The world of fashion operates at least six months ahead and the Spring Summer 2015 runway shows took place back in September.
At the start of this new calendar year, Spring Summer seems a long way off. But on a dark, cold day, it’s good to look ahead to longer, milder days. Within weeks, after the snowdrops have faded, the first daffodils will make a tentative appearance followed by the cherry blossom of April easing us gently, ever forwards, towards summer holidays. It’ll be here quicker than we think.
My column in January's issue of Aspire Magazine takes a look at the upcoming trends for the new season.
As always, here is a slightly different version adapted for my blog, looking at dresses and jumpsuits available on the high street and inspired by designer catwalks. Several are in the sale and could be styled to wear now.
During the action packed fashion weeks of New York, London, Milan and Paris, there was an abundance of new silhouettes, cuts and fabrics. Almost a sense of anything goes.
The seventies seemed to be the decade with the greatest influence. Laid back yet luxurious bohemian styles included flowing maxi dresses.
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| Mango @ John Lewis £69.99 |
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| True Decadence @ John Lewis £80 |
In contrast, high shine metallic and one-shouldered minis gave a high energy disco feel. Very Saturday Night Fever.
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| Ariella Courtney @ John Lewis £125 reduced to £50 |
Jumpsuits have enjoyed a resurgence for several seasons now, but this season, shapes are more utilitarian, having taken inspiration from industry. From fighter pilot to technician, the jumpsuit has an edge.
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| Snake Print Jumpsuit, Whistles @ John Lewis, Was £170, now £85 |
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| Utility Jumpsuit, Whistles @ John Lewis £225 |
Beautifully feminine white lace dresses on the runway came courtesy of Valentino, Chloe and Louis Vuitton. They were as demure as they were sensual. The semi-transparency of lace showed bare skin, but subtly.
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| Coast, £150 reduced to £95 |
Equally feminine and very ethereal were soft tulle ballerina style tutu skirts in shades of dusky pink.
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| Cecelia Chiffon Dress, Fever, reduced to £35.99 |
In contrast to the softness of white and pink came a plethora of black. See through inserts, cut out panels, lace and mesh added interest and a hint of suggestion; while high necks and skirts that fell well below the knee ensured these designs maintained modesty.
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| Somerset by Alice Temperley £160 |
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| French Connection Valentine Dress @ John Lewis £75 |
Perhaps also as an ode to the ballet and in homage to the Black Swan, blackfeathers and beadingwere seen on dresses from several design houses. Definitely something of the night about them.
Pop Art and Polka Dots made an appearance on several catwalks. With bold colours and patterns reminiscent of Lichtenstein’s art, and with over-sized, sometimes three dimensional monochrome polka dots, these will be the head-turners.
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| Max Studio £65 |
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| Damsel in a Dress £104 |
Khaki hit the catwalks four decades ago and has become a fashion classic. This summer will see it in a variety of styles from edgy military silhouettes (Marc Jacobs) to Out of Africa Safari Chic (Ralph Lauren).
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| Chesca Jersey Print Chiffon Dress @ John Lewis £199 |
Other recurring trends included monochrome, gingham and perhaps the most ubiquitous of summer trends- nautical.
Love Liz x