Posted by Fashion Junior at Large
If 2010 was the year of the aviator jacket, then AW 2011 heralds the arrival of an equally massive outerwear trend. The Fash Ed and I have dubbed it 'the hybrids' and this particular breed of outerwear cropped up in so many of our favourite collections, in various guises. This look is a natural evolution from the leather sleeved Burberry trench from SS11, which spawned a thousand imitations.
Burberry SS11
For next season, the hybrids are still focused on sleeve detailing, but this time they are furry, fluffy, silky, shiny...and so on! The especially furry ones have been christened 'gorilla arms', and are something of a serious style statement.
Carven AW11 (above and below). The ultra-commercial label produced some of the best hybrid pieces for next season, including this coat, which is a fun variation on a wool trench.
Etro AW11. Not a label that is normally top of our list to check out, surprisingly Etro had some of the best hybrid jackets, including the patent/wool combo and some particularly great gorilla arms.
JW Anderson AW11. Jonathan's first womenswear collection included some amazing hybrids, all making use of traditional heritage fabrics. Paisley quilted arms, a tweed body and a fluffy hood? Only at JW Anderson could that look good!
Chanel AW11 had their own unique take on hybrids. Karl showed cape/jackets, which were pretty crazy, but this beautiful blazer/tweed number was a more wearable option.
Jaeger AW11 honed in on the collars of outerwear, where they took on a whole life of their own. Collars in chunky, furry fabric morphed into scarves.
Something tells us this is just the beginning. Keep your eyes peeled for hybrids - they are going to be everywhere!
