I attended the Birmingham Harvey Nichols fantastic Spring Summer 2011 Fashion Show last week. Sipping Champers on the VIP front-row seats by the red-carpeted catwalk in designer haven Harvey Nics, I felt every inch the non-student, especially clutching my free goodie bag (including two bottles of Harvey Nichols wine– yay vino!)
However, the trends as interpreted by Birmingham HN staff can be done on a student budget, and I’m about to show you how!
First up- 70’s Glamour
A huge trend for SS11 harks back to the time of free love and hippy chic. These flared jeans were a key player, often teamed with tailored shirts, and the models’ huge crimped hair as done by celebrity stylist Royston Blythe channelled the 70s vibe effortlessly. Flashes of red sole were the order of the day (Mr. Louboutin you genius) as were chunky wedges- great with the flare.
J Brand love story bell bottom jeans £210
This New Look version are only £27.99 and capture the same flared trend and dark washed denim for a similar 70s feel…
New Look Belted Flared jean, £27.99
Next up, the delicious male models (more on them later!) showcased Trailer Trash and Summer Rock– ??- mixed distressed denims with stud detailing were worn with white Converse or Toms slip-ons and casual T-shirts were paired with nude trousers and shorts. Coloured hoodies were an easy-to wear take on male colour blocking- another huge trend for SS11, for example this blue hoodie from Republic…
Fabric Ashland Hoody £29.99
The colourful variety of Liquorice Allsorts was female colour block at it’s best- vibrant jewel-toned dresses like this blue Paul Smith number… are an easy way to hit the nail on the head, but the trend can also be done using brightly coloured accessories, like this Wallis colour block bangle or these too-cute Fashion Union wedges…
Criss Cross Cork Wedges £22
Swimwear and Beachwear was the theme of the next collection- Bare Necessities and Beach Bums. Cue hot semi-naked male models and sashaying bikini-clad ladies which caused a bit of a stir in the audience! For obvious reasons it was difficult to focus on their clothing, but bright colours, clean whites and flirty ruffles were the basics, plus quirky trilbys, floaty katfans and stunning floral cover-ups, like this one from Very (modelled by Twiggy!)…
Very, £49
Desert Queen saw a distinct colour pallate of khaki, camel, nude and beige plus animal prints and stacked bangles. Think fashionista on safari and you’ve got it! A sporty practicality came through from the vests, cropped cargo trousers and flattering draping, but the glam factor shone trough in killer heels and hot sunglasses. I personally loved these awesome Camilla Skovgaard sculpural heels shown below…
Then the sexy men looked even sharper in Dolce & Gabbana’s sleek SS11 colllection- think high-end sportswear with polished accents like metallic thread and the D&G metal logo to the left back pocket.
Next up was Florals. As previously mentioned in the Selfridges SS11 Preview, florals are always a winner for Spring/Summer; they’re girly, summery and feminine, plus look beautiful printed on silky fabrics like thisglorious Roberto Cavalli dress (my favourite in the whole show)…
On the high street, the floral trend is easy to replicate. Look for sumptuos fabrics and billowing material for a more expensive feel, like this colourful floral silk dress from Very, and this Banana Republic top…
South oriental print tunic, £59
Banana Republic, £45
The next two trends showcased were Soft Tailoring for the boys- sharp dark suits and subtle texture softened with funky T-shirts, rolled-up sleeves and lighter trousers, and Clinical Elegance for the girls- white, white, white! The final collection was Night Crawlers– men about town looking dark, delicious and dapper! Shiny pointed shoes and a sneaky bit of sparkle or decadent velvet added a shine to the dark palette. Check these pics for a sense of these trends…
(Note- the drool-worthy Mulberry Bayswater bag in nude above- one day I will own one!)
Now all that’s left is to find mroe student-purse friendly pieces that encapsulate the SS11 key trends, and no-one needs to know they’re from H and M and not Harvey Nichols!
