I recently attended Vogue’s preview of the Spring/Summer 2011 fashion trends on the designer top floor of Birmingham’s Selfridges.
After sipping champagne, trying on Louboutins, nibbling on delicious mini-desert canapés (the raspberry pavlova one was my personal fave), and liistening to a quirky guitar player serenaded the small, intimate crowd and I were seated for the show.
Selfridges Head of Press Sophie Henley introduced the event and welcomed British Vogue’s friendly American executive fashion editor Calgary Avansino, who looked stunning in a 3.1 Phillip Lim asymmetric nude sequined dress.
Here’s a round-up of the trends to watch for Spring/Summer 2011, as talked through by Calgary with each model’s look:
COLOUR- After a season of muted shades, a refreshing splash of colour is the biggest trend of the SS11 catwalks, with key colours being ‘tangerine’ and all shades of blue- particularly if worn together. Clashing is cool, as is wearing with crisp white (not exactly a bright gem-like colour but it brings out the vibrancy of other colours and is a classic summer staple). Conversely, nude is still in, but mix with brighter colours or metallics to bring it up-to-date. Victoria Beckham’s SS/11 collection below ROCKS the colour block trend (and the draping/pleating I’ll come to later!):
FLORAL- Prints inspired by nature embody springtime and can be worn throughout the season. Especially prevalent on the catwalks were floral maxi gowns worn with flats, but florals can be brought in subtly too for example through culottes and accessories. This Stella McCartney vintage-wallpaper-esque dress was my favourite in the whole show:
GATHERING/PLEATING- This season the technique of gathering or pleating fabric will be mega, but it will be artful and precise rather than Grecian, and will mostly be seen on dresses and skirts. Also big is dainty draping, which is best teamed with more structured pieces for an edgy contrast. See VB’s collection above for this kind of detailing.
SPORT LUXE- SS11’s modern take on sporty started in New York and is slick: think mesh and hi-tech fabrics, bandeau tops and racer backs. American baseball jackets are already all over the high street and are a more laid-back way to channel the trend.
ARTISAN CRAFTSMANSHIP- Homespun handicrafts add textured details; from appliqué, crochet and macramé to fringing, tassels and feathers. Modern craft is also a perfect look for the approaching festival season, and the handmade vibe is easily created through choice accessories.Stella McCartney’s stunning asymetric dress showcases this trend perfectly (and floral too!):
ACCESSORIES- Key shoe trends are patent, wedge and textured, and other fun accessories include costume hats, chunky cuffs, gym pant-style knickers and scarves (especially chic worn round the head).
HAIR- There are two main trends approaching this year; slick and sleek, or voluminous and curly. For the first look it has to be a centre parting, or scrape hair up into a top-knot. For the second look, almost anything goes, as long as it’s big and bouncy- think 70’s!
MAKE-UP- The focus for faces is on a clear complexion, with a ‘pop’ of colour either on eyes (purple is a big trend) or lips (ditto with red).
Other one-word trends to look out for: 70’s, stripes, backless and biker. The jacket of the season is the summer trench or mac, but biker jackets will also be huge.
Happy trend spotting!
