Modern Gladiator - Trends for Spring

girding up for the style wars at Gareth Pugh, Chanel Couture, Balenciaga (top); Rachel Comey, Dries Van Noten & Karl Lagerfeld (bottom)

Life's a bitch, so dress appropriately. With so much economic and political instability and uncertainty, it's not surprising to see the accoutrements of battlegear appear, be it a Terminator-worthy fringed leather at Gareth Pugh, Matrix glasses at Dries Van Noten, embellished armor-like hand protectors draped in chains from Karl Lagerfeld, or, striding down the Balenciaga runway and straight onto every fashion editor's lust list - the must-have shoe of the season: the Gladiator.

Unless you're a rock star, free spirit, or fixture in NYC's St. Marks, then the catwalk presentation of this tough vibe is probably a tad theatrical. However, why not incorporate touches into your own wardrobe, perhaps with a cropped motorcycle jacket, fringed bag, or some statment gladiator sandals? Here are some fun options for trying on the trend: