M&S wow with new AW13 collection.

I am a seriously lucky girl, in that, I got to see the eagerly anticipated Autumn Winter 13/14 collection from Marks and Spencer in London this week, before anyone else! In the opulent surroundings of One Marylebone, the high street giant was ready to show off its new wares, having gone through some structural changes over the last year. M&S, out of all its competitors, does AW better than anyone else, with a focus on luxurious and elegant styles. What makes this collection more interesting, is that not only do we get its traditional tendencies, we get a whole new story, to capture the hearts (and purses) of we consumers.

Modern Elegance is a story of mixing the masculine with the feminine. The tailoring creates clean lines in muted colours, and layers pieces to create an elegant style for next season. And draping your coat sticks for another season. The styling illustrates that layering coats and blazers can be trés chic.

By far my favourite story, London Calling is edgy with tartan and prints at the forefront. Punk influences are a key part, and I can envisage playful accessorising with hats and boots. The girl who wears this, will exude confidence and edge, and look cool at the same time.

Textures come alive in Wild Opulence which plays on faux furs and leathers as key fabrics. Layering remains a constant theme, with sherling gilets over coats and pencil skirts a new look for next season.

The movie heroine which has become a popular trend in 2013, transfers to fashion – Femme Fatale is the ultimate symbol of glamour. Feminine fabrics like lace combined with red, will be a party season must have. Longer lengths return for dresses and skirts, which I am very happy about.

The collection comes to a crescendo with Dark Drama, decadence is reborn with sequins and embellishment. This story is a more mature version of last year’s baroque trend, with more emphasis on creating a sexy silhouette.

The verdict? M&S has transformed and created interesting and wearable winter fashion trends. The preceding seasons of fashion are dismissed, and it introduces one slick collection, or production I think is a more appropriate word. Having had a successful presentation to the world’s press, M&S saw its effort repaid in the form of an increased share price within days. The collection starts to drop from July, and do you know what, I cannot wait.