Catsuits will usurp capes
“Caped crusades were a big hit in 2021, with celebrities such as Lady Gaga in Gucci and Jennifer Lawrence in Dior showcasing the trend, however I think we will see less of them this year,” says Brown, who is putting his money on catsuits making a comeback, thanks to “slick, comfortable and unexpected” styles from Stella McCartney and Saint Laurent.
Another trend with limited staying power, according to those in the know? Colour-pop plumage. “Going forward, we should wave goodbye to feathered looks of last year, like the fuchsia feathered skirts at Venice Film Festival and purple feathered dresses at the Golden Globes,” opine Smith and Edmiston, who are planning a “refined and elevated” approach to dressing their leading ladies, such as Ariana DeBose.
Points for originality
Karla Welch, surely the most requested stylist on the planet thanks to her work with the Biebers and Tracee Ellis Ross, makes a valid point: “Ultimately, we are in an age where many talents will do brand deals, so that alone can dictate the [red-carpet trends of a season]. In my dream, the pay for play doesn’t factor in any decisions.” Welch cites Ruth Negga’s promo wardrobe for Loving as a favourite of hers that was underlined by unbridled creativity, rather than any cheques that had been signed.
Smith and Edmiston predict that, based on the films being touted for the big prizes, “We could see houses including Chanel, highly likely to be worn by Kristen Stewart; Rodarte, a Kirsten Dunst favourite; and Gucci, to be worn by Lady Gaga”, while Giorgio Armani, who “does a beautiful job at classic glamour”, is a given.
One brand that is frequently suggested by stylists’ clients, and takes a more renegade approach to advertising over big-budget advertising campaigns, is Vivienne Westwood. “Vivienne and Andreas [Kronthaler] have continued to showcase diversity and excitement in their collections, and with attention on gender-fluid fashion at the moment they are a great [duo] to highlight,” says Brown.
As the focus continues to shift from great dresses to what the actor wearing them stands for, expect more fashion originals to receive some much deserved air time during awards season 2022. Bring it on.
Giorgio Armani spring/summer 2022.
