Six lines run through the season. These are not predictions; they are the pieces that have been coming out of our fitting rooms most often since September.

1. Near-black plum

A plum so deep you might mistake it for black in low light, yet reveal its true color the moment daylight hits. This year, it’s the shade replacing strict black for our customers, across entire wardrobes in diagonal crepe.

Its advantage: it coordinates effortlessly with itself, and it is warmer against fair skin tones than black.

2. Micro houndstooth

Not the bold business-school houndstooth, but a shrunken version that looks like mottled grey from ten feet away and reveals its pattern at ten inches. That is what makes it office-appropriate.

We offer it in an oversized blazer, wide-leg trousers, and a tailored bustier, all designed to coordinate.

3. Leopard print on a brown background

The print returns every winter; what changes is the base. Camel and brown this season, more muted than the yellowish beige from five years ago.

One piece at a time, never two. How to wear it · See the pieces

4. The sleeveless vest

The most discreet piece on the list and our best-seller. It replaces the blazer indoors, can be worn on its own and buttoned up like a top, and slips under a coat without adding bulk.

The long version, the cropped double-breasted one, the quilted high-neck version. All vests

5. Leather as a lightweight piece

Gone are the days when the heavy biker jacket was the only option. Leather is now worn as a short jacket, a bomber, or a skirt, in weights that can be kept on indoors.

Leather or eco-leather · See the selection

6. Corduroy

Only two pieces, a blazer and trousers, but worn as a set. This is the most niche trend on the list and the one that sells out fastest upon arrival.

What we don't follow

Six-week micro-trends. We receive a new capsule every week, which would allow us to jump on every trend; we choose not to. A piece that cannot be worn the following season does not enter our boutique, even if it would sell.

This explains why you will find cuts from last year alongside this week's new arrivals. How we work

See new arrivals · See materials

— Imperial Lyon