World of Fashion: Fashion trend: Riot Girl Trend

From biker babes and punk rockers to grungy grifters and the dark arts, rebellion is in the air for fall. Angst-ridden fashions had a starring role on a number of Fall 2013 runways, with rips, studs and leather paving the way for riotous style in the upcoming season.

The lasting influence of the Costume Institute’s PUNK: Chaos to Couture exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has leather crowned the go-to luxury layer for fall. The heavy-duty material had a starring role on the runway at 3.1 Phillip Lim, whose collection of leather moto jackets, vests and pencil skirts was inspired by biker culture. Leather also appeared in the form of daring bustiers and dresses on the runway at Jonathan Saunders and in oversized trousers and mini skirts at Theyskens’ Theory. While some designers encourage dabbling in grungy material for fall, others suggest immersing yourself in it. The Fall 2013 runway at Chloe Comme Parris saw models in a variety of two-piece leather ensembles, as did the runway at Rodarte, where an oversized moto jacket was paired with well-worn leather trousers. Rag & Bone suggests adding colour to the mix. The label displayed a blue leather jacket and skirt combo at their Fall 2013 show.

No rebellious look is complete without it’s fair share of rips and tears. Jean Paul Gaultier combined biker and punk elements for fall, offering a selection of leather jackets and tops with ripped shoulders. Hedi Slimane, whose entire Fall 2013 collection for Saint Laurent advocates rebellion, incorporated rips and jagged edges into a number of his pieces. Viktor & Rolf is endorsing the slashed look for fall as well with a number of their runway ensembles featuring a smattering of tears.

Studs and spikes replaced gems and jewels on the runway at Diesel Black Gold where rocker-chick moto jackets, pullovers and dresses were embellished with the metal hardware. The dangerous accouterments made their fiercest appearance at Versace where studded leather pieces were aplenty. A jaw-dropping spiked collar looked particularly threatening worn over top a patent leather floor-sweeping gown.