Hell for leather: we spot a trend emerging at New York Fashion Week
Leather shorts have been garnering more than their fair share of column inches over the past month or so, thanks to a certain Miss Moss being spotted wearing them in the chilly weather, and where Kate goes, the fashion world follows, or certainly New York designers at least it seems.
The unlikely style pick is emerging as one of this Fashion Week's key pieces, spotted at such diverse labels as Diesel Black Gold and Tibi today (as well as L.A.M.B and Rebecca Taylor at the weekend), ensuring rock chicks and girly girls alike will have a store to purchase them from come autumn.
Styled over thick tights (with the amount of snow coming down outside, an extra layer is something of a must on the runways this week) and with leather ankle boots - studded and tough-as-you-like at Diesel - or sweet, pussy-bow blouses at Tibi, it appears leather shorts are as versatile as jeans - if you've got the confidence to wear them, that is.
In fact, from today's shows you'd be forgiven for thinking leather is the new denim full stop. With Sophia Kokosalaki at the helm (this was her debut as the new creative director at Diesel Black Gold), the fabric was liberally stamped all over the collection, as subtle accents - think a small leather collar on a denim shirt - or to create an entire look - think asymmetric minidresses and zip-up biker jackets.
For those looking for something a little more colourful for the coming season, Mulberry has plenty of options. Showcased at the most fun presentation of the day, Mulberry previewed its latest collection of bags, clothes and doggie knitwear (yes, there was a real live pooch on the runway) in the charming surroundings of Soho House's Library. With the Jungle Book as soundtrack and a herd of glittery wild cats as the centrepiece, animal prints were in abundance, on clutches, classic Mulberry handbags, fur jackets and more, although for our money it was the studded purple ankle boots that have 'next-season best-seller' stamped all over them.