AW 08-09 trend report: New Look press day

New Look showed its A/W 08 collection two weeks ago and very impressive it was too. The problem I have with New Look is that what they show at the press days rarely resembles what we ultimately see in-store (which makes it jolly hard to spend the £100 voucher). Anyway, the highlights included an explosion of loud Stephen Sprouse-ish prints on dresses and skirts, cotton check blouses with ruffle plackets – something we first saw at D&G and that all the high street stores are pushing for autumn, more lace than you can shake a doily at, fifties prom-chic, capes and vintage details.

Punk is back yet again, it feels like only yesterday I saw the same tartan/leopard-print/zip trend trio but I guess if it works for them then why not? The now-obligatory shaggy furry jacket showed up again here although my PR guide proudly told me that New Look is known for its fake furs and has even won awards from Peta for its anti animal-cruelty stance, particularly its non-leather shoes. Did you know that? I didn’t.

On the subject of shoes, New Look has taken on Lulu Guinness’s shoe designer (which is just as well as Lulu Guiness’s shoes are sadly no longer) and there is now a limited edition range for the ‘elite fashion girls’ (translation: limited availability, slightly higher price point). New Look also has a limited edition clothing collection with some really strong pieces, namely a blue crepe Marni-style dress and a dip-dye silk pleated dress. Let’s see if they actually end up in store.