Fur (inspired by Ted)

Fashion heavyweights took notes this runway season from Mark Wahlberg and his little fuzzy friend, proving the most modern way to wear fur right now is as an accent piece. Don’t try to tell me that the pelted collars at Missoni, shearling trims at Rodarte, or furry sleeves at Fendi aren’t a reference to Ted, and haven’t inspired you to make your childhood teddy a DIY. At least the fashion elite were able to retain some brain cells while watching that movie.

Brocade (inspired by Snow White and the Huntsman)

A common gold thread bonded the defining detail of the fall collections with the opulent villain Ravenna this runway season. Played by Charlize Theron in Snow White and the Huntsman, Ravenna’s privileged wardrobe of rich brocades and ornate embellishments was more than apparent in the finishing touches of gold embroidered filigree from fashion houses like Balmain, Dries Van Noten and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Leather (inspired by The Dark Knight Rises)

Anne Hathaway’s fierce performance in The Dark Knight Rises had designers scrambling to graduate their models from Lisbeth Salander to Catwoman overnight. While this isn’t a far cry from the head-to-toe leather looks we’ve seen all too often before, with Proenza Schouler and Versace even refusing to retire the Lisbeth-inspired micro-fringe haircut, a more feminine silhouette, as seen at houses like Mugler and Yves Saint Laurent, establish that what was once the year of the dragon is now the year of the cat. Meow.

Prints (inspired by Rock of Ages)

Prints on prints on prints on prints – yes I’m pushing the limits of the most overdone Kanye-inspired expression, only because prints on prints on prints is exactly what it was on the catwalks at Prada, Prabal Gurung and Mary Katrantzou (obviously). But it was the reinvention of pajama silks and baggy trousers at Paul & Joe that had us daydreaming of Tom Cruise in Rock of Ages.

Curvy Silhouettes (inspired by The Avengers)

There was a generous emphasis on curvaceous hips this fall from designers Marc Jacobs, Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz, and Stella McCartney, just to name a few. The power of padding is back and it’s all about the va-va-voom impact even the Black Widow couldn’t refuse. Superhero worthy peplums and panniers at the waist keep the Marc Jacobs girl on par with The Avengers, confirming body-enhancing shapes are the ultimate female super power.