DUBAI-Marks & Spencer previewed its stunning Autumn Winter 2014 collection at a grand thematic fashion show ‘London Calling’, attended by style savvy customers and media at Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah Dubai on September 17th.
The beauty and contemporary sophistication of one of the world’s most celebrated cities, London was recreated in a glamorous runway setting to present the luxurious simplicity and modern minimalism of the new collection. The crowd witnessed fashionable trends, chic designs and luxurious silhouettes in warm colours across Womenswear and Menswear.
Defined by five key trends the Marks & Spencer Womenswear collection is vast and varied:
Gentle Woman- Luxurious cashmere and wool layers in powder pastels set the tone, with printed silks and injections of colourful faux fur creating a vivid tactile contrast. This sumptuous fabrication is matched by intensely feminine hues creating a modern lady-like direction
Modernist- Minimal separates are graphically punctuated by block colour in a dynamic new print direction. Striking primary highlights give sculptural shapes a bold update.
The Arts- A rich collage of tone and fabrication build a dramatic textural landscape; decadent embellishment and moody blooms meet blanket checks and statement faux fur in a collision of opulence.
Down Town- Playful pastels offset with textured metallics create a chic mod-esque aesthetic. Iconic shapes are given a feminine overhaul in blush tones and cornflower blue. Vivid jacquard and high shine layers provide a striking modern edge
Simple Luxe- A purist exploration of luxury sees soft construction and chic tailoring meet in a minimal take on sophistication. Deep russet and warm greys create a sleek tonal backdrop with a subtle masculine sensibility.
Pastels emerge as a key colour highlight, beautifully complemented by rich greys and luxurious neutrals. Pretty shades of cornflower blue, dusty lilac and blush tones are added to 
outerwear in a playful twist on elegance as the classics are redefined. This lady-like palette contrasts with block primaries and layering of abstract shapes as print takes on a bold construction.
Opulent jewel tones and a shine of jacquard metallics provide visual pace for a decadent winter mood. A depth of texture sets Autumn/Winter 14 apart, contrasting layers of sultry leather and colourful faux furs create a tactile yet chic collage which is punctuated with rich embellishment and vivid print. The collection caters for every woman as it covers almost everything from coats to party dresses galore.
Mariam Chahin, Head of Marketing, Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim said, “The new Autumn Winter’14 collection is inspired by runway styles, lifestyle trends and what we know our customers want to wear this season. The considered edit displays Marks & Spencer’s continued commitment to modern design, unparalleled innovation and exceptional quality, it’s that combination of things that makes this collection unique”.
The Autumn Winter Menswear collection is based on classic, masculine elegance with a focus on bold tailoring, fine fabrics, contrasting textures and iconic pieces.
Across the sub brands, menswear staples have been updated with key trend references, from the Autograph leather bomber jacket, the M&S Collection spot shirt and the North Coast khaki jacket to M&S Collection Luxury blue velvet eveningwear.
The new season sees an increasing overlap of formalwear and casualwear, with traditional tailored shapes taking on a new form through the use of casual fabrics, specifically on styles such as the M&S Collection jersey blazer.
Casualwear smartens up with Autograph geometric printed shirts, teamed with printed ties, bright coloured knits and double breasted coats. Blue Harbour focuses on the British heritage sports trends, with block colour and bold stripes key to casual layering.
Footwear and accessories play on iconic shapes with softly structured holdalls and classic shoppers key additions to winter getaways, whilst trend-led pieces such as buckled monk strap shoes and coloured woven belts add interest to new season outfits.
The collection is now available in Marks & Spencer’s stores across GCC.