Fashion video: The versatility of leather

Published on 12/02/2013 15:07

The way we look at leather is about to change as it transforms itself from outerwear to a style staple. The sight of a dress or trouser coming down a catwalk was once a novelty. Now the material is omnipresent irrespective of season, and that is filtering its way to the high street.

It would appear leather is the new denim, worn as jackets, trousers, tops, skirts and dresses. Pieces are butter-soft, ensuring maximum movement with minimal bulk. Plus they are coming in a rainbow of colour just in time for spring.

THE DESIGNERS

It would seem a memo went round every designer for spring-summer to carry through the leather trend from autumn-winter. Marni and Mulberry matched voluminous two-pieces in pastels and teals to rich butterscotch that looked edible on the models. Fendi and Mui Mui managed to take the tough edge off leather and make it look soft, romantic and frightfully feminine.

COLOUR

Go as bright as you like. This season, leathers are designed to be incorporated into an outfit any way you see fit. Rich corals and neons are a surefire way to get you noticed, adding a massive pop of colour to your look. There are also a lot of earthier tones in teal and ochre which are lovely and rich, keeping the material looking incredibly expensive.

STAPLES

A wardrobe staple is something that goes with everything, the trusty best bud of your closet. A good leather jacket has always been high on that hit list but with the wave of leatherwear hitting the high street you are going to have to make room for a couple more items.

ACCESSORIES

A great way to test the water is with accessories. Of course you can add a bag and technically tick the trend box but there are quirkier ways to get the look. Collars trimmed with leather add a touch of the Karl Lagerfeld’s to any outfit, and if it’s good enough for the head of Chanel then it’s good enough for us.

INVESTMENT

This new interpretation on the use of material means we won’t be seeing it fade fast like other trends. Invest in one key piece that you can reinvent into many different outfits. Your best bet is a leather T-shirt. Simple in shape but so chic, it will transform even the most mundane pair of jeans into a great little outfit. Leather isn’t cheap but it will be with you forever.

IS FAUX A NO NO?

Leather prices not as eye-watering as you might think, particularly when you take into consideration this is an animal hide and will age beautifully over the years. For that reason I’m edging to the no end of faux, simply because the gap between the prices isn’t a million miles away from each other but the difference with quality and longevity are poles apart.