As Burberry announces a poncho monogramming service, it's time to layer up and (warmly) embrace the biggest AW14 outerwear trend...
How many capes, coats, shawls and scarves can one woman wear at any given moment this winter? The sartorial challenge is on, as fashion's love affair with ultimate layering gets ready to snuggle the nation in a warm embrace for the new season.
(Above: Burberry's AW14 runway show)
Christopher Bailey kick-started the trend at Burberry when he swaddled every model (from Jourdan Dunn to Matilda Lowther) in swatches of water-coloured cashmere, strapped down and pulled together with a single leather waistband.
(Above: Cara Delevingne, Rosie Huntington- Whiteley and Olivia Palermo wear Burberry's AW14 poncho)
He dished out personalised ponchos like they were coming in to fashion (equestrian-esque covers in Bloomsbury set colours, hand washed in Scottish spring water, no less) and, funnily enough, his Brit mega-brand has just announced that a new monogramming service will be available for real-life buyers of said wrap-arounds from 3rd September.
Product Pick: Three Best Blanket Bases
(L-R: Cashmere cape, £3,210, The Row. Linen belt, £45, Étoile Isabel Marant. Cashmere cape, £895, Burberry. Thin black belt, £12, River Island. Printed cape £32, Topshop.)
So if blankets are the new coats, then a richly decorated scarf is the new statement necklace, right? For AW14 they come in every width imaginable, from skinny ties at Prada to cravat-esque knots at Alexander Wang.
(Above: Alexander Wang, Prada and Givenchy AW14 scarves)
The Marc by Marc Jacobs collection was full of cool kerchiefs, as newly appointed creative directors Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley took inspo from Japanese BMX teens when designing the graphics for their silk squares.
(Above: Anya Hindmarch, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Paul Smith AW14 scarves)
As the chill kicks in properly, layering your assorted fabric swatches will become an art form. Maybe a Burberry cashmere base with a selection of sumptuous Paul Smith silks thrown over the top? With printed gems like these hitting both the high end and the high street, who needs jewels, anyway? Product Pick: Scarves And Neckerchiefs
(L-R: Silk scarf, £135, Paul Smith. Cotton bandana, approx £53, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Satin scarf, £13, River Island.)
Burberry’s monogramming service will be available in store and on Burberry.com from 3rd September.