SS11 Trends; Asymmetric ; In Limbo

Upside down, Michael Kors you turnin’ me! If there was ever a time to be indecisive about which way your fabric should flow, then now is definitely it! A wealth of designers served up many a lopsided treats in the form of beautifully cut asymmetrical dresses, kimonos and skirts. Taking a modern approach to this ingenious technique of cutting, is something that has breathed life into the spring summer collections; it’s evident to see that the creative minds have been at work to create a ‘new modernism’. Slick and edgy with light references to tribalism produced snakeskin printed skirts and cut-out jackets at Altuzarra , whilst Balenciaga re-vamped the tank top with embellished and sheer bodices. 

You’d be mistaken to think it was all hard-edged at the shows back in September, work-wear tailoring was given a soft touch with the new length for the shirt- dress shown at Viktor and Rolf as well as Akris.

Lanvin and Kors made the cut with long flowy pleated and draped dresses, and a classic one-shouldered gown ended this asymmetrical love affair at Chloe.

The use and non-use of colour too is the breaking point for this trend. A simple shirt can look incredibly chic both in it’s normal white but also looks great in an olive green.  The floor length pleats has had everyone going maxi-pleat crazy and Albert Elbaz of Lanvin is to blame for this craze. For easy updates to your wardrobe, invest in printed kimonos and go for dresses in bright hues.

Images courtesy of style.com 

SS11 Trends: 70's

Majority of our parents or those of the older generation were probably dancing around to Rod Stewarts 'Maggie May' and Abba's Waterloo' back in 1971, thinking they were hip and cool in their musty brown flared bell bottoms, crocheted ponchos and oversized glasses. Fast forward forty odd years or so and here we are at Fashion week- seeing designers like Marc Jacobs and Les Cospains sending down models cladded in 70's inspired clothing!! 

Yes, this spring/summer we happily welcome the array of platform heels, skinny flared jeans and floppy straw hats, in the form of looks by Just Cavalli, Etro, Unique and a whole host of designers. From Glam rock to shabby chic, it's all there. Douse yourself in rich silk satins and beautifully printed chiffon's and cottons, or go the whole hog with Gucci's tailored jackets and trousers in shiny red and gold.  On the high street the 70's trend has been taken down the more casual route with various washes of jeans in a flared skinny fit, crocheted jumpers and cardi's have given knitwear a fresh look, whilst  accessories like oversized hats and sunnies have truly encapsulated  the look to a tee. 

Images courtesy of style.com 

SS11 Trends Colour Blocking

So although it may still be rainy outside and the clouds gloomy and grey- believe it or not Spring is here- (at least I believe that it's on it's way), and today whilst out and about sourcing for inspiration, I was filled with joy and happiness at the bountiful splashes of colour amongst the high street's spring collections.  Colour blocking was one of the main trends seen on the spring/summer catwalks back in September. Bright paintbox hues clashed together in simple silhouettes at Jil Sander a favourite of mine, whilst designers like Haider Ackerman and Bodyamr went for cool drapey fabrics and at Akri it was full on block colour from head to toe. 

Fresh and exciting colours like cobalt blue, orange and magenta are just a few of the key colours within this trend, think bright and bold and don't be afraid to mix and match, best seen here at Aquilano E Rimondi (far right), the use of block colour can easily be distributed around the body which makes looking chic easy. Don't forget the bright accessories, these easily transform your look and can do all the talking for you! 

 Images courtesy of style.com