We picked out our must-see trends from the recent Fashion Weeks, which are sure to hit any Zara store near you in due time.
1. Statement Sweaters
From the cheeky parody sweaters to J.W Anderson’s windowpane stripes, pastel basics, graphic prints of Bambi, brain scans and technicolour florals, statement sweaters continue to be every girl’s go-to for making structured and plain outfits zing! More importantly, this trend reveals the growing presence of street style that lays on references to mix-n-match.
2. Checkered Nation
Tartan and checks were dominating the streets of fashion capitals from head to toe. We saw the J.W Anderson windowpane skirt-suit making deja-vu rounds; oversized checkered wool coats from every high-street brand, Christine Cenetara in a red-white deconstructed skirt, plenty of checkered on checkered ensembles printed on wool cotton chiffon and even leather! GaryPepperGirl was très chic in a coffee Ralph Lauren checkered shorts-suit, while willowing checkered maxis, tartan armies of mini-dresses, tartan in sheer and even checkered patches on denim roamed the streets! The colours ranged from the traditional red and green to lilac, checkerboard, gingham and even a bumblebee Burberry wrap dress.
3. Pleats Please
The full skirt is in swing for summertime, complete with gorgeous pleats and 50’s glamour. We are talking about latter-day Grace Kellys wafting in voluminous midi skirts ranging from monochrome to brocade, tan leather, tartan and comic prints. Pair this with fitted crop tops, structured blouses, light sweaters and spag tunics that streamline proportions. This is an undoubtedly feminine look that most ladies top off with pointy, minimalist heels (the Valentino Rockstud slingbacks would be perfect), but could also be attempted in sporty riffs and grunge. Carine Roitfeld was spotted in a stunning Tommy Hilfiger striped skirt with pleated fringes, while a similar bottom on a checkerboard maxi was given sheer treatment to create refreshing optical dimensions.
4. Pink is the Word
The colour of the season is pink in all its girly glory. A pale pink matching suit at Eudon Choi was wildly raved upon; and from blush tones we move to darker shades in metallic sheens or magenta, and even with coral tinges at Holly Fulton- which was basically a kaleidoscope of pink/orange. Burberry Prorsum delighted in bubblegum pink appliqués and even the famously monochrome Alexander Wang and Victoria Beckham injected a series of flirty pink suits and accessories. We recommend experimenting with paler shades of pink- not just pastel- but blush- in matching ensembles and pairing with unexpected colours like silver. For guys, the dusty pink suit is a key trend as well.
5. Floral Psychedelic
In general, there is an explosion of candy colours this season that allows for technicolour florals- which veers towards the digital (graphic, stencil florals) and chinoiserie. There is a great deal of embroidery, as seen in the botanical prints at Christopher Kane, dramatic appliques on Dolce & Gabbana, and wild brush strokes of roses and tulips as seen on Prabal Gurung pencil skirts. Oriental floral prints on silk pajama pants and kimono/hanbok-inspired bodices were also seen at Asian designers. Our pick of the roses are hand-painted, painterly florals like those on Dries Van Noten and Dior.
6. Crop Season
This season is all about baring your midriffs! The spaghetti strap is the new summer obsession, rather than high collars and sleeveless jersey crops. Delpozo gave a romantic, decadent twist to crop tops in exquisite organza-like pieces while Alexanda Wang bared midriffs in side-slit and unbuttoned white shirts. These tops were paired with full skirts, pencil skirts, leather trackpants and silk trousers, and more often than not complimented with a high-waist. We suggest going for a more structured look rather than the sporty one from last season with workman pants and cotton culottes, or even wide-legged trousers as dramatic as those from Rosie Assoulin.
7. Art on Fashion
Many designers like Prada, Etro and Naeem Khan turned to art for inspiration this season. Unlike past season’s photographic prints, these illustrative prints range from Art Deco to Picasso and Gauguin-esque, Warhol faces and geometric explosions. There were paint splashes that created colourful wonderlands, handpainted stripes and colour-blocking. Seeing abstract Art on these clothes makes me wonder how Monet will fare on a chiffon maxi dress or full skirt.
