Capes, capelets and cloaks: 2010 fashion trend

Capes. Say the word, and images of masked superheros mid-flight are what immediately pops into many people's minds.

But capes and cloaks have existed, in one variety or another, through much of our known human history. From early Medieval mantles, to 16th century decorative shawls; from military officers capes and 1940s fur stoles, to the fringed ponchos of the 1960s. But since the humble poncho had its hippie revival, the cape in its more sophisticated forms has seen nothing of a major comeback on the streets - that is, until now. The cape is back on the agenda as one of the major 2010 fashion trends.