Anoraks, hoodies, sweat-shirt and track-pants – what were once the gym rat’s staples have been making regular appearances on the runways of high fashion and they look set to become the uniform of the young and hip. If you are thinking of the saggy jersey pants or shapeless t-shirts that one is often found in on the threadmill (and thus associated with unattractive sweat stains), you cannot be more wrong. The current sportswear trend has been building up for many seasons now and in Spring/Summer 2012, it manifested in various interesting ways, from casual luxe to contemporary evening. There is nothing scruffy about these looks. In fact, in many cases, they are decidedly elegant.

Compared to the pyjamas or paisley trends, sportswear is undoubtedly much more wearable. Relative to the dressier options that came down the runway this season, it is also the fashion equivalent of comfort food; accessible and familiar. But to bring it to high fashion levels, the designers have added a large dollop of chic to these former homewear pieces. By refining silhouettes, playing with proportions and including clever details, they managed to distill sportswear into its essence and present a modernised version of it, where it is at its most stylish. The result is a new breed of urban athleticism that is appealing even to those of us who have never set foot in a gym.

Other than the usual sportswear proponents, such as Alexander Wang, designers who were previously less inclined towards the laid-back charms of sportswear have also been dipping their fingers into this increasingly popular trend. The ever ladylike Victoria Beckham gave the humble hooded jacket a luxurious spin while Stella McCartney worked her usual cool girl magic by combining an abundance of mesh with a quirky asymmetry. And then there is Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, who gave sportswear an unexpected sophistication with his beautifully made silky track-pants.

The ‘beautiful game’ takes on a whole new meaning.

Stella McCartney / Victoria Beckham

Rag & Bone / Alexander Wang

Vera Wang / Pringle of Scotland

Lanvin / Kenzo

[Pictures: Vogue UK]

Fashion is no longer just for the ladies – the men have been in the game for quite some time now (and playing it with much gusto). While menswear is undoubtedly more restricted design-wise relative to womenswear, it does not mean that it need be any less interesting. In fact, it is the ability to innovate within a smaller box that make brilliant menswear designers stand out that much more. If the womenswear collections seek to dazzle with their endless variety of colours, shapes and textures, one needs a keener eye to appreciate men’s clothing. The devil is in the details and it is the tiny things (e.g. collar, buttons, cuffs) that will make all the difference. And let’s not forget the all-important fit, cut and proportion.

Menswear trends have become increasing adventurous over the years and for Fall 2012, there is no lack of flamboyance (floral suits at Versace) or intrigue (elongated, dress-like silhouettes at Ann Demeulemeester). While these collections certainly got their due attention, the brands that decided to stick to the classics also made their quiet presence felt by sending out timeless looks that still managed to look smart and contemporary. Shoemaker Berluti’s debut ready-to-wear collection is beautifully wrought while Jil Sander’s all-leather outfits and sharp suits exudes a urbane cool that is part Blade and part Wall Street. And can any menswear season be complete without the impeccable magnificence that is Dior Homme?

It is all very well to inject a bit of fun into your wardrobe with a bright orange suit but at the end of the day, it is the tailored charcoal one that will become a cherished favourite.

BERLUTI

JIL SANDER

DIOR HOMME

LANVIN

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

With only a handful of haute couture houses still standing, the couture season is a much less hectic affair when compared to the ready-to-wear fashion circus. However, fewer looks do not necessarily mean lesser work. Each couture piece is painstakingly put together by an army of seamstresses and may take hundreds of man-hours to complete. The exquisite results of this dedication to craft often look more like works of art than mere clothes. Even as we spin towards disposable fast fashion, this kind of beauty will never really go out of style.

For Spring 2012, many of the couture houses have converged on a delightful trend (that is, if trends can exist in the world of couture) – lightness. Typically elaborate and almost always extravagant, couture is usually associated with the heavy formality of eveningwear. Yet, this season’s soft, ethereal dresses seem to float as they made their way down the runway. Sheer, delicate fabrics create a dreamy sense of weightlessness despite the intricate handiwork of embroidery, beads and sequins on them. At the risk of sounding banal, see-through may very well be the new black this season.

By merging a timeless elegance (reminiscent of haute couture’s golden age) with a decidedly modern sensuality, the couturiers are gradually but steadily walking into the 21st century. While it is uncertain if they will succeed in ensuring that their craft remains relevant, one thing is for sure: we will be seeing quite a number of this season’s couture on the Oscar’s red carpet at the end of the month!

ELIE SAAB

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

CHRISTIAN DIOR

VALENTINO

VERSACE

[Tom Ford Beauty; YSL SS12. Pictures from Into The Gloss.]

It may not be the easiest thing to carry off, but there is little doubt that red lipstick is a timeless classic and every woman should have (at least) one in her make-up case. Glamourous, sultry and incredibly sexy, bold crimson lips are the anti-thesis to that au natural nude look that defines beauty right now. However, you can bring the two extremes together by keeping the face fresh and clean while letting the lips do the talking (pun intended). Add a sleek of eyeliner and multiple coats of mascara for a stronger night look.

[Ms Glitzy will be showing us her 5 of her favourite things this Friday, so watch this space!]

Shopping for the right red lipstick (there is one out there for everyone!) can be a long, laborious affair (much like searching for a soulmate – lots of trial, error and often, disappointment), but that does not mean that you should give up!

Tip: invest in the more expensive, luxurious brands because more often than not, the richness of the pigment counts for a lot.