As the promise of an exciting diversity approaches with the new Spring/Summer season; we look back with fondness over Autumn/Winter 2011/12's standout collections which devotedly embraced those that expressed themes throughout.  Holding true all season, the wildlife reverence kept up its continuity in the fashion world with patterns, prints, dyes and cuts that bowed down before the animal kingdom.

Bluegirl's eye-catching stencilled ponyskin top and fly-away scarf elegantly brought to life its other more subtle tones, as did its horse-riding blouses hugged by surrounding fur capelets.  Burberry infused their theme with a stark black and white contrast on full fur coats and the season must-have of their plush peaked caps.  Topshop Unique also employed an austere shade contrast and were very clear in their animal homage, spotting their market and joining the dots with an abundance of fur fashion.  Filled with fetching trimmed suits and full coats or dresses matched with lamb wraps and mink jackets topping spotted jumpsuits; Topshop Unique made sure the catwalk become more of a dogwalk as the spirit of 101 Dalmatians took to the stage.  While returning the ‘cat' to catwalk; Givenchy's purrrfect Autumn/Winter 2011/12 collection flirted with some feline fun for a graceful range with a difference.  Showcasing a silky, high sheen finish on shimmering jet blacks, this smooth collection offered ebony cat-eye sunglasses and pointy-eared hats in slinky mink.

As many designers did in the 50's and 60's, Alexander McQueen took their cue from Hollywood with a seemingly Black Swan-inspired collection that pirouetted into the hearts and fashion conscious minds of all that witnessed.  The much anticipated collection didn't disappoint as it moved between the realms of wildlife worship to movie magic with peaked shoulders, high collars and tutu-esque skirts trimmed in a flurry of feathered fox furs in glossy blacks, serene greys and ice whites.

Taking us back to the wild, Wild West, Dsquared2 were able to extract the essence of the genre but add such a contemporary cool vibe in women's designer fashion that it had us all wanting to strut our stirrup-loving stuff down at the ranch runway.  By cleverly manipulating this rustic cowboy theme; Dsquared2 mixed in other popular styles of the season such as oversized hats, Aviator jackets, denim revisited and androgynous modes.  For Aviator jackets they invoked a retro vibe fused with the authenticity of the cowboy genre with cracked leathers but voluminous finn raccoon to boost its cowboy collar and denim also saw the trim treatment with goat shoulder fringes on jackets.  They added a new twist to the usually more masculine modes of super smart skinny ties and bow ties, waistcoats and sharp lapels by adding plush furs, with the oversized hats bringing the perfect complement to balance out the fullness of the curvaceous fur fashion on display in their clothing and accessories.  Utilising the sheer volume of furs such as fox, beaver and racoon; they gave both a vibrancy and femininity to these mannish trends, plus a warmth and pleasing familiarity that ensured there was nothing raw about these hides.