This report is compiled by Melissa Dick
Romance
There was love in the air at the spring summer shows,
as many designers seemed in a whimsical and romantic mood.
Pretty, nostalgic and even hippie themes returned after
an androgynous, minimal and grungy winter. From the theatrical but
enchanting notions of femininity at Alexander McQueen to the fragile
layers of pretty tulle and chiffon at Louis Vuitton, there was a
lightness of touch to many collections as a modern pretty look emerged.
Layers, ruffles and billowing chiffon were in abundance
and the palette was predominantly neutral as beige, rose pink, oyster
and white were punctuated with shots of silver and gold.
|
At Louis Vuitton
in Paris, Marc Jacobs unveiled a collection that was cute, pretty,
uncomplicated and refreshing.
Anoraks made from mattress ticking sat a top layered tulle skirts
and cropped pants and drawstring details mingled perfectly with
Victoriana puff sleeves and muslin underpinnings.
By splicing casual with romantic, and sporty with pretty, with
a touch of humour by way of checked nylon laundry bags (the ‘Down
town’), thrown in for good measure, Jacobs created a modern
pretty theme that will keep this brand at the head of it’s
game in the youth market this summer.
(Expect the down town bag to be one of this summers ‘it’
bags amongst young Hollywood’s A- list from Lindsay Lohan
to Mischa Barton)
|
|
|
At Chloe in Paris,
the pretty but cool design aesthetic created by Phoebe Philo continued.
Cute frill front blouses and high waisted A- line skirts are what
this brand does best and for spring there were plenty. Cute flower
motifs encircled buttons and pretty chiffon sleeves were ruffled
and short. These are Sunday best dresses for the delicate of frame,
but this will be an important silhouette this year as most women
will find an A line shape more flattering than last years tulip,
egg or pencil. In addition pretty smock style blouses will be our
most versatile wardrobe staple adding a retro femininity when tucked
into wide leg denims, a top skinny jeans or with a pretty summer
skirt.
Note that skirts and dresses are super short and we’ll all
be feeling a little dated in anything knee length by July. Before
you panic –the last thing designers and retailers want is
racks of unsold un wearable minis - so anything short will be balanced
with volume, which means legs will be on show but tummy’s
and bottoms are hidden - phew! When worn with opaque tights and
high, slightly heavy shoes, this can be a flattering look for us
all. (Though it is still important to keep sleeves cropped showing
the slim forearm and those with a large bust should tread carefully
and choose a waisted A line silhouette rather than a trapeze that
flares from your widest part.)
|
At YSL in Paris
a catwalk made of live flowerbeds proved treacherous for even the
most experienced models that managed to keep their cool and avoid
falling in 3-inch platform heels. Pleated chiffon gowns came in
violet or were printed with delicate and pretty sprig floral motifs.
Shorter voluminous halter neck styles looked like puffs of cloud
and long floor sweeping gowns were light and flyaway.
The maxi length gown is shaping up to be one of summers biggest
hits and was seen everywhere from Valentino to Gucci. It will be
a welcome change to the mini if your legs aren’t up to the
job and illustrates beautifully the other side of summer’s
pretty romantic theme that teeters towards the hippie folk look.
|
|
|
Gucci
This time around the romantic hippie look is chic and deluxe as
craft meets couture to create a feminine first class look fit for
the A list, jet set. Polish is more important than pretty and any
crafty details take a back seat for a more deluxe finish. This summer
wear pretty floor length dresses and floral or hippie prints with
jewel encrusted flip-flops and huge metallic leather shoppers for
the ultimate deluxe romantic summer look.
|
For your list of essential garments
to add to your wardrobe to make this Romance look work, look at
Romance in High street.
|
|
