PFW – Jean-Charles de Castelbajac A/W 2013 collection

Monochrome, over-sizing and mixing textures; all of these trends have been showcased in a variety of creative ways on the catwalks during the fashion weeks. With Paris Fashion Week now coming to a close, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac was yet another designer to reinforce these chic fashions.

On the runway at his show, we saw a comeback for statement dog-tooth and stripes, while tweed and leather – two fabrics on complete opposite ends of the spectrum – were cleverly styled together, in the form of an oversized tweed coat, worn over a jet black biker chic dress.

Monochrome may have been the main palette, but Castelbajac also decided to bring in pops of the season’s hottest colour: orange. We’ve seen this shade on perhaps every catwalk this season, including Victoria Beckham, Narciso Rodriguez and DKNY.

Stripes were re-introduced, big and bold with a flash of midriff. We also saw a current trend seeping into the runway – the matching suit. Trousers and jackets of the same monochrome print were sent down, as a full-length dress in the same print followed after. Waists were also enhanced, with big buckle belts, and of course, we saw some fur. However, where on other catwalks (Mulberry was key) we have seen fur in oversized proportions, Castelbajac showed us a different way to wear our fur this winter – in short, shaggy jackets. Black of course, was the main colour. 

Overall, the show was similar to those of its fellows at Paris Fashion Week; simple and basic, yet oh-so-chic and wearable. 

Marium Ul-Haq