Altuzarra pre-fall 17: conservative cool plus boots to love

Florals, checks, stripes, sequins, kick flares. No, I’m not reviewing Erdem again, This time it’s Altuzarra, usually one of my favourite brands, and one that’s clearly backing florals/botanicals as the key print story for pre-fall 17.

In some ways that’s a continuation of the looks sent out by the label for SS17 but there’s definitely been some movement for pre-season from the slight loosening of the silhouette to some reported lower price points.

It’s also perhaps less edgy and much more commercial than most of the brand’s main season collections. America has turned conservative and so has Altuzarra up to a point. But that’s pre-season for you - these are collections that designers make to be sold and worn, not just to create good photo opportunities and that means clothes that the affluent will want to buy for the office for a friend’s wedding, for all those occasions when you just need to look ‘nice’.

So it’s not going to set the fashion world alight. But it will be studied and emulated by plenty of other fashion brands whose slightly-less-affluent customers share the same fashion approach as Altuzarra’s client list.

What are the details that might influence the high street? Those bell shaped sleeves for a start. Less exaggerated than some of those seen from so many labels for SS17, they work especially well as a detail on fine knits or blouses and as a way to update tailoring.

Also worth noting: the standalone whimsical meadow flower motifs on knits, the scalloped tiers on a leather skirt, the understated ruching, the tie belts, the tiny floral print co-ords and … those boots.

Nobody can ignore this collection if only for the boots. Cut close to the leg in over-knee or ankle length they offer the option of high stiletto or kitten heel, which is fair enough as far as it goes. But it’s the colour and pattern combos that are so appealing. Heavily textured and densely scattered with florals on a dark or pale lilac ground, they add a playful edge to even the most conservative pieces in the collection. Love ‘em.