leather

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. 

Fashion community service announcement: Have you met West 14th? No? Well, let this serve as your official introduction to the Bondi Beach-based brand. Specialising in leather (which we can't get enough of this week), the home-grown label is nailing that modern yet luxurious mix when it comes to this traditionally old school niche. Designer Violeta Tentomas takes inspiration from the streets of New York City's meatpacking district, but you can see the fresh, athletic influence of Sydney's beach culture in her clean designs too. Wanna see? Step inside to view the latest A/W collection from this label on the up. . .

Our obsession with all things leather hasn't waned. In fact, this week's feature has if anything amplified our lust for this season's must-have fabrication. The POPSUGAR editorial team are feeling the love too, so I've asked them to go public with their top two leather pieces which may or may not be currently sitting on their wish lists. From the best leggings on the market to unexpected incarnations via colourful accessories — their selections will surprise and educate in equal measure. Ready to peruse their picks? It's all waiting inside. . . 

After we attended the press showing for Little Joe Woman's A/W collection, it was evident that Gail Elliott (founder, designer and ex-supermodel to boot) knew something about leather. Butter-soft hides in classic-yet-sexy shapes beckoned us to a rack laiden with classic pencil skirts, supple skinny-cut pants and chic shifts. Given this week's focus on leather — we got Gail on board so we could all benefit from her expert knowledge. From some sensible styling tips to an interesting use for antibacterial wipes, we gotta say it — Gail's not just a pretty face! Step inside and get schooled in Leather 101. . . 

Move over denim! Leather has been on the radar for many a season — making repeat appearances on celeb bods and runways alike — but we think this hard-wearing staple has finally hit its straps; replacing denim as the fashion set's most durable yet desirable fabrication. E-tail stores in-the-know have entire tabs dedicated to their leather offerings, and you'll find everything from tees to dresses to drop-crotch pants have been sexified in this skin. Hence, this week on POPSUGAR Fashion we'll be spotlighting anything and everything leather.

To ensure that your leather foundations are firm we're going to start at the cornerstone of any leather capsule: the iconic biker jacket. One part Steve McQueen to two parts Kate Moss — this tough-girl staple will add 'tude to any outfit. Balmain and Rick Owens are famous for their respective takes on this wardrobe essential, but there are some less exxy versions on offer, too. On your bike! 

The sun was well and truly shining for Lisa Ho this morning. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is Lisa's home-ground during fashion week, so it's with anticipation that the industry flock to Sydney's Domain to await her Spring/Summer vision. Again, tailoring was key for Lisa's latest lineup — with a linear motif running throughout collection. Languid side-split maxi skirts, black and white graphic prints, bold horizontal stripes, contrast-panelled gowns and side-seamed day dresses kept the theme alive. Separates were a standout, with wearable but beatifully cut wrap-front and asymmetrical mini skirts, boxy bomber-style jackets and trousers in cropped and jodphur shapes looking at once polished but youthful. Her after-five options were buillt for glamour, with a capital G this season, with sparkle-dust strewn mermaid gowns — complete with cut-outs and sexy back strapping — obviously made with the red carpet in mind. But it was her simpler creations that caught our eye, and breath. Lisa is a master of modern tailoring and it's when her designs are stripped back to the bare bone that her talent truly shines.

• Colours: Navy, white, tomato and cherry reds spliced together, black and metallic midnight blue.
• Trends: Black and white, graphic prints, oversized shapes, Bermuda shorts, crop tops, minimalism, cropped trousers, asymmetrical hemlines, bold stripes, leather, and front-splits skirts.
• Key Looks: Nifty tailored short and skirt suits, sexy one piece swimwear, panelled maxi skirts and lean gowns in block colours, chinoiserie and honeycomb graphic prints, and one fabulously dramatic black eyelash-fringed gown that positively glided down the runway. 
• Accessories: Killer thick-heeled, fine strap sandals in black and nude that created chic lattice-work on the foot, and minimalist two-strap heels in navy. Slick silver, black and gold metal bands on the upper arms and fingers, worn in multiples, leant an urban edge.

Asking the high-heeled fashion week crowd to totter off-site to a deserted warehouse requires an element of trust in the designer. Luckily Christopher Esber, as he has done for the past two years consecutively, delivered in spades. A garment factory in industrial Marrickville proved an apt location for his Spring/Summer '13-'14 show. Sore feet and cab-anxiety were forgiven instantly thanks to this rising star's knack for making tailoring look new and cool. Raw cotton edges, sculpted hemlines, liquid silver fabrications and languid silk separates created a capsule of wearable yet fresh shapes for the working woman'a wardrobe. But let us be clear, this was not a 'corporate' collection in any sense of the word. Cool? Yes. Modern? Yes. Unexpected? That too. Gauzy checked linen mixed it with heavy wool crepe. Slick leather made the perfect counterpoint to utilitarian cotton shirting. Cropped trouser suits and front-split skirts were simultaneusly polished and practical. These subtle textural contrasts gave the entire lineup a touch-me-please appeal but not via the predictable options of fur, fluff or feathers. We'd trek to the back of Bourke for clothes like this any day. And you have that in writing, Mr Esber. 

• Colours: Navy, black, white, cream, cobalt, oyster, grey, oatmeal, pale peach and sky blue. 
• Trends: Tailoring, wrap-front skirts and double breasted dresses, oversized shapes, sheer, cropped trousers, leather, crop tops, midi-length hemlines and split-front skirts.
• Key Looks: Heavy cream crepe peices with sculptural hemlines, liquid silver tailored separates, sheer linen shirting and drop-waist tunics. Expert tailoring made cool. 
• Accessories: Black double t-bar sandals with conical heels from ASOS.