CLOSET CATWALK

ALL RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF VOGUE.COM

While all our newsfeeds are full of fashion week shows, I love getting a sneak peek of what fashions the season ahead holds, and doing some general trendspotting. However, reviewing runway looks also gives me a fresh look at the fashion world's influence on closet design. As I sifted through the Fall / Winter 2017 runway shows from New York Fashion Week, I noticed a variety of trends that both inspired me and my craft, and also had me reminiscing about past projects that were infused with color, texture and overall aesthetic themes seen on the most recent runways.

Many looks caught my eye for a runway recap, but there were a few specific trends that immediately connected catwalk and closet for me.

VELVET

The richly-textured, plush fabrication is clearly here to stay for another season. Shown in an array of hues and constructed on everything from work-appropriate wide-leg pants to bold blazers to red-carpet ready gowns, the luxurious textile was a designer favorite, as seen at Cynthia Rowley and Christian Siriano. I just love a trend that’s as comfortable as it is luxurious, and velvet checks both boxes.

Christian Siriano - Vogue.com: Edward James / indigital.tv

Cynthia Rowley - Vogue.com: William Eadon

Oscar de la Renta - Vogue.com: indigital.tv

Similarly, clients are increasingly looking for subtle, soft-touch elements in their closet spaces. With everything from tufted suede upholstery and furnishings to custom drawer liners and inserts, the modern dressing room space provides many opportunities to incorporate these plush, luxurious materials.

COLD SHOULDERS

Designers don’t seem too worried about women’s shoulders catching a drift because the apparently trans-seasonal look received some serious love on the fall runways. Cold shoulders were even reimagined in some cases with thin straps à la Alexander Wang and ruffled sheer paneling perfected by Prabal Gurung.

Prabal Gurung - Vogue.com: Yannis Vlamos / indigital.tv

Jonathan Simkhai - Vogue.com: Yannis Vlamos / indigital.tv

Alexander Wang - Vogue.com: Yannis Vlamos / indigital.tv

As our style takes on new and more complex shapes, so do our hangers. The trends of the time require and encourage new, creative forms of hanging displays in the dressing room.

WIDE LEG MONOCHROME LOOKS

From suits to eveningwear, there was no shortage of wide-leg pants stylishly sashaying down the runway. Brandon Maxwell opted for elegant black, perfect for a night on the town, while Victoria Beckham transformed a classic men’s check print pant suit by layering a feminine, sheer blouse. Let’s just say the options for this look are diverse and endless!

Brandon Maxwell - Vogue.com: Yannis Vlamos / indigital.tv

Complimenting this modern look, monochrome closets are ever on the rise. Providing a chic and simple backdrop for displaying your wardrobe, these spaces are the definition of a personal sanctuary.

PLAYFUL/EDGY POPS

Over-the-top embellishments added some serious flair to this season’s Fashion Week. Proenza Schouler edged-up a red formal dress with criss-crossing black straps along the mid-section; Phillip Lim layered wide-gauge fishnet sleeves under a casual t-shirt. And, Oscar de la Renta elevated a pretty peplum top with colorful floral embellishments. Standing out from the crowd this fall will be easier than ever!

Phillip Lim - Vogue.com: Yannis Vlamos / indigital.tv

Playful pops and graphic prints aren't only making an appearance on the runway! A true closetphile is always noticing the edgy extras that inject personality into a closet space.

ATHLETIC WEAR 2.0

Though some designers are starting to move away from the leisure looks that have been prolific in recent times, many are still incorporating sporty influences into their collections. Chromat and Alexander Wang displayed black spandex looks, while Yeezy showcased multiple models wearing Adidas pieces. Here’s to a fresh spin on gym-to-GNO outfits!

As activewear's influence remains present in the world of high fashion, so to do our own personal athletic apparel items become integrated in our everyday wardrobe. Once a showcase space reserved for designer heels and tailored apparel, the closet is now, more than ever, a space to display prized sneakers and casual pieces that accompany an active lifestyle.