Punk and disorderly at Harvey Nicks

If you were there the first time around, you can be forgiven for having mixed feelings.

This autumn, punk is back, if not with a vengeance, then certainly with passion and renewed vigour.

The punk-themed Met Gala earlier this year in New York set the tone. This is an annual ball to celebrate the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s latest fashion exhibit, this year’s entitled: Punk: From Chaos to Couture.

The star-guests warmed to their theme with enthusiasm and showed an eclectic range of punk interpretations. Some chose just one key rebellious piece (Sienna Miller wore a black stud leather jacket with a white floaty skirt), while others (Madonna) went for a head-to-toe 70s/80s revisit, with ripped fishnet tights. Some, meanwhile, chose to dress in the spirit of punk rebellion, rather than make direct reference, as with Laura Carmichael, in a vampy black lace slip dress.

And so it is with this autumn/winter’s punk fashion revival, as illustrated here by our shoot at The Garage nightclub in Leeds featuring the new autumn/winter collections at Harvey Nichols.

It’s as much or as little as you choose. Make a nod to punk by mixing in a key piece of clothing or adding a studded, chained, ripped or zipped accessory. Reflect the spirit of rebellion in a dress with 2013’s elaborate, intense pattern and add fierce boots. Or go hell for leather in full-on, dark, sinister and dramatic style.

This new take on punk rebellion can work for all ages. The older you are, the more authenticity you have, so don’t be afraid to channel a little of Vivienne Westwood’s forever punk aura, adding a twist with chunky shoes, leather trousers, a tartan short skirt or a PU shiny mac.

New punk style is also all about clashing prints and colours, so mix in that coloured animal print with more contemporary pattern.

Hair is, of course, very much part of punk. The looks here were created by Gareth Vance, senior creative director at Sassoon Salon in Leeds, from the subtly crimped volume as seen on Alice, our dark-haired model, to a more forceful, glamorous grunge look, inspired by Debbie Harry, as seen on Kaitlin, our blonde model. For a quick punk touch, add safety pins to a loose updo.

Fashion is always a sign of the times, a voice for a mood. So punk was in the late ’70s, a rebellion against the establishment, a reclaiming of culture and tradition. Whatever it is we are now trying to say through punk, we are doing it our way, once again.

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ

• The Harvey Nichols Leeds AW13 fashion show takes place on Wednesday, October 2. Tickets can be bought in store or online at www.theticketfactory.com/harveynichols

CREDITS

Venue: The Garage nightclub and OK Karaoke, Park Cross Street, Leeds.

Photographer: James Hardisty

Concept and direction: Stephanie Smith

Styling: David Rowley and Stephanie Mensah at HarveyNichols Leeds

Hair: Gareth Vance, senior creative director at Sassoon Salon Leeds

Make-up: Tani Kang using MAC

Models: Alice Lloyd Broderick and Kaitlin Pilcher at Boss Model Management.

Fashion assistants: Sally Cameron and Georgina Bunney