Gucci A/W13: Power Dressing with a Burgundy Glare

If you're always longing to look a bit more stylish in winter - think knee-high boots, a bit of snakeskin, loads of plum and teal; chuck out your terrible chunky gloves, static hairstyles and sensible shoes - you need to see Gucci's take on the season. Break out the burgundy eyeshadow (try MAC or Illamasqua) and get ready for a makeover.

 There was plenty of high gloss black.

No, it's not the Matrix Reloaded, it's Frida Giannini's view of Autumn/Winter. The designer may be pregnant, but she was ready to unleash some fierce visions of femininity on the catwalk. I especially enjoyed the distressed dress (on the right), where the leather was cracked and softened like a 20-year-old biker jacket. The cocoon coat in the centre was a great example of leather panels used in moderation.

 Houndstooth was digitally printed onto different pieces.

This digital print worked really well as a recurring motif, teamed with snakeskin and a ladylike bag. Rather than channeling the British heritage trend, this was a more new age use of houndstooth that brought it right into the 21st century. The dress (on the right) will look amazing on the red carpet.

 If in doubt, fold.

Each of these ensembles uses a simple fold to add shape and character to what would otherwise be fairly standard pieces. The v-neck black dress becomes a wrap-over; the high neck coat gets a fluid curve that really makes it stand out. 

 More is more.

The last trend I spotted was all-out excess - whole outfits in the same shade of blue; a feathered skirt under a batwing silk blouse; a feathered top with a sheer front section (only to be worn by flat-chested women, I assume).

This was a classic Autumn/Winter collection, with familiar textures like velvet, which keeps reappearing every A/W season for the last few years with no sign of losing popularity, leather and pony hair (without the rainbow finish, a la Jeremy Scott). There was just the right amount of floral pattern on dresses and plenty of fail-safe black to make it easy to imagine incorporating into your wardrobe. Molto bene, Gucci.