If there's one item from the big autumn/winter fashion shows that I would consider selling a kidney for, it would be a piece from the Miu Miu catwalk at Milan Fashion Week – and no, I'm not referring to the slightly ghastly, pearl-embellished, faux-shearling slides that were on many models' feet.
What caught my eye was a tapestry-inspired coat, which was so beautiful that I became hopelessly enamoured with it. Though its image drifted to the back of my mind during the past few months, it resurfaced last month at the spring/summer Milan Fashion Week, as paraded by Italian musician and fashion blogger Patricia Manfield (pictured above).
A beautifully decadent blue floral pattern covers the oversized calf-length coat, which features varsity appliqué badges and a dazzling array of pearl and crystal embellishments.
With a price tag of about Dh30,000, this is one of those pieces I know I will never purchase. I will have to be content with printing photos of it and putting them on my wall, just to admire. Still, there are ways to incorporate everything that this coat stands for in your wardrobe for the new season.
On the runway, it was styled with brocade pumps, a satin clutch and a strand of pearls. However, Manfield wore the coat with a ripped pair of jeans and white T-shirt. She dressed in a manner that married granny’s-attic antique fashion with cool, effortless basics.
In my opinion, this is autumn’s most exciting trend. Dressing in your usual denims and tees, uplifted with a heavy dose of antique influence, is the way to conquer the new season. When shopping, search for brocades, velvets, earthy, embroidered pieces and tapestry-like prints. We may not all be able to afford an ornate Miu Miu coat, but we can still take steps to look just as fabulous within our own spending means.
hlodi@thenational.ae
