Autumn/Winter 2021: time to check out the season's biggest trends…

With a combination of outdoor and streetwear influences, seventies and nineties retro vibes, and neo-futuristic inspo with touches of sci-fi to boot, Winter 2021 is all about practicality and comfort. Rubber boots, monogrammed caps, chunky sneakers and sculptural bags are among this season's fashion fail-safes for when temperatures begin to fall.


Mountaineer Life: outdoor clothing comes to the city

 

 

 

 

This year, make sure you're winter-ready, by kitting yourself out to face the cold snap. Lucky for you, for the Autumn/Winter 2021 season, designers are taking their cue from the world of outdoor clothing to keep you warm without compromising on style. From Rejina Pyo's cosy wool scarf to Burberry's khaki leather bags, and high fashion hiking boots from Ganni, equip yourself with all the right pieces for braving the winter chill.


Neo & Trinity: enter the matrix

 

 

 

 

It's pretty hard to miss the neo-futuristic trend that has dominated catwalks this year. With designs featuring ultra-sharp lines in Balenciaga's bag collections, raw and minimalist earrings at Paco Rabanne, graphic sunglasses at McQueen and vegan sneakers with an avant-garde feel signed by Rombaut, brands have unlocked their imagination to deliver competing visions of an ultra-stylish future, straight out of a science fiction book.


Functional Nylon: when luxury goes street

 

 

 

 

Functionality and high fashion: a contradiction in terms? Not for today's hottest designers. Stemming from the streetwear tidal wave that has swept the catwalks in recent years, demand for functional luxury has never been so high. And headlining the trend is nylon, found everywhere from a stunningly chic Skull model in the Alexander McQueen bag collections, to an urban-style bumbag by the achingly cool 1017 Alyx 9SM.


70s Fever: time travel in style!

 

 

 

 

From flared trousers to psychedelic prints, oversized glasses to corduroy and more, the seventies are making a comeback in our wardrobes this season. And in these turbulent times, it's hard not be to seduced by the playful and carefree spirit of this explosive trend. Looking for a few basics to make the trend your own? Check out Stella McCartney's platform boots, the patent Mary Janes from the Carel shoe collections, Gucci's retro-style sunglasses, or the curvaceous Coperni bag, available in pale grey exclusively on Monnier Frères


Tech-lace: outfit 2.0

 

 

 

Let's face it, our smartphones are now a key part of our looks, and designers have tapped into this trend, creating cases and holders dedicated to our high-tech pals. Among the season's must-have accessories is a phone case adorned with the Balmain monogram, and this ultra-sophisticated clutch from the Marni accessory range. And to keep our hands free for our selfies, there's a clutch version of the iconic APC Demi-Lune, to protect our belongings in style


Back to school : uniform that fits like a glove

 

 

 

A studious atmosphere reigns this season with the indomitable Back-to-School trend. And dominating the footwear scene is the moccasin, available in either a classic or chunky design, for a quirkier take on the style. Whether perched on a platform at Ganni or with Western-inspired details at Toga Virilis, the moccasin sheds its sensible image in favour of a bolder design that's sure to be top of the class. Wear with a matching A.P.C satchel-style bag, and voilà!


CAP: the perfect head-to-toe look

 

 

 

Streetwear style continues to reign supreme. It latest coup: the cap, which moves away from its utilitarian function to become a fashion accessory in its own right. Style-wise, there's something for everyone: "statement" at Burberry, Parisian street cool at Isabel Marant, playful at Maison Kitsuné, and space age chic at Balenciaga... And to fully embrace the trend, get your hands on this J.W. Anderson Midi Cap bag, available in a baby pink version exclusively at Monnier!


Ahead of the curve: let's get in shape

 

 

 

Say goodbye to classic shapes: this season, the handbag is swapping its rigid lines for a curvier silhouette, giving a round and voluptuous feel. Whether a mini or oversized version, in supple or rigid leather, carried in the hand, on the shoulder or across the body, it infuses our looks with a graphic touch and encourages daring combinations of shapes and volumes. Leading the movement is By Far with its unmissable Amber and Soho designs, available in an Ivory version exclusively for Monnier Frères. We've also fallen for the very minimal Manu Hobo from young label Manu Atelier, as well as the “origamic” Midi Milan by Demellier.


Running rings around style: the fashion marathon of the season

 

 

 

After the advent of dad shoes a few seasons ago, the running shoe continues its meteoric rise, conquering the catwalks of Fashion Week. No longer reserved for sportswear, sneakers are now an integral part of any assured street-luxury look, like the cult Track Clearsole from Balenciaga. Raf Simons's Cylon-21 design gives a slightly more urban feel that works just as well with a hoodie as with a suit. And for a quirky twist to a classic 'fit, be bold and go for the vibrant look of Puma's Wild Rider style.


My homies: comfort has never been so chic

 

 

 

The perfect look for staying chic and comfy between Zoom meetings? A midi skirt, a chunky knit sweater, and a pair of snuggly mules. Our calls for comfort have not gone unnoticed, with cosy elegance now undeniably one of the season's most dominant trends. Our faves include these Fussbet sandals from the Marni shoe collection, enhanced for winter with a snuggly shearling sole.


Second Childhood: jewellery that sparks joy

 

 

 

When it comes to jewellery, expect a season packed with fun and games! With shimmering shades at Pamela Love, playful shapes at Charlotte Chesnais, asymmetrical adornments at Timeless Pearly and July Child's combinations of ceramics, stone and gold, clearly the creativity of brands knows no bounds. The ultimate argument for going back to childhood in style.


Into the Wild: conquering the urban jungle

 

 

 

Intensified by the ongoing pandemic, the desire to set sail and reconnect with nature has never been so compelling... And it's a mindset shared by some of fashion's most notable designers, who bring us their vision of urban fashion tailored for the great outdoors. Hiking boots go from ridge to runway at McQueen, Gia X Pernille Teisbaek offer a luxury take on wellies, and Burberry has come up with a military-inspired it-bag, so clearly the season is all about exploration and escape.


One stop shopping: the all-in-one essentials of everyday life

 

 

 

With a fashion potential that matches its extra-large size, the tote bag continues its undisputed fashion reign. Available in faux fur or cotton canvas at Marc Jacobs, delicately curved at Little Lifner, and chic and bohemian at Balmain, it stands out as the ideal companion for a lifestyle as organised as it is stylish. As trendy as it is timeless, this undeniable must-have continues to inspire young designers as well as the more established houses we all know and love.


Flat(form) out: gaining some height in style

 

 

 

In a moccasin version at Marni, a sneaker at Puma, boots at Valentino and sandals at Balenciaga, this season's it-shoes are taking style up a notch. As per the classic 90s trend, their oversized soles shake up our looks with a daring touch - and a few extra centimetres too. It's a look you won't want to miss to reignite that cool nineties vibe!


Over the rainbow: boots that will make you love bad weather

 

 

 

Among the most unexpected fashions of 2021, the rubber boot trend has everything going for it: functionality, versatility, and the promise of effortless style whatever the circumstance. You might be tempted by a classic model cleverly designed by McQueen; or an aesthetically pleasing chunky white version, from a collaboration between Gia Couture and Pernille Teisbaek, not to mention the eco-friendly recycled rubber boots from the Ganni shoe collections, clothed in a shade of joyful shocking pink.