February is a big deal in the fashion world. The international fashion week circuit is in full swing, and new collections start to land in store. Now, we don’t want to play favourites with seasons, but moving from summer to autumn brings with it a new wave of excitement—all those thoughts of layering and ankle boots and new styling options, gives us butterflies.
Last night, one of Australia’s most recognised fashion labels, Witchery, presented its A/W 16 collection in Sydney. We caught up with managing director Linda Levy, to find out what’s in store for the brand, the #1 hero piece you have to invest in this season and what accessories will rule the cooler months.
Keep scrolling to read our interview, see our favourite details up close and shop new arrivals.
Who What Wear Australia: What are the key trends at Witchery for A/W 16?
Linda Levy: This season the Witchery woman will be transformed in a bold collection steeped in '70s nostalgia, yet grounded firm in the now. She’ll find femininity in masculine tailoring.
WWW: How do you determine what your key trends will be? Where do you look for inspiration?
LL: We start the season by analysing the direction from the runways and assessing the trends. We then form our take on the season. We travel the world for intel on the styling and fabrications being used for the season, with London, Paris and New York being the biggest and most relevant. Also, working with a highly creative team of people is a major plus!
WWW: What is your vision for the brand in 2016?
LL: Our vision is to continue to inspire the Witchery woman by casting a global eye 24/7, to deliver directional style with ideas to excite and elevate their every day.
WWW: Witchery is known for its white shirts—what are three different ways you would style one for autumn?
LL:
1. Unbuttoned low and tucked into the season’s must-have A-line skirt.
2. Underneath our Suede Pinafore Dress for instant '70s chic.
3. With the skinny neck tie draped around your neck and the loose-fitting, classic sailor pant.
WWW: What is your #1 hero piece from the collection? Why? How would you style it?
LL: It’s hard to pick just one, but the turtleneck is one of the most fashionable wardrobe foundations this season—it speaks to all things '70s. Worn close to the body in iterations of ribbing or soft cashmere, this elevated basic takes A-line skirts and relaxed trouser styles to new heights.
WWW: What trend do you think should be retired in 2016?
LL: With the influence of the '70s remaining strong, I can’t say we’ll see any of last year’s trends fading away any time soon, and we’re not complaining—we’re absolutely loving the opportunity to bring the inspirations of this influential decade into the now.
WWW: If you’re only updating your wardrobe with one ‘trend’ piece this season, what do you think it should be?
LL: Every girl should have a romantic blouse in her wardrobe this season. Prim and proper (only to be worn unbuttoned and revealing), the new season’s key blouse runs the scale from modestly high-necked and spliced with lace panels to risqué and sheer—depending on the inclination of the wearer. It’s this season’s base to build the perfect outfit around.
WWW: What are your top three accessory trends for autumn?
LL: The close-to-the-ankle boot, the thin neck tie, the saddle bag.
WWW: What is the fastest time a piece has sold out and what was it?
LL: The first piece that comes to mind is last season’s Carly Gladiator. It was a fabulous statement shoe that wrapped all the way up to the knee. We sold out almost as soon as we launched this style!
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