Pre-Fall 2019 Edit

Pre-fall shows, even though they may not be on scales as grand as fall or spring, serve as a harbinger of bigger trends that would dominate the succeeding season. A keen observance of these rather quiet yet potent fashion shows is a seasoned fashion-follower’s way to keep herself one step ahead of the game.

Let’s take a glimpse into pre-fall 2019 collections from fashion houses that lead the sartorial route season after season; so while we still linger at the threshold of an approaching winter, we know what the next one will have in store for us!

Valentino

Picture credits: Valentino

Valentino pre-fall is a riot of ruffles and tiers – on frocks, evening gowns, tea length dresses and jackets. Set in an erstwhile warehouse in Tokyo, the Italian brand’s pre-fall show was a handshake between the brand’s trademark exquisiteness and the Japanese tenet of wabi-sabi which means, finding beauty in imperfection – attaining a soulful equilibrium instead of rigidly forced symmetry.

The result of this union: several asymmetrical pieces, a mildly scruffy finish of the tulle ruffles and flounced knits. In addition, the collection is also marked by elaborate sleeves – so looks like the big sleeve trend is here to stay.

Erdem

Picture credits: Erdem

Inspired by art and held in Britain’s oldest art school, Erdem’s pre-fall show was just as fascinating as the collection. While florals, printed tights, bell sleeves, peplum and over-sized bows collectively point at a romantically feminine current, a few androgynous suits in the collection serve to remind us of the gender-fluid feminism that walks hand in hand with the former. Also, in the straight yet flowing silhouettes of the tea length dresses, one could sense a twenties air.

Versace

Picture credits: WWD

Versace pre-fall 2019 happened in New York City on Late Gianni Versace’s birthday, and was, in many ways, an ode to his trademark style preferences. It had a good deal of the gold accent the brand has always been recognized for.

And do you see here what we do? – There’s even more of animal print – only made louder this season with high slit leather pencil skirts and tights in vibrant prints. Might we also comment on the staunchly 60s touch with the bouffant hair, cinched waists and mid-thigh hems?

Michael Kors

Picture credits: WWD

Asymmetrical hemlines in all lengths from mini to maxi, embroidered dresses, tea lengths (one more time), snakeskin shoes and a fair share of floral print – the collection is amply versatile and wearable. We’d call it, ‘nonchalantly casual while retaining the quintessential MK polish’.

Valentino’s wabi-sabi, Erdem’s bell-sleeved dresses, Versace’s animal printed tights or Michael Kors’ practical yet edgy skirt suit – which one do you pick for a favourite?