Spring/Summer 2011

(All images are taken from http://www.style.com/)


Whilst everything is all about A/W 2011 recently with London Fashion Week this week, I thought I would take a break from this to tell you what you should be wearing now this summer.


Colour Splash.

This trend is all about dazzling brights, with one head-to-toe colour or a mix of boldly clashing combinations. Fashion director Lucinda Chambers said “pair brights with black or contrast shades of one colour” in order to make the trend more wearable. To add a dash of the trend to an outfit then pair dazzing bags or shoes with more netural clothing, or pair a white tee with some bright trousers/skirt in order to stay on trend whilst keeping it simple. Favourite designers of this trend include Diane Von Furstenberg who had splashes of bright colours throughout her show.

It was only expected that the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection would follow this trend. With the use of bright oranges, yellows and blues the whole collection had a very summery feel to it.

Missoni, in a classic Missoni print, mixed bright colours with black for an alternative take on the trend.



One of the best takes on this trend was by Lanvin, who amongst the dark and subtle tones of his collection had snapshots of acid bright colours on gorgeous pieces of clothing.

Smart Sportswear.

This is all about sleek, glossy and ultra modern sportswear that would look more appropriate on a runway than running around the park. This season sportswear has gone glamorous. As fashion editor Miranda Almond says “it’s not about a top-to-toe look with the trend, focus on the detail instead”. So think about the hi-tech fabrics, the trims, the zips and the inserts, and finish every look with a centre-parted hairstyle to be bang on trend.

Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere took hi-tech see through fabrics and mixed them with basics to create this sleek sporty look which looks fabulous on the gorgeous Gisele Bundchen.

This season Calvin Klein took the ethos less-is-more to create this flawless Spring/Summer collection. It took minimalism to a whole new level with the use of white and body-skimming cut fabric which complimented this sportswear trend perfectly.

Jil Sander not only managed to follow this sportswear trend but also dipped into that of block colour too with blues, purples and reds appearing both together and separate throughout her collection.

Modern Craft.

Homemade handicrafts get a glamorous makeover this season. Tassels and feathers appear everywhere, but in a minimal boho not boho chic style. Their idea is to add movement not rustic charm. Crochet and appliqué help add texture to simple dresses and Harriet Quick, fashion features director says, “Designers are adopting age-old artisan techniques – plaiting, weaving and knotting – to create pieces which look beautifully handmade and rich in history”.

Gucci represented this look perfectly with the use of knotting and tassels in sandy colours. However the collection didn’t start like this and was instead a mix of bright tailored clothing but it did continue in this handmade style but the colour turned to black and the collection took a gothic turn.

Like Gucci, Alexander McQueen took a more gothic take on this trend, but it definitely still has a handmade feel about it.

A Sea of Blue. Tangerine Dream. White Spirit. Nude Study.

There are four main colours this season, blue, orange, white and nude. Not to be worn together but separately. To start with blue, it is making a serious appearance in silks and satins throughout many collections. To make this look more subtle, partner this vibrant colour with black. Katie Phelan, fashion director suggests “a glossy black belt or bag, or silky black blouse, will soften the impact of powerful cobalt”.

Blue was definitely a popular colour with Giorgio Armani, with the colour appearing in some shade or other in almost every outfit. Black was also used in order to tone down the impact of the blue.

Dior’s entire collection had a beach like feel to it as John Galliano tried to resemble a South Pacific style fantasy. The use of blue reminded the audience of the sea and the printed dresses added to the tropical feel.

Next we have orange, in every shade possible, but all creating a vibrant, youthful flare. To wear this look you have to have tanned, toned legs and for ultimate vibrancy then mix orange with a contrasting colour such as turquoise, hot pink or gold. Fashion features writer Sarah Harris adds, “if the head-to-toe look is too bold, introduce orange as a lush accent via bags, shoes and shades”.

Orange appeared on dresses throughout Fendi’s collection, and even appeared on the sunglasses. But the tanned models make the look seem effortless.

The orange stood out dramatically in Rebecca Taylor’s collection. The entire collection was very summery and there were shades of other colour, but none of them as dramatic or as memorable as the orange.  

This season, white is seen from the tailoring to evening gowns. It is crisp, clean and elegant. White is to be worn on white, and as Verity Parker, fashion assistant says, "a slim tan belt or a pair of nude heels are the only additions you'll need". It is about clean lines, lack of fuss and a utilitarian feel; there is nothing girl about this white.

Paul Smith as usual took a more masculine approach to this trend. There was smart tailoring with white shirts and suits, as well as tailored shirt dresses.

The collection by Cholé was full of crisp, white garments, which against the white background had a definite clinical look about it. However as we would expect Cholé to follow this trend, it was a success.



The colour nude was seen on figure hugging fabrics in soft skin like shades. This colour is an elegant alternative to the bright colours elsewhere this season. This trend doesn’t necessarily require tanned skin as orange does, as nude looks modern against pale skin. Another way to create this modern take on nude is to wear clothing in a high-gloss patent finish. This is a colour to experiment with the fabric it is worn in, try chiffons to silky jersey in order to try out different textures.

Most of Oscar De La Renta’s collection featured pale neutral colours, all on beautiful gowns. The touch of sparkle adds a sense of expense and glamour.

For a completely different take on the trend Richard Nicoll presents patent nude dresses. These mixed with the black in his collection give a more edgy take on this trend.

The Fashion Fold. Go with the Flow. Layer on Layer.

 Nicole Fahri’s use of pleats gave this dress a definite grown-up appeal, yet the use of pink adds a very girly, feminine take on the trend.

If there are 3 trends that almost anyone can do this season then it’s these three. From pleats, to maxi dresses, to layering, they are all easy and will look good on everyone.

The first is not about Grecian-goddess moments, but instead sleek pleats for uptown chic. The pleats, gathers and delicate draping are everywhere this season and add texture and movement to any garment. As Emma Elwick-Bates, market editor, says “Artful folds abound, from neat knife pleats to bookish box pleats. Sweeping sunburst – pleat capes and multi layered looks are the new evening statement.”

 Maxi dresses were rippling and flowing down the runway this season, revealing as much of the body as they conceal. “Nothing epitomises chic summer dressing like a ground-skimming dress paired with flat sandals,” says Calgary Avansino, executive fashion editor. A tip is to focus on the neckline; one with decoration will add sparkle to a graphic dress. For another tip, billowing slash-front skirts show off the legs from top to toe; do you dare?

Marc Jacobs collection the season had a definite 70s inspiration. The intricate folds and slashes in this dress give it a unique detail, whilst the use of colour gives an obvious hint to summer, but in a saucy and seductive way. This is only echoed in the toe-to-hip slash which compliments the neckline perfectly.

Multi-layered looks are key for this season, with soft flowing lines and sheer fabrics. It should all be light and breezy. “Layering allows you to transform any item, giving new life to old favourites,” says Tammy Tinker, fashion assistant. By pairing long items with short it brings a greater wearability to the translucent pieces shown this season.

Denim on Denim on Denim.

Yep you’ve got it; it’s all about denim this season. And not just one piece of denim but a whole outfit. Denim isn’t just for weekends either it can be worn any day of the week. “With matching skirt suits and tailored jackets, designers have taken denim out of its casual comfort zone,” says Calgary Avansino, executive fashion editor. It is no longer about skin-tight this season, low-slung cuts are the new jeans and are best worn loose fitting and belted at the waist.

This denim trend was very apparent on my last trip to Topshop, where they have a whole wall devoted to it. There was one a very cute denim tie-front shirt that caught my eye.

Fiesta. Go East.

It’s all about the Spanish dancer or an eastern inspiration this season, so take your pick on which one you’re going to follow. The first is all about full skirts and frilled peasant blouses in order to inject a touch of Latin passion. Add whites and soft pastel shades to town down the theatrics of the look. It’s all about the seasons new mini trends.

 

For the second trend, get out your kimono jackets, obi belts and paper-bag waists and add red-lacquer lips. The collections this season have gone oriental. To get out of the costume look then wear in monochrome to make more contemporary. This season Emma Elwick-Bates, market editor, says, “Soft suiting is filtered through a prism of Japonisme and cut with the stealth of a ninja.”

 

Natural Selection.

Not only is this trend inspired by nature’s beauty and alive with decorative flora and fauna but the bugs and florals are growing out of the garments too. Wildlife is also another form of nature on the catwalk this season as are fruity prints which add a retro edge to these delicious spring looks.

 Style Tip.

This season designer gained attention from the back. Backs were exposed everywhere. As Harriet Quick, fashion features editor says, “The nape of the neck and the back are so beautiful.” For the best back details pick frills and feathers, neck bows, lacing and criss-cross straps.

Accessories.

• Belts: Multi-buckled, bow tied, slim or super-sized
• Gym Pants: Old-school big knickers come out from under cover
• Hats: Spring’s hats have a dressing-up-box charm
• Sunglasses: With bright Perspex frames and exaggerated shapes, the new shades have a quirky retro feel
• Headscarves: A silky scarf is this season’s most versatile accessory

Hope this gives you plenty of ideas; enjoy

xx