Whenever the state of the Earth seems discouraging, we look to outer space. The Space Race of the ‘50s and ‘60s took place against a backdrop of the Vietnam War, civil rights protests and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Now, NASA’s journey to Mars and the discovery of new solar systems are welcome respite from a world in which the US president endorses neo-Nazis, Europe deals with a spate of terror attacks and the UK faces up to the implications of Brexit.
Designers often draw inspiration from the cultural climate, and paid tribute to intergalactic goings-on via the catwalks of AW17. From Annakiki’s oversized silver leather biker jackets and matching knee-high boots, to Liselore Frowijn’s planet-printed padded coats, this season's shows had a celestial theme. Moschino looked to the ‘60s space movie Barbarella, while Christopher Kane’s models were alien-like in their slinky metallic dresses. Mugler’s collection reminded us of Blade Runner, all silver dresses with power shoulders and black leather trench coats.
Blade Runner – which returns this October with Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling – isn’t the only sci-fi reboot of the last few years. Nearly half a century after 2001: A Space Odyssey, we're enjoying a boom of fictional futurism. Both the Star Wars and Alien franchises have continued, while The Martian, Ex Machina, Gravity and Arrival have all proved popular otherworldly experiences. The Barbican’s current exhibition Into The Unknown shows just how curious we are right now about worlds beyond our own.
Autumnal and winter dressing usually leads us to richer fabrics and shinier materials but this season, rather than the glitz and glamour of sequins and sparkles, focus on the high shine of patent and perspex, and the reflection of space-age silver. Wear geometric jewellery and don unearthly, oversized and structured pieces – think David Bowie in The Man Who Fell To Earth, or Milla Jovovich in The Fifth Element. Buckle up, we’re going to outer space.
We're digging the mix of '60s and futurism in this mirrored A-line skirt.
French Connection Mary Mirrors Mini Skirt, £95, available at French Connection
We love a creeper shoe, but this pair from Grenson feel classic and futuristic at the same time.
Grenson Alison Shoes, £190, available at Grenson.
This is how to do sequins for party season. Pair with white flares and satellite-style earrings.
MSGM Sequin-Embellished Top, £335, available at Matches Fashion
'90s sunglasses have made a comeback, and this Matrix -esque pair from Weekday will see us through the last of summer.
Weekday Trip Oval Sunglasses, £12, available at Weekday
This is the return of the space cowboy...
Uterqüe Two-Tone Metallic Leather Jacket, £245, available at Uterqüe
Channel your inner AI with geometric jewellery.
Finery Ella Curve Bauble Earrings, £19, available at Finery
More Barbarella- inspired pieces thanks to Zara.
Zara Gold High Heel Court Shoes With Ankle Strap, £49.99, available at Zara
This pleated skirt is made interesting with a metallic finish and off-kilter hemline.
A.W.A.K.E. Shiny Starfish Asymmetric Pleated Cotton Skirt, £196, available at Matches Fashion
Sure, you haven't seen chainmail since circa 2000, when going out required jeans "and a nice top" but we assure you: it's back and you'll be seeing it everywhere.
Zara Chainmail Top, £29.99, available at Zara
J. W. Anderson's Pierce bag gets a futuristic update.
J.W.Anderson Pierce Mini Leather Cross-Body Bag, £975, available at Matches.
Part astronaut, part '80s, these trousers are the most fun.
Topshop MOTO Silver Metallic Cropped Kick Flare Jeans, £55, available at Topshop
Bug-eyed alien specs aren't going anywhere.
Ace & Tate Frances in Vanilla Haze, £98, available at Ace & Tate
Keep Rejina Pyo on your radar, not least because of these next-level loafers.
Rejina Pyo Eyelet Peek-A-Boo Loafer, £359, available at Rejina Pyo
Don't retire your padded jacket just yet. The AW17 update? Shiny, shiny, shiny.
Mango Quilted Jacket, £35.99, available at Mango
This is so Blade Runner. We imagine Ryan Gosling will be wearing something very similar to this oil-slick jacket in the upcoming sequel.
Uterqüe Metallic Blue Coat, £175, available at Uterqüe
We'll be pairing these with the Topshop silver jeans...
Topshop Juicy V-Cut Mules, £56, available at Topshop
Add a neck scarf and some white cowboy boots, and you have our desk-to-drinks dream get-up.
Zimmerman Adorn Plunging Lamé Midi Dress, £757, available at Matches Fashion
If metallics aren't your thing, go to outer space with these cute aliens.
Hunter x Isamaya Ffrench Rubberised Leather Backpacks,£255 (Mini) and £325 (Large), available at Dover Street Market and Hunter
Mango went all out with metallics in its latest drop – this high-neck, puffed-sleeve blouse is super wearable.
Mango Bow Metallic Blouse, £19.99, available at Mango
& Other Stories Dangling Earrings, £23, available at & Other Stories
Workwear-appropriate metallics from Finery.
Finery Mornington Metallic Leather Skirt, £118, available at Finery
Meeyye Minemba Progressive Bifocal Sunglasses, £59, available at Matches Fashion
These Bowie-esque gold and pleated trousers will bring your workwear to the future.
Aphid London Jaspini Trousers, £225, available at Aphid London.
Topshop Chainmail Grab Shoulder Bag, £34, available at Topshop
This little guy will ensure you're feeling space-age at all times.
Alina Abegg Micro White Gold Alien Ring, £1,940, available at Swoonery.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Park-To-Party Separates For Summer In The City