In the brief whirlwind of fashion shows and presentations that is pre-fall — the short season between the spring and fall runway shows — the true gems are the outerwear. Presented to editors in the dead of winter (even though the products will not hit sales floors until May), the seduction of outerwear is at its apex. And this season, lush textures, gradient hues, and abstract patterns make for an extremely exciting and diverse offering of coats. Chloé presented a magnificent shearling, paneled stunner to audible acclaim — not only was the coat’s intention to undoubtedly protect from the cold, but it was also reversible, with the gorgeous striped shearling begging to come out. Fendi also played with texture, with one standout piece featuring stripes alternating from ivory and ruby-red shearling to pale periwinkle leather.
Color was everywhere: Michael Kors’s powder-blue tailored coat was refreshingly chic, and both Giambattista Valli and Calvin Klein showed gorgeous lilac, furry numbers. Deeper jewel tones were seen at Balenciaga (in the form of a peacock-blue astrakhan toggle coat) and at Oscar de la Renta, with an emerald sleeveless style.
Patterns abounded, from abstract geometries at Valentino (a look-at-me beauty of a coat) to an oversize houndstooth at Stella McCartney. Thom Browne said his leafy jacquard was designed to serve as a means of camouflage, but it’s unlikely one wearing this coat would remain unseen. And, with no classic style going unappreciated, Altuzarra’s pale gray-and-cream, double-faced wool offering seemed the perfect piece for a cold-weather aesthete. Click ahead to see 35 of the most sumptuous coats from pre-fall.