Battlefield fashion has reverberated across the catwalks forever, and has been interpreted in a myriad of ways, from traditional camouflage to armoured metallics to last summer’s Native American-inspired tribal Amazonian trend. This year, your winter wardrobe is a combination of all of these electrifying aspects, creating a layered look brimming with cultural references and unique touches. Christopher Kane let this armoured look dominate the Autumn/Winter catwalks, while Jean-Paul Gaultier’s metallics inspired the monochrome and jewelled palette.
For winter, warmth is key, and fur is always a fashion favourite. But this year, it’s about combining fur with tailored pieces and dramatic jewels, making it merely the comforting base of your outfit. Statement coats are also key, with full-length, sharply tailored military coats bringing a stunning Russian influence to your wardrobe. Combining these Doctor Zhivago-leaning Cossack styles with waist-nipping, metallic belts and sharp, armoured hats; the look is pure power.
However, while the military influences may be strong, the Russian influence of Anna Karenina also lends a deeply romantic, extravagant opulence to the accessories and fabrics. Rich fur gilets are a must, while velvet skirts and dresses add a further air of melodrama. To accessorize, large jewels and statement necklaces are must-haves, allowing the femininity of this look to literally shine through the masculine tailoring. Leather is also a key fabric, toughening up softer silhouettes of skater dresses for a formidable look. Combining both trends in your shoe-wear, look for thigh-high leather boots that ooze strong, femme fatale sexuality, or gladiator-style stilettos that evoke a definite warrior princess look.
This Amazonian aspect is highlighted in this season’s jewellery, which combines strong metallic medallions, cuffs and shoulder pieces with feathers for a strikingly modern adaptation of tribal armour. Unique pieces like feathered ear cuffs or jewelled headdresses will ensure your look is utterly unique, and lend some inspired eccentricity to your ensemble.
So get blending your modern armour, inner Russian romantic, and Amazonian princess and creating a look that’s sheer eclectic elegance and feisty femme.

Stocklist
Necklace, River Island, coming soon to stores
Savida Military Coat €80, Dunnes
Black Geo Lurex Fit and Flare €55, Awear
Lace-up Chunky Ankle Boots €24, Penneys
Main Pic, River Island, coming soon to stores

Awear
26 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Henry Street, Dublin 1
Edward Square, Barrack Lane, Co. Galway
110 St. Patrick Street, Co. Cork
69 -71 William Street, Co. Limerick

Dunnes
St. Stephen’s Green S.C, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
William Street, Co. Galway
North Main Street, Co. Cork
Parkway SC, Dublin Road, Co. Limerick

Penneys
35-39 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin 1
47 Mary Street, Dublin 1
Unit 225 Eyre Square S.C, Co. Galway
O’Connell Street, Co. Limerick
St. Patrick Street, Co. Cork

River Island
102-103 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Unit C1-C7, Ilac Shopping Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1
14-15 Shop Street, Co. Galway
39 Patrick Street, Co. Cork
9 Cruise’s Street, Co. Limerick