Future warrior: women's fashion trend
Written by Tania Braukamper
Military fashion may have been big for some time now... but guess what? It's evolving. Ancient warlords and kings have stormed the imagination of the fashion world, and elements of military history have been reinterpreted with a modern - often futuristic - twist. A little wilder, a little more fierce, the new military brings ancient civilisations and their warriors to life for this 2010 fashion trend.
Sass & Bide Spring/Summer 2010
- What is it
- Elements of the trend
- Notes on how to wear it
- Complimentary fashion trends
- Styles, and who has designed them
- Picture inspiration
Future warrior: what is it
A combination of the military fashion trend and the more savage side of the tribal fashion trend, the new warrior leaves the formal and decorated style of military detailing behind. The ancient world is at the centre of this trend - from ancient Rome, to Egypt, to the Celtic warrior woman. To bring the look into 2010, the historical elements are modernised or melded with futuristic twists.
Elements of the future warrior trend
- Metal plating
- Tunics; especially in leather
- Chain-mail inspired detailing
- Tribal inspired motifs
The warrior fashion trend: how to wear it
This isn't the sort of trend where rules should be laid down; it's open to interpretation and rich with possibility. It's not intended to be taken too literally either, and works best when an outfit gives the impression of some underlying fierceness rather than the overt look of a costume. So again no strict rules, but some pointers:
- Be creative, be confident; wear it with conviction.
- Mix some of the elements listed above in with more glamorous pieces. Sequins as a perfect example can give a look that's modern mixed with metal.
- Mix ultra-feminine with tough warrioress. For example soft, flowing fabric against sharp metal plating or studded straps.
- Invest in accessories that will give any outfit a warrior edge; like studded leather belts, new and edgier takes on the gladiator sandal, jewellery based on ancient cultures.
For more inspiration on how to wear the look, visit the gallery of warrior trend pictures below.
Fashion trends complimentary to 'warrior clothes'
- With anything warrior inspired be sure to not overlook leather. It can add a hard edge or historical authenticity
- Look to the tribal fashion trend for inspiration. But remember that in 2010, the warrior trend is more Dark Ages than bright kaftan. Thus look to the detailing, particularly in tribal accessories and jewellery.
- If you're wearing warrior inspired clothing during the colder Autumn (Fall) / Winter months consider pairing your pieces with ripped tights for an edgy look.
- If you're wearing a tribal piece that is just a top and not a full dress or outfit, consider pairing it with short shorts or boy shorts. Particularly good here would be to wear them with khaki coloured shorts in the vein of 'Westerner gone native'.
Styles & who has designed them
Sass & Bide duo Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton mixed tribal and Amazonian influences into their heavily detailed Spring 2010 collection. Some uses of metal plating - like the label's armoured leggings - were distinctly futuristic in feel. Others seemed to conjure up the spirits of wild Amazonian warriors, with breastplate-like detailing and strong feminine undertones.
Todd Lynn Spring/Summer 2010
If Amazon warriors were forging battles in the imaginations of Sass & Bide, then Tin Hinan was storming the imagination of Todd Lynn. Mixed with Lynn's trademark darkness, giant horned shoulders ensued for a captivating and uncompromising take on the modern warrior trend. Lynn cited the legendary Tuareg queen as his inspiration.
Dontatella Versace's vision of the warrior woman was much more romantic. Metallic detail on the busts of dresses was subtly breast-plate inspired, but from there cascaded into flowing pastel fabrics; part knight, part maiden.
Balenciaga's urban warrior takes her battle to the streets with gladiator tunics, plating, and makeup that hints at urban war-paint.
An intriguing mix of deconstructed shapes and simple fabrics were worked into Rick Owens' latest collection. But don't let that fool you - the ancient warrior lies within loincloth-style skirts and spiked gold cuffs. Meanwhile the pale skin, khol eyeliner, and slicked back hair are a rendezvous with ancient Egyptian history.
Rodarte Spring/Summer 2010
Rodarte's Woad warrior is perhaps the most fierce of all; with shredded fabrics, interwoven leather, and tribal body-paint all bringing a unique mix of primitive culture and dystopian future to the runway.
Images: style.com
Trend updates
Chanel metal-plated biker boot
How to: Lucette's warrior hairstyle
Lucette's urban gladiator: Spring 2010
Caroline Trentini: warrior mermaid?
Black Milk spartans: war-ready leggings
Masha Novoselova: desert trooper
Simon Ekrelius: Winter crusades
Pirates and warriors in Mangano
Coco chameleon: Coco Rocha in Flare Magazine
Jose Duran fierce, feminine: Spring 2010
Giuseppe Zanotti heels: soldier on
The Sass & Bide fashion tribe continues
Todd Lynn's primal instincts: Autumn / Fall 2010
Beach Bunny brings leather to the bikini
Daria Werbowy: warpainted woman warrior
Soko's philosophy: kicking butt fashionably
One Teaspoon's waistcoated warrior
Street style: urban warrioress
Gaultier's war woman: Haute Couture Spring 2010
Abbey Lee Kershaw a feathered warrior
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Written: 24th November 2009 at 05.38
Written by Tania Braukämper.
There aren't too many alpha-females out there and, though she might deny it, Tania Braukamper certainly exudes their qualities. A keen eye, a focused approach, and a wardrobe spanning three rooms have made her one of the savviest of dressers. But it's not all couture for Tania, earning her fashionista credentials she'll frequently be seen on the town in a one-off, vintage dress and a pair of Gucci heels.
She says: Vintage will never go out of style
We say: Does that include vintage 80s?
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