This report is compiled by Laura Emerald
Print
From arty brush strokes and paint splashes to hippy florals and ferns, designers sent prints of every kind down the catwalk. In Milan tissue fine organza and tulle was delicately hand painted with fairies and flowers at Prada and Miu Miu, while full length ball gowns were splattered with Pop Art inspired painterly prints at Dolce and Gabbana.
Elsewhere winter’s degrage and colour fade morphed in to tie-dye and dip dye effects on everything from cocktail dresses at Luella to jumpsuits at Topshop Unique. Ethnic Batik and tribal prints also made an appearance in such diverse collections as Matthew Williamson’s homecoming show in London- at which the entire collection was infused with graphic tribal prints and beading, to Thakoon in New York where Batik was brought right up to date in a modern colour palette of navy and white.
With such importance placed on print this summer women have more than ever to choose from. There is something for every age, shape and style, as focus has firmly shifted way from shape and silhouette. It’s all about having fun with colour and pattern in the new season ahead.
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Dolce and Gabbana led the charge of the art school brigade at the international collections daubing everything from cocktail dresses to full length tulle gowns with Jackson Pollack’esque splashes of paint. Focus was placed firmly on colour and design so shapes were left simple, like this elegant and classic belted shift. It’s not a look for the faint hearted but be encouraged that with all the attention drawn towards the high impact print, less importance was placed on high maintenance hair and makeup, or complicated accessories.
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Floral prints erred on the side of hippy and botanical for spring as designers were influenced by the environment and nature. And no designer in the fashion industry is more eco-conscious than Stella McCartney, who sent ethereal floral printed chiffon dresses down the catwalk, against a backdrop of live organic vegetation. Gone were the delicate sprigs and dainty buds we saw on winter’s tea dress, replaced with colourful power blooms. To anchor all this flower power, shapes were simple and sleek with a ‘boho laid-back’ vibe.
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The most surprising print revival for summer was tie-dye. But, before you go searching for your 90’s global hyper colour t-shirt in the attic, consult the shows. This is tie-dye for the 21st century. At Diane Von Furstenberg we saw it in the shape of chic dip dye t-shirt dresses, perfect for summer holidays. It’s certainly not a look for the office but one that will easily take you from the pool to the beach to sunset cocktails – just swap the flip flops and sunglasses for gold sandals and a chunky cuff.
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Ethnic and tribal prints infused Matthew Williamson’s entire homecoming show at London Fashion Week. The graphic black and white Zebra-esque prints and colour popping batiks brought an exotic vibe to central London, and will spice up summer wardrobes too. What was modern and fresh about these prints now is that they reflected the wardrobe of a very modern woman – a globe-trotting magpie who takes inspiration from where ever she is in the world. Which also means shape and size will not dictate how you wear this trend. A splash of print on a neck scarf will nod to the trend just as well as a floaty summer dress.
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For your list of essential garments
to add to your wardrobe to make this Print look work, look
at Print in High street.
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