Fun(nel)

Today’s focus is an oft-maligned and misunderstood item: the funnel neck. Give it a chance, darlings! Exaggerated necklines were ever-so-prevalent on the runways, ranging from outlandish (Margiela) to demure (Calvin Klein). Think about a cowl or draped turtleneck this season; maybe even snap up a funnel-neck coat!
On the runways: Photos via style.com except where noted.
At right: Chanel Couture
Custo Barcelona. This and next 2 via nymag.com
Luisa Beccaria
Giambattista Valli
J. Mendel
Marc by Marc Jacobs – see shopping section below; this fab frock is available at net-a-porter.com!
Antonio Berardi
6267 (at right)
Jean Paul Gaultier, via nymag.com
Michel Klein, courtesy Paris Vogue
Louis Vuitton
Michael Kors
Moschino
Martin Margiela
Pollini; this and next via nymag.com
Paul Costelloe
Calvin Klein’s portrait collar is an alternative, for those who daren’t brave the funnel...
In the shops:
Manoush wool padded funnel neck jacket.
Go to net-a-porter.com for this and next.
McQ gray oversize cowl sweater
Twinkle Short & Sweet Fair Isle crop sweater, at right. This and next 2 at shopbop.com.
Thakoon herringbone pullover, at left.
Generra wide stripe cowl neck sweater, at right.
M Missoni cowl neck sweater, at the Intermix, New York.
Deal of the Day: ASOS funnel neck wool cape $45, at asos.com.
Elizabeth and James Scarlet dress, at Neiman Marcus.
Helmut Lang slouchy turtleneck dress, at shopbop.com.
Lorick marine tweed belted cocktail dress, at chickdowntown.com. CC loves!
Stella McCartney purple cowl neck dress, at right. This and next two at net-a-porter.com.
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Fichu frock.
Marc by Marc Jacobs tweed Bramble dress with zippered pockets.
Vero Moda printed cowl neck dress, at asos.com.
Bebe sequin cowl neck dress. Visit bebe.com.

Will YOU stick your neck out for this trend?

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K is for Knits!

Ah, natty knitwear, we love ye.

Sweater dressing is HOT for fall!

Everybody loves a cosy jumper (for all you Brits!).

And the runway inspiration is nearly endless!

Photos via style.com unless otherwise credited.

At right: sweet and lovely at Blumarine

BOLD & BRIGHT

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture

Nicole Miller makes CC crave mustard!

This photo and next courtesy nymag.com
Doo.Ri goes green
Byblos purple passion
Carlos Miele

. . . olive you!
Cynthia Steffe ravishing red -

love the matching muffler!

Note: this photo and next via nymag.com
Pamella Roland crimson cardi

Roberto Cavalli

Fabulous in fuchsia!

NATTY NEUTRALS

Blugirl
Diesel
Donna Karan
Trend Les Copains
Emilio Pucci
Julien MacDonald

TANTALIZING TEXTURE

Emma Cook pom pom pomp & circumstance!

Pringle of Scotland

knit one, purl two . . .
Iceberg

Red gets the 3D treatment!

Fendi

The black sweater gets glam, with chunky folds and dramatic texture!
Jean Paul Gaultier Couture

You can ring my bell!

Note the attached hood/cowl.
Maison Martin Margiela - an exaggerated funnel neck makes for an interesting silhouette!
VPL channel both the 80s and deconstructionist trends with this chunky off-the-shoulder sweater
Stella McCartney

...makes CC want to curl up by the fireside with a cup of hot cocoa!
Malo, via nymag.com
John Rocha

Perforations in the knit make for an eye-catching abstract floral design!

GREAT LENGTHS
Long and lovely at Giorgio Armani
A.F. Vandevorst

Alexander McQueen

PATTERNED
Kenzo - crazy print and textures!
Matthew Williamson
Sonia Rykiel

Does this model look like SJP or is it just CC?
Sinhastanic
ACCESSORIES

Miss Sixty leg warmers,

via nymag.com
Hermes knit skullcap and scarf
John Galliano knit hat
What to buy?
Topshop knits look fab for fall. Above: note the textures and layers!
This adorable green Victoria’s Secret puff sleeve sweater fits the bold color bill!
Experiment with different shapes and lengths this autumn!

CC loves this Vince shirred crew cashmere sweater with kimono sleeves.

Go to shopbop.com.

Don't forget patterns!
If you opt for stripes, try a variegated pattern like this one, which has stripes that narrow at the waist for a slimming effect! C&C California striped Daredevil cashmere sweater, also at shopbop.com.

You may wish to try a textured sweater for a change, like the LaRok gray zipper front shaggy vest pictured above.

Visit singer22.com.
Of course, cashmere is most comfy and covetable, but there are tons of more affordable options, like this cabled cowl neck sweater vest at right from alloy.com!

And this is just the beginning of the knitwear saga!

Stay tuned for CC posts in September devoted to:

(a) that most indispensable of fall pieces: the cardigan [sneak preview at left: Rodarte cardi via style.com] ; (b) sweater dresses – too numerous to include in today’s post; and (c) the funnel!

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