Trends Spring/Summer 2011

Urban Sporty Cool

Combinations of easy, wearable with functionality set to become indispensible elements in the wardrobe for spring time this season. Catwalk inspired from Marni, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Alexander Wang, Gucci, Jill Sander and Pringle of Scotland. Mesh and stretch fabrics used in cool tone colours

Groovy 70’s

Recreations of 70’s looks with a fresh contemporary feel rather than nostalgia. Pantaloons broadened from the knee down with belts marking a low waist worn over blouses and shirts as seen at Pucci and Etro

Colour Explosion

A striking palette this season! Orange/tangerine, shocking pink, lemon, turquoise and bright hues with some inspired by Jill Sander, Gucci, Prabal Gurung

Flower Power & Oriental Florals

A wide variety of types seen adorning the catwalks using voluminous dresses, jackets and skirts. Prints seen were a good match with the colourful palettes used by so many designers this season; examples shown by Balenciaga with a 40’s twist in cherry blossom prints, Dolce&Gabanna, Donna Karan and Antonio Marras. Powerful sun-drenched through to tender versions with some elegant, dainty interpretations and nostalgic Liberty prints

Clements Ribeiro, Christian Dior and Erdem seen in garden types, pretty prairie flowers to large splendid petal prints. Dries Van Noten and Louis Vuitton floral patterns created rich qualities with an oriental spirit giving sophisticated beauty

Peasant Fever

Designers influenced by a favoured look of Yves Saint Laurent. Plunging ruche neckline top with puffed sleeves combined with a gathered bottom. Relaxed and romantic mood perhaps the reason for interpretations as demonstrated by Marc Jacobs, Moschino and Fendi

Stripe Mania

Thick lateral stripes to extremely fine ones undistinguishable from a distance. Designers focused on the width of stripes which to a degree not previously seen. Remaining a popular element in design, the sharp pleasant feel seems especially well matched for today’s lifestyles. Best interpretations for this trend shown by Marni, Jason Wu, Jill Sander, Prada and Sonia Rykiel

Airy Charm

Perfect for a relaxed resort trips/easy evening holiday wear. Light-weight fabrics exposing the skin and silhouette seen in floor and calf lengths. Some graphic prints by Derek Lam, paisley by Pucci, florals seen at D&G with some animal prints by Bluemarine. Bright and fun designs inspired from the islands of the South Pacific to Oriental motifs from Japan and China. Botanical fruit prints by Stella McCartney

3D Embellishment

Textured knitting techniques featuring styles in macramé with layers of lace and some leather
used by designers such as DSQUARED2, Dolce&Gabanna, Gucci, Gianfranco Ferre and Mark Fast

Waist Alert

Slim and delicate belts featured for the season from close fitting waists to extremely high waists marked out over jackets to be low waists loosely worn as seen at Ralph Lauren giving a nod to the 70’s

Accessories

Most popular items were sunglasses and hats. Eyewear classic looking, oversized designs. Headwear ranged from wide brimmed such as sombreros and cap-lines inspired by the sports scene. Bags vary from mischievous small shoulder types to oversized.  Footwear appeared mostly in leather though there is abundance of designs using linen and other fabrics; especially for wedges. Jewellery included styles based on natural motifs with oversized pieces remaining a favourite

Simple Pleasures

Following last season’s minimal designs were out in full force.  Single colour.  Mostly in white some in cream, powder, beige and black. Eliminating any decoration with a design intended to put the focus on the wearer’s personality.  Covers and gives a wide range with popular appeal to audience. Influences from Phoebe Philo at Celine

Long & Lean

Silhouettes making a big come back this season. Fabrics range from wool to linen and knit with some belts to cinch in the waist. Creations shown by Givenchy, Lanvin, Haider Ackerman, Celine and Louis Vuitton

Shorts Authority

Short pants appeared on many of the runways emphasising a young and active mood. Fabrics used included cotton, denim, leather with print, plain and some lame materials. Examples shown at Christian Dior, Loewe and Nina Ricci

Bare Backs

Halter neck styles and some designs open at the back from daytime to party and eveningwear, designer inspirations from Rick Owens, Yves Saint Laurent and Loewe