The cape has undoubtedly taken centre stage for this seasons retro renaissance, adding a dash of sophistication and 60s glamour to the fashion conscious masses. Classic icons, such as Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn, lend themselves to this wholly British trend that boasts military chic while homing in on demure, feminine elegance. In fact, on the street today you can almost be guaranteed to spot one of these timeless numbers, in a range of colours and styles.
Looking forward to spring/summer 2011, the cape is still holding strong as a throw-on must-have piece only lighter, more refined and often as an extended back to an actual garment.
Floor Sweeper
Hermes fully embraced the legendary Zorro figure in his western parade for SS11 with a sheer black, billowing cape adding mystery and impact to the whole ensemble. Julien MacDonald took a more delicate and feminine approach that looked as if the white satin cloak barely touched the shoulders, creating an almost goddess-like frame.
© Hermes / © Julien Macdonald
Straight, Printed & Net
A little more discreet, but still a statement addition, the evolved cape for SS11 can also be straight cut, printed or even netted and de-constructed. Unique demonstrated how perfectly the cape could continue as an extension of the top, in the same print and fabric, while Vivienne Westwood turned the cape into more of an accessory.
© Unique / © Vivienne Westwood
Fall Reminiscent
Falling just above the knee, this style is the most similar to this seasons take. The style has moved on in terms of lighter fabrics, pleating and print but nevertheless, this is the summer translation of the cape.
© Richard Nicholl / © Gaspard Yurkievi
Short & Simple
In summer, we hardly want to be wrapped in lengths of fabric so while the chiffon and satin capes allow us to fashion longer length capes comfortably in SS11, the shorter lengths can be cotton. Unique has taken a symmetrical and simplistic approach, while Vivienne Westwood used a bold checked print that almost disguised the garment structure - perhaps a safer choice for those more conscious of trying new styles.
© Unique / © Vivienne Westwood
Leading by example once more, Kate Moss featured the below embellished cape-back dress, £130, for Topshop in her final mainline collection.
Click here to view my post on the launch & Kate's final collection
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