FASHION | Fall 2014 'It' List - Part I: femme

Around a month ago, I was tasked to create Fall 2014's 'It' List for Timeout Hong Kong's annual style issue. I have to say it was far from what I had expected in terms of difficulty. Don't get me wrong - I thoroughly enjoyed it despite the arduous task of finding the key trends of the season, browsing for these so-called 'It' items, contacting PRs for the availability in Hong Kong and of course, the writing. The latter didn't bother me so much. In fact, it was more of a cathartic process from having to deal with item requests over the phone (you can imagine the level of bitchiness in the fashion industry). Add to that a mix of "Sorry, the item you requested is not available in Hong Kong," or "We don't have any images of the product you're looking for," and you'll literally want to throw your phone out the 10th floor. Of course, it's not all that bad. At the end of the day, I'm quite proud of what I've created and you'll realise the stress of having to deal with incessant back-and-forth emails is all worth it in the end.

Click below the jump to see the six 'It' items you need for Fall 2014 and stay tuned for Part 2 for the men's list!

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For women

1. Phillip Lim Sherling Coat

Hobo chic

The shearling trend is here to keep you warm throughout this autumn/winter season. 3.1 Phillip Lim's offering is a stroke of shear genius, combining autumn's must-have item with the season's key colours for a throwback pimpin' coat. Finished with plush lambskin shearling, the coat is saturated in shades of lilac, chocolate and cream, with a contrasting black leather panel for a colour-blocking effect. The comfort-driven coat also comes with an oversized detachable collar that adds versatility to an already perfect item. For those afraid of showing some extra calories over Christmas, the boxy fit is all you'll need to look effortlessly chic.

$45,790, available at 3.1 Phillip Lim, Shop 2083, 2/F, IFC mall, 8 Finance St, Central, 2805 0688; 31philliplim.com.

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2. Marc by Marc Jacobs BMX High Top Sneakers

Girl power athleticism

Celebrate the spirit of sportswear with these fierce trainers from Marc by Marc Jacobs that have every fashion editor fawning (we certainly are). With the appointment of two new designers, Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier, the New York-based label marks a prolific celebration of female empowerment with an autumn collection that underscores elements of street style, military uniform staples and school girl. Taking the street warrior look to the next level, the graphic red and black sports shoes are accented with the claw of a tiger that gets right down to business. If that doesn't say attitude to you, we don't know what will.

$6,490, available at Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shop 103, 1/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2918 0812; marcjacobs.com.

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3. Etro Tribal Tassel Necklace

Tasseled perfection

Statement accessories are all the rage this season and, whether a cluster of diamonds or some chunky arm candy, it's hard to deny the fun and flirty movement that tassels can bring. Right on trend, this gold resin necklace goes well with any western-inspired item such as a serape-style shawl or a denim snap-front shirt. If maximalism isn't your thing, the tasselled necklace can also transform a slick tuxedo  for the office or an LBD into a sexy number for a classy and chic champagne-fuelled outing that is going to catch a few envious glances.

$13,200, available at Etro, Shop OC215, 2/F, Ocean Centre, 5 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2530 3063; etro.com.

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4. Louis Vuiton Red Epi Petite Malle

Urban wanderlust

Since Nicolas Ghesquière's appointment at the storied French label, his much-anticipated debut collection has received critical acclaim from fans worldwide. The French designer revisits the origins of Louis Vuitton, exploring the jet setter's lifestyle with a travel-inspired collection that is understated but not without power. Amid much fanfare, the newly unveiled Petite Malle bag, a miniature Louis Vuitton trunk, showcases the perfect mix between traditional craftsmanship and 21st-century style. Fitted with an epi leather body, calfskin trim and golden brass finishing, this signature item is perfect for people on the go. It even has a removable leather strap that transforms it into a clutch for a night out.

$41,500, available at Louis Vuitton Flagship Store, 5 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 8100 1182; louisvuitton.com.

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5. Prada Art Art Deco Open Toe Wedges

Statement gold plating

Step forward with these stunning Art Deco inspired wedges that are the statement piece for this coming season. The beautifully moulded heel draws attention to Miuccia Prada's fascination with German avant-gardism, with strong influences from the Weimar era that evoke style elements from the 1927 science-fiction film Metropolis. For those who want to revel in the spirit of The Great Gatsby, Prada does a fine job of capturing the libertine spirit with a towering four-and-a-half inch heel and some striking leather criss-cross straps.

$8,850, available at Prada, Shop G4, G/F, Alexandra House, Central, 2522 2989; prada.com.

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6. Valentino Crepe Shirt-Collar Dress

Psychedelic 60s

 

The 60s are back with mod-inspired looks capturing the vibrant appeal that is grounded in Valentino's autumn/winter 2014 collection. Creative directors Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciolo look towards Italian Pop art, which marks a graphic departure from the romance of previous collections. Defined at the waist and flared at the hips, this young and flirty number is seemingly taken out of a Wes Anderson film à la Moonrise Kingdom. The optic floral intarsia print is meticulously crafted from pieces of different coloured fabrics that are cut and then sewn back together to form the psychedelic pattern. If that's not wow factor enough, the deep opening at the front is sure to draw attention.

$62,500, available at Valentino, Shop 103-104, 1/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen's Rd C, Central, 2523 8035; valentino.com.
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Original article can be found on the Timeout Hong Kong website.