Harvey Nichols’ buying director Averyl Oates lists her top autumn/winter 2011-12 must-haves
Alexander McQueen - "The wondrously talented Sarah Burton proved she was certainly no one-trick pony with an elegant, extravagant offering of a series of couture-esque pieces; the most commercial of these the beautifully tailored waist-length jackets with multiple seam detail." 
Chloe - "Hannah MacGibbon’s collection at Chloe capitalised massively upon fashion’s continuing love affair with the Seventies, which isn’t going anywhere this season. Show standouts were these louche, silk wide-leg pants in pared-down snakeskin print." 
Theyskens Theory - "Knitwear was prevalent within many shows this season; Olivier Theyskens has definitely put his stamp on Theory, and his gothic influences which have been so prevalent throughout his career - particularly at Rochas - were here to see - albeit in a much more accessible way. Knitwear was key, with cable knit sweaters and dresses that will be very easy to wear; this is affordable luxury at its best." 
Haider Ackermann - "Haider Ackermann’s autumn/winter 2011-12 collection received instant industry acclaim, and deservedly so – it was fabulous. One of my favourite elements of the show was the varying skin-tight, maxi skirts that swathed the model’s legs. This particular boucle-wool ankle-crusher beautifully demonstrates this season’s ladylike/elegant trend, along with Ackermann’s own subversive twist with its thigh-high split." 
