Trends at International Fashion Week
Here are some of the main designs I caught on the runways at International Fashion Week. From Paris to Milan and New York – what trends will you be wearing this season? Here’s your guide to the latest looks!
Patchwork
This quirky look was seen all over the runways of Phillip Lim. What his work seemed to show was a pastiche of patchwork that seemed to be various pieces of fabrics and tones all combined together. This gave an ‘odds and ends’ look that was unmistakable. His collection looked quirky but sleek, bringing a bit of the bohemian to the boardroom.
Straw hats
This look was seen at the Rachel Zoe collection and was from the Jane Birkin-inspired headgear of yesteryear. Zoe combined the straw hats with flicked fringes, blonde locks and beachy and bold styling. She always seems to nail that ‘casual yet styled’ look so well, giving her fresh-faced models simple gold accessories and tumbling locks.
Pink and blue tinted hair
A trend that does not seem to be going anywhere fast, pink and blue tinted locks were seen on the runway of Anna Sui. Some great shots emerged showing not just real tinted locks, but plenty of wigs and hairpieces too, including on models Lindsey Wixson and Karlie Kloss, the new host of MTV’s House of Style. The look is slightly-girly, slightly goth.
Bondage look
Many bloggers were talking about the “Fifty Shades of Grey Effect’”. This bondage look was seen in the collections of BCBG Max Azria. Basically, the designer showed an S&M-influenced-collection, some said was inspired by famed fashion photographer Helmut Newton’s iconic black-and-white photography. Think leather and bold colours, teamed with cheeky black.
The corset
Another style we’ve seen plenty of, the corset was seen in the collection of Hervé Léger. The designer put forth a corset-style nude-tone leather harness that created a look that many people were saying walked the line between feminine and a dominatrix-like look. Corsets make a comeback every few seasons, and although they are generally uncomfortable, they are flattering to many body shapes and look sexy and feminine.
Feminine
Speaking of a feminine look, Calvin Klein Soundwaves collection seemed to appear effortlessly chic and frilly. He made great use of geometric prints, but rather than focusing on the bold takes of seasons-past, he used a tighter, smaller print to give the frocks a really trippy and concentric effect. Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein was a great collaboration. Ralph Lauren also made use (as the designer often does) of flirty, frilly frocks.
Cutouts
A trend that has shifted from autumn to summer, this uses exposed patches of skin at the chest, waist, and everywhere else! The cutout is having its moment again this spring. Seen on every star from Beyonce to Katy Perry, the cutout was also seen all over the runways at International Fashion Week. Beware, this trend is not going anywhere fast!
Stripes
It seems like walking the line is the big thing to do for this season and all the catwalk stars are getting on board with stripes in many different variations! From bold and big to tight and small, stripes can give a fresh, nautical feel to the looks you love. Thick or skinny, horizontal or vertical, it’s a trend to continue to watch.
What styles and trends are your favourites? Tell me here by leaving a comment below!