Three Textures We're Feeling for Fall

By Chris Frey
September 19, 2011

We've spent the last 10 days or so obsessing over the images pouring out of New York Fashion Week. But those spring styles won't be available until well into 2012. It's time to get back to the present—and that means what fashions to wear for fall.

As we pack away our lightweight summer staples and say hello to shorter days, we're making way for the season's rich textures. Three of the most sumptuous must-haves? Velvet, python and fur. Fashion designers relied heavily on each of these textures individually, and often combined all three together into a material mash-up that we’ll be seeing lots of in the coming months. Here's how they showed up on the fashion runways, and how to snag the look yourself.

Python

Fall 2011: Bottega Veneta (photo by Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images), Chloe (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Gucci Autumn (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

While exotic skins were popular across the board, python emerged as the undisputed leader of the pack, in both accessories and apparel. At Prada, designer Miuccia Prada used python in virtually every look; she used the natural skin as well as rich jewel-tone dyes on shoes, boots and bags. At Bottega Veneta, designer Giles Deacon and accessories designer Stuart Vevers flitted from bold choices (patchwork and vertical striped python and velvet on and bags) to restrained ones (ladylike t-strap sandals and streamlined totes). At Gucci, designer Frida Giannini showed full-on color, with satchels and ankle strap platforms in every shade of the rainbow. And at Chloe, now-departed Creative Director Hannah MacGibbon fearlessly presented head-to-toe python, including a boxy trench and a slinky turtleneck that truly fits like a second, well, skin.

Roll over items for details

New Halston Python Bag

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New Rupert Sanderson Python Platform

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New Calvin Klein Python Stretch Bet

Blumarine Leopard-Print Jeweled Neckline Dress

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New Silverone Snakeskin Cuff

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New Alexis Bittar Lucite Python Earrings

Burberry Metallic Python Boots

New Derek Lam Python Sequin Skirt

New Dolce and Gabbana Python and Swarovski Sandals

(buy it now price, $302.13)

Fur

Fall 2011: Sonia Rykiel (photo by Nathalie Lagneau/Catwalking/Getty Images), Gucci (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Michael Kors (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

From floor-grazing coats to subtle shoe trim, in vibrant electric color or natural tones, fur was everywhere on the fall fashion runways. As trim or total coverage, fur is key to not just outerwear, but also accessories, like this oversize clutch from Miu Miu. Other ways fur was played: Gucci and Michael Kors both showed saturated monochromatic looks punctuated with an accompanying stole or jacket. The powdery nude look at Kors made an equally strong equal impact without the punch of color. Sonia Rykiel, like many fashion designers, accessorized with fur wraps and used fur as an accent on apparel, such as these sweater sleeves. Just as with exotic skins, if you prefer to go faux, there are plenty of options on eBay.

New Prada Fur Scarf

Vintage Fur Cape Coat

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New Mink Knitted Poncho

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New Pink Suede Booties

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New Fox Fur Vest

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New Faux Fur Jacket

New Fur Bag

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New Pierre Hardy Fur Ankle Boot

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Velvet

Velvet

Fall 2011: Nina Ricci (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Dries Van Noten (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Marc Jacobs (photo by Randy Brooke/WireImage)

Perhaps the most accessible of fall's textures is velvet. It’s possible you have a go-to holiday dress or jacket already, but consider the shiny, soft material for accessories, and try it for day, too. Dries Van Noten showed a rich deep blue on bags, boots and shoes. Alberta Ferretti paired over the knee boots with both cocktail dresses and more casual pieces. Marc Jacobs embossed his velvet swing cape with subtle polka dots. And Nina Ricci presented a regal, robe-like coat in gorgeous dark emerald green.