Looks ahead

Menswear trends to look forward to next season (autumn-winter 2011/12) celebrate the rejuvenation of a more macho silhouette. Outerwear and boxier shapes emphasise the shoulders and create interesting proportions. Countryside references and more sporty touches in the textures and materials added another masculine twist to the collections, see Pringle of Scotland for great examples. Menswear becomes more adventurous with layering mixing and matching patterns, prints and colours even in autumn and winter - popular are checks and stripes again, as seen at Vivienne Westwood, Frankie Morello and Dolce & Gabbana. Flashes of bright block colour - such as fire engine red, acid orange, mustard yellow and cobalt blue on catwalks at Dior Homme, Versace, Burberry Prorsum, Paul Smith and Moncler - will bring a bit of cheer in the chilly weather. Suits come in all variety, with rougher materials and cuts being popular. Ermenegildo and Z Zegna are of course hot news, with beautiful Versace slim-fit suits causing a bit of a sensation too. Grey seems to be the new black when autumn rolls in, and it makes a perfect base palette for the more fanciful trims. Knits and leathers also take centre stage, with exciting combinations and sophisticated yet homespun concoctions proving popular amongst editors and buyers for their complexity and masculine sensibility.