Press day: Capitalize warms up A/W 2013 with rich tones and a splash of pink

The Capitalize press day has been showcasing the new autumn/winter collections for several of their clients, and we were there to sniff out the best products for next season.

Simmi shoes made a bold statement with their High Summer collection of shoes, with neon tones across the range from courts to heels to flats. The collection was designed to make the wearer stand out and they most certainly will do. Although, if neon isn’t your shade, soft pastels and nudes complement the rest of the range.

For autumn/winter, Simmi have a range of statement riding boots, a staple of Simmi’s back catalogue and best-seller. The boots are in perennial shades of black and chocolate, but are now joined with muted minks and tans for A/W 2013.

New to Capitalize’s books is United Nude, a footwear range born from the heartbreak of an architect. The autumn/winter collection is split into four groups: United Nude Main, Ultra Line, Hybrid Line and the new Men’s Line. United Nude Main is made up of a selection of strong winter boots with a United Nude twist, like the iconic mobius heel designed under the guidance of Sergio Rossi and Maurizio Martignago. Ultra Line is a range of high-end shoes with architectural heels and soles attached to embossed leather and pony hair uppers. Leather and rubber form the basis of the Hybrid Line with its amazing lo res pumps and shoes, and futuristic Eros winter boots. The Men’s Line is still new, but evolving into a collection of its own with the new FLX out-sole, making the boots and shoes as comfy as sneakers.

For footwear with a more practical side to it, Sorel has it covered. Trendy but fortified against the elements, Sorel’s Medina boots would be great for the perfect transition from puddle soaked streets to bar, while the Slimpack Riding Glow and Conquest boots would be great for some muddy festival style. When the rain turns to snow, Sorel has a great range of snow boots to turn to when you need to look good and feel safe on the street and slopes.

Moda in Pelle’s autumn/winter 2013 collection has taken several queues from the catwalks and brought together a range of footwear of varying styles linked by a deep colour palette. The gothic romance trend is highlighted in their black ankle boots with gold chain embellishments, flatforms, and biker boots in oxblood and black form the urbanite look and androgyny can be found in the loafers and brogues of sapphire, chestnut and red.

BANK brought the 90s to the table with grungy, oversized knitwear, tartan skirts and biker jackets. The muted palette of greens, maroons and greys should have anyone channelling their inner Kurt Cobain. Sports luxe is still on the cards though with oversized bomber jackets, dropped waist skater dresses and even metallic bumbags. As a “chic alternative to the LBD” this season has floral dresses in a darker colour range for a more feminine and elegant look.

Menswear was available in the form of Nanny State with their trendy and youthful “day-to-night” style clothes. Brogues, tweed and mixed knit jumpers create an eclectic and tailored look without it being too over formal.

By far, however, the stand-out brand of the day was Helen Rochfort and her amazing bags and accessories. Girlie but not childish, these products are going to be must-haves for so many people and would make excellent gifts. The Japanese would certainly class these as “kawaii” as they are cute and adorable. From hand-drawn handbags to hard-case scented purses, Helen Rochfort products are affordable, high quality and different. The new exclusive Sindy 50^th Anniversary collection bags and clutches have already been hailed as future collectables, making Helen Rochfort a name to watch.

 

Indra Wignall

For more information visit the Capitalize website here.