Game of Thrones Style: Helmut Lang FW12

{Game of Thrones photos} via Game of Thrones Wiki, the wow report, HBO {house sigils by} Futurehaus {runway photos} from Style.com

For these are the nights of spring, and winter is coming! Fear not, winter is still far off, but if you're a fan of HBO's Game of Thrones, as I am, Helmut Lang's FW12 collection based on the series will have you wishing for winter. The show is the perfect muse for rich cold weather looks, as it features incredibly inventive fur and velvet costuming. The Seven Kingdoms are host to a bevy of fantastical fashions, from sweeping gowns to ornate fabrics, and lots of that leather and fur armor that the collection drew from heavily.

Kudos to Helmut Lang for creating a collection that is derivative of its muse but still very true to the line's aesthetic- modern and wearable. After all, traipsing about in a full-length velvet and brocade get-up might have them thinking you just returned from the Ren Faire. Where as that red leather shell top and front slit skirt combo shown on the runway will suggest that only your ancestors were Stormborn.

Wisely the collection is not an overly literal translation. Many of the pieces only have hints of their medieval fantasy origins, while others are thoroughly modern in their interpretation. For example, an asymmetrical open-knit sweater with contrasting sleeves hints at chain mail. A pairing of tailored slim pants and a structured vest borrow a subtle sampling of a tie-dye print found in the the gray denim naval uniforms worn by Greyjoy sailors. Black fur and leather pieces pay homage to the Night's Watch and the amazing black fur capes worn by Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly. While stitched geometric patterns on a leather jacket and trimming a black jersey dress resemble the stitching in Theon Greyjoy's armor.

On the far less literal end, a massively collared cloak is a modern look that both Cersei Lannister and Brienne of Tarth would find hard to resist. The long black gown with leather and stud detail is perfect for dragon lady Daenerys Targaryen. While the deep red and black prints easily belong in the closet of Melisandre the Red Priestess. There's nothing medieval about the draping and slim lines, but the print is evocative of her long flowing red cloak combined with the grotesque imagery of the black smoke "shadow baby" she created.

So this winter when the chill sets in, clad yourself in a style worthy of the Iron Throne and dream of Westeros. Luckily these looks won't cost you the iron price. Winter is coming!