Fabulous folklore patterns with a bohemian twist have emerged from the women's fashion fall runways of iconic labels such as Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Anna Sui and Yves Saint Laurent. Boho designs have been modernized with bold shoulders and architectural shaping, and softened with ruffles and frills.
Military inspiration comes from Cossack-style coats, fur hats, and the use of epaulettes and military frogging. This regimental detailing has gone to excess in coats, jackets, tops, pants and dresses.
Russian Doll Folklore
Think dirndl skirts, slightly shorter than traditional versions, and folksy prints in vibrant reds, oranges and a favorite of the season, regal purple. Dolce & Gabbana have ticked two trends in one with plaid patterned skirts and Russian folklore trim. They have added to the theme with gypsy-style accessories; colorful headscarves, embroidered wraps and studded belts.
Anna Sui's fall collection is a vertiable feast of exhuberant folklore-inspired designs. Boho gypsy prints in vibrant blues and reds, accessorized with matching knee-high cuffed blue boots. Roberto Cavalli offers more folklore prints in purples and blacks, with a dramatic dirndl skirt and bohemian dress coats. One of the most striking Russian doll designs is YSL’s dramatic monochrome top tunic dress with a touch of the futuristic.
Russian Military Trend
Cossack fur hats, wraps and coats add warmth for winter, and military detailing such as insignias and epaulettes can be found adorning outerwear and dresses. Whilst the military theme has been going strong for a few seasons, this fall sees Russian stand-up collars giving a romantic feel to coats and bodices, military-esque gold buttons, and Russian Doll-style coats with a regimental look. Temperley London is one label that has embraced this trend. Gucci’s fitted Russian-Military-inspired jacket with matching fringed sash is a real statment look of the season.
For a more traditional military look with brass buttons, braiding, greatcoats, capes and regimental trenchcoats think Moschino, Jaeger, Aquascutum, Burberry and Valentino. Sharp military lines are softened with feminine frills and ruffles, as with Moschino’s regimental jacket, and Ralph Lauren has garnered inspiration from a Canadian Mountie jacket, mixing it with a floor-sweeping ruffle petticoat skirt.
Fall 2008 Footwear Trends
Wear fashionable patent leather, flat-heel riding boots with military coats. According to Net-A-Porter, in their online magazine 30 July 2008, "Newsflash" feature, “every girl needs a pair of flat knee-high boots this fall.”
Russian folklore tunics are crying out for this season’s revival in cuffed or over-the-knee boots. Soft and slouchy ankle boots or booties are also worn with highly patterned tights.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
