Trends Spring/Summer 2009 by Kirsten

Prints

Mix and match, combination of floral patterns with checks, dots with stripes in different colours applying a mix of fabrics. Animal prints dyed in pale blue and pink including snake and crocodile prints.

Transparent

Delicate and fragile use of sheer fabrics such as organdie, tulle, silk linen gauze, lace and nylon were all used to create feminine charm.

Laidback Comfort Zone

Fashion houses created this look reflecting the busy lifestyle of the modern woman. Relaxed summer looks in a variety of flowing fabrics and silhouettes to wrap around the body. Oversized tailoring is relaxed. Square shouldered longer jackets, oversized sweaters. Asymmetrical and oversized shirts, pants and blouses.

Architectual Silhouette

Mid length, kept soft, rounded voluminous dresses, organdie type of fabric using origami folding techniques creating geometric shapes. Statement jackets with loose cropped trousers. Wear jacket over simple vest, skinny jeans with flats for a more relaxed look.

Geometric

Panelling of fabrics in different colours, embroidered detailing, and sharp geometric prints worked with colour blocking.

Tribal

Earthy colours and prints, influences referenced by African and Middle Eastern costumes, use of snake skin and leather with oversized accessories. Exotic inspirations were taken from Spain, Egypt and Mexico referencing gypsy and pirate costume.

Glossy Shiny Materials

Metallic continues to be popular; gilts and lurex were used along with other shiny textiles. Golden fibres worked into cotton silk and satin materials providing a rough and wrinkled finish as seen at Prada.

Fringe & Ruffle

Mini dresses with large ruffles adding plenty of girly volume. Variety of fringing using fine silk to strands of leather.

Nudes/Second Skin

As a reflection of this season’s relaxed mood, nude colours emerged as a key trend. From pale champagne tones to lighter shades of browns, apricot, desert colours such as sand and terracotta.

Lace & Knit

Knitwear items created with crochet techniques. Long crochet knit cardigans with some clever draping resembling lace. Cobweb knits. Flapper silhouettes with silk fringing details and traditional patterns in crochet knit.

Denim

Distressed acid wash and boyfriend jeans worn with high heels loose and rolled up for summer. The skinny flare, slimmer in the leg and kicks out wider than the boot-cut style. Skinnies and pencil/straight leg jeans remain a favourite for their style and versatility; these can be worn with any type of shoe, sandals or tucked into boots.

Accessory Trends

Hats, from the menswear inspired ten-gallon and panama styles to narrow-brimmed, can-can and skull caps Flower motif necklaces. Teardrop, masculine shape sunglasses to larger starlet style. Colourful high heel shoes with platforms, futuristic gated style, shoes with frills and zips. Feathers, beads and tassels for a tribal look. Mid-heels. Fringed moccasins and boots. Summer brogues. Statement collars to dress up a simple t-shirt or wear with a cocktail dress. Japanese style obi belts. Oversized bows, giant hair scrunchies. Colour pop bags and oversized bags, animal print clutch. Bold lip colour in cherry shades, nude and pastel nails.