Metallurgy

Metallurgy is the study of the physical and chemical behaviour of metallic elements. In a similar way, the designers featured on the Autumn/Winter 2012 catwalks have undertaken a study of metal and the various metallic surfaces. This lustrous chemical element was interpreted and utilised in a countless amount of ways and approaches. Many designers chose simply to interpret this element which delivered upon seemingly metallic surfaces with organic character. Feather weight foils, painted leathers, sequins and lames were widely used to achieve this effect. These materials with their crinkled and crunched aspects allude to the element and the idea of geological compression. Coating wool in metallic fibres lends for a very fibrous sharp effect that recalls low carbon steel fibres. Others chose to employ the element itself in their designs in the forms of pins, studs, chains and chainmail. Silver and gold are not the only shades being exploited. Coppers, and jewel shades such as ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue have been drawn on heavily within this trend. So invest in this hard-wear to avoid being deposited off the trend wagon.