To uncover this season's trends for S/S 2012, I turned to the holy grail of the fashion world, Vogue. Aside the predictable florals, there's an exciting variation of trends to suit everyone's tastes, from afrocentric tribal prints to techno tropics, exotic skins and retro glamour.
Think: texture, tribals, florals, tropics, retro, old Hollywood, blue hues, sheened silks, sports luxe, colour blocking, pastel colours, reptile skins and 70s super-wedges.
When spring flowers begin to bloom, floral and paisley prints sweep the nation's catwalks. I can't get enough of nature-themed fashion, it provides the most phenomenal colour and imagery, which leads me to the next theme: aquatics.
I'm a sucker for bold prints and wild colours, to look at more so than to wear. My eyes are drawn to the stunning jungle and ocean visuals from Mary Katrantzou's current collection. Versace, on the other hand showcased a more wearable and parred-down collection but spectacular nonetheless. The tiny dresses were mainly white in structured neoprene and leather with powder blue and lilaac starfish detailing, finished off with golden studs and accessories. The epitome of classic Versace luxury.
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| From left to right: Mary Kantrantzou, Mary Kantrantzou, Versace and Peter Pilotto. S/S 2012 R-T-W. |
As far as colours go, it looks like a sweet shop has exploded onto catwalks as candies good enough to eat are in sugary shades of mint green, powder pink, glacier blue and coconut cream. In stark contrast to the soft pastels, the colour-popping 80s have been revived, with techno colour-blocking and Hawaiian prints reminiscent of Club Tropicana. Blue hues are big this season, which I'm pleased to announce as they are my most favourite colours, especially to wear. The particular hues you ought to be wearing this season are navy, sapphire, ultramine and cerulean.
Fabrics are at their upmost feminine, in sheened silks, shiny satins, with plenty of textured lace, brocade and broderie anglaise. Razzle dazzle embellishments were tossed aside for subtle radiance and glistening organizas in Chanel, Christopher Kane and Mark Jacobs. For all the old Hollywood lovers out there, you'll be thrilled to hear about the return of 1920s gatsby glamour and vintage Americana. Prada stormed the catwalks in retro cadillac prints, bandeaus and flamed pencil skirts while Proenza Schouler showcased feline tailoring and chunky wedges in nostalgic hues.
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| From left to right: Prada, Proenza Schouler, Prada, Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs. S/S 2012 R-T-W. |
With the London Olympics 2012 just around the corner, it comes as no surprise to announce the trend of luxe sportswear and fitness fashion. Performance materials have been cut into feminine silhouettes and vice versa. However, for the non fitness fanatics, fear not, for these monochrome looks can be worn off-track as contemporary eveningwear.
I've taken inspiration from key trends and compiled a moodboard to show what I'd be buying this season... If I was filthy rich. All hand-picked from net-a-porter.com.
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| What I'd be buying this season, if I was filthy rich. |
1. Tom Ford Nikita Sunglasses 5. Bottega Veneta Leather Panel Dress 9. Erdem Silk Print Blouse
2. Jimmy Choo Python Bag 6. Roberto Cavalli Lace Blouse 10. Jil Sandler Shorts
3. YSL Silk Dress 7. Jennifer Meyer Emerald Stud Ring 11. Alexander McQueen Pussybow
4. Altuzarra Printed Blazer 8. Proenza Schouler Cut-Out Wedges 12. Proenza Schouler Python Clutch
