trends

The bridal trends for Spring 2014 leave room to try something a bit different. While gorgeous white gowns and traditional strapless silhouettes certainly made their customary appearance, it wasn't all run of the mill. Vera Wang surprised with black-and-white looks, finished with dramatic black opera-length gloves. Oscar de la Renta dipped into the colour wheel for a true "something blue," Reem Acra turned out cocktail minis topped with veiled umbrellas, and Carolina Herrera debuted a sexier kind of wedding-day ensemble (think deep V-front necklines). For inspiration aplenty — and a closer look at what exactly the Spring '14 bridal forecast means for your own wedding-dress search — click on.

During this week's Leather Only research trip, we've come across some newbie brands that deserve a little extra attention (much appreciated, Instagram). Thanks to fashion's continuing obsession with this durable fabrication, a number of start-up brands are producing leather-only or leather-focused collections. The consequence of this more focused approach is the production of leather pieces that not only fit better, but are priced better too. Step inside to meet the five fresh-faced fashion labels who are showing the old school crew how it's done. 

Often, trends take on a more adventurous edge — like say, punk-themed accessories or vibrant ethnic-inspired pieces — so it's refreshing when things swing towards a more minimal aesthetic. This week, we're zeroing in on the most simplistic ear adornment we've seen in ages: the bar stud. They're dainty, delicate and edgy all at once, and whether you like yours with studs, black diamonds (yes, please), or plain and simple like Ginnifer Goodwin's, there's a pair to appeal to everyone. We've shortlisted our faves to a list of 10 — click through to see, and shop!

The runways were awash in fresh hues at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, bringing welcome respite from the khaki/black/Bordeaux/navy of the A/W palette we've become so accustomed to. The Spring/Summer season traditionally signals the return to colour, but this season a definitive palette emerged from the catwalk. Bold, almost paintbox-bright tones of cobalt, marigold and fuchsia replaced last season's ubiquitous neon brights and pastels were back, albeit in powdered-back incarnations of sky blue, peppermint and the palest of pinks.

Of course there was black and white, but that (as we detailed in our mega-trend round-up) was worn almost exclusively together, and as part of a broader mod-inspired trend. A new set of go-to neutrals emerged with a modern, almost sci-fi edge; white (often worn head to toe), navy blue and high-shine silver provided crisp contrast to the vibrant brights or pretty watercolour hues. True, the temperature might be in decline but advance notice is always a handy thing! Get acquainted with the colours that are set to define the new season. 

Punk is back! Leave it to the 2013 Met Gala to bring early-1990s London back to life — and of course, looking better than ever. Tuesday's event was themed Punk: Chaos to Couture, and we've gotta say. . . Never have studs, zips, safety pins and spikes looked so classy (or pretty, for that matter). The accessories stole the show that night in a stylish parade of rebellion; from Cara Delevingne and Sienna Miller's spikes and studs and Gisele Bundchen's sexy heels, to Miranda Kerr's cool clutch  — there wasn't a detail that went against the theme, and we're following suit today. We've been drooling over these pretty punk-inspired pieces, and you can shop them right here, right now! Come along. . . 

Sometimes it's not simply the clothes, but more the way they're put together than can make a collection look all shiny and new. Fashion week brought with it a cascade of new season trends and colours (you've checked out our mega-galleries by now, right?), but in addition to all of that designers were employing some nifty styling tricks that we're keen to try too (read: blatantly steal). From the unexpected footwear at Dion Lee's exclusive presentation to the new school way of wearing your shirt at Watson X Watson — there's a slew of new school ways to wear. Let's go! 

It's time! Are you ready? Because we're about to distil five days of fashion week madness and 30 plus runway shows into one super-fast, easy-to-click trend gallery. The strongest shapes, the key pieces, the newest looks — they're all here. From sculptural frills that fanned out from the body like 3D waves at Karla Spetic to the sophisticated take on the crop top at Ginger & Smart, to the sexiest skirt shape as seen at By Johnny — if you weren't on the ground at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, consider this as your one stop shop. Everything you need to know about Spring/Summer 2013-14 awaits you inside . . . 

Our southern hemisphere placement affords us Aussie shoppers some benefits from being off-season to the fashion capitals of New York, London, Paris and Milan. While we're staring down the barrel of Winter, the US is happily skipping into Spring — which means that their trend forecasters are elbow-deep in 'Fall' trends for 2013. WWD recently surveyed a number of celebrity stylists to see what footwear trends they deem investment-worthy. Luckily for us, this works perfectly for our next shoe-splurge. We distilled the advice given by Phillip Bloch, Laura Solin, Sarah Ellison Lewis and Christie Maruka for your perusal. See our take home points below, then get a-clicking to shop the trends sooner rather than later. As in, today. Go on!  

• Colours: Oceanic blue hues, wine and oxblood reds as well as any and every shade of green. 
• Shapes: Block or stacked heels, 1940s styles, large-scale details, super-minimalism and flats of any description. 
• Still Strong: Combat and desert boots as well as smoking slippers will remain current.
• Over: Say sayonara to neon, wedge sneakers with metallic trim and daintier styles. 

Leila Yavari knows fashion. As the fashion director for luxe e-tailer Stylebop she is charged with the envy-inducing task of attending fashion shows around the world and deciding on the key trends, and must-have pieces, to hit the (online) shelves. Munich-based Leila was in Sydney for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, so we politely asked to pick her brains. She happily obliged, sharing her top five absolute favourite Aussie shows, and the three key trends that she thinks are well worth investing in. Ready to get schooled?