather, Victorian ankle boots I had when I was little. I was so sad when I grew out of those boots, that I think a pair of Louboutins are the only think that could possibly allow me to get over it!
Lately, I realise I have been neglecting this little ol' blog, and I do apologise young readers. You see I have been pretty busy over at BitchBuzz, and there is only so much fashion wisdom my little brain can produce, meaning The Liner, The Clutch and The Wardrobe has been somewhat deprived.
Anyway, I am back, and with me, I bring this little nugget of fashion joy from Karl Lagerfeld's Spring 09 collection for his eponymous label, shown in Paris this week.
Karl Lagerfeld often adds an element of his signature look of stiff collared shirts and bondage inspired corset touches to collections for his Karl Lagerfeld label, lending his clothes a distinct androgynous feel.
These signature touches were certainly present, however, Lagerfeld lent his Spring 09 collection a more feminine feel than normal via sheer fabrics, floral applique, and some gorgeous soft silk, most notably on a lavishly draped silver dress.
Making sure onlookers who including US Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Anna Piaggi, were reminded of the collection's puppet master, was a bag bearing Lagerfeld's face with the eyes cut out as a handle. One Model (pictured) walked down to the catwalk holding it like a mask, which gave the appearance of Karl himself flouncing down the catwalk in a waist cinching satin skirt.
Now that would be a sight wouldn't it!
Image via Style.com