Trends straight from Paris
Anyone who is anyone in the fashion industry was in Paris this past week (and probably still is, partying with Les Grenouilles) for the Spring 2009 collections being presented.
Yohji Yamamoto, Givenchy, Elie Saab, Christian Lacroix, Giambattista Valli, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and many, many others offered up their latest collections on the runway. After much reviewing and drooling, I have categorized reoccurring similarities between collections and sure to be trends for the upcoming season.
The “Mullet Dress”
A huge fashion crime in the hair world (unless you're Garth from Wayne's World), a mullet is the ultimate no-no. Despite this, mega fashion houses such as Nina Ricci, Balmain, Elie Saab and Emanuel Ungaro among others debuted this look. A mini skirt in the front with a trail in the back may seem like a huge risk, but after seeing these fun frocks swish down the runway, they may become more common as a skirt version instead of an ‘80s hockey player's hair style.
Embellishment:
Nothing to be said about this look besides the more bejewelled, the better. Some stones offered a rock n' roll edginess, while other crystals created a whimsical feel.
Hosiery:
Just because winter's over, it doesn't mean your legs are free from stocking. Far more sheer this season, a range of colours and patterns ruled the runway. Lace, two-tone, dip-dyed... wear ‘em all.
Lace:
Thank you, Miucca Prada. This past Fall, Prada sent models down the runway wearing black and tan lace shift dresses that, for the first time in a very long time, looked trendy and fresh instead of like it came from your grandmother's closet. Who hadn't worn the dress since her grandmother's funeral. This spring, Wunderkind, A.F. Vandevorst, Antonio Berardi and other designer's followed the lead and also created lace dresses. These ones, however, come in a variety of colours and silhouettes.
Leather Jackets:
I am ridiculously happy this was a reoccurring runway trend this season because I love my leather jacket like none other. Cropped, biker, blazer-style, or bolero: take your pick; they're all trendy this season.
Military:
Although this has been an ‘it' trend for many seasons, it's now updated in the way it's incorporated into an ensemble. Last season, Gucci toughed up the military look with severe embellishments and dramatic colours. For Spring, military pieces are complementing flimsy and floaty dresses in feminine colours and shapes to create contrast and not have you confused with the Lieutenant Colonel.
Grecian:
Don't toss your gladiators from last summer just yet. One shoulder dresses paired with sky high gladiators are still popular. How to update: choose a fresh silhouette, like a body-hugging A-line dress instead of last Spring's boxy shifts.
Skinny jeans:
My favourite creative director at Barney's New York, Simon Doonan, openly admitted to underestimating the skinny jean trend. I'm glad, or else all those pilates classes would have gone to waste. Spring's hottest looks were leather and distressed denim.
Tuxedo-inspired:
If only the famous Yves Saint Laurent were around to see this trend, knowing he started it all with Le Smoking jacket. Fitted menswear blazers paired with blouses with ruffles and bows created an androgynous look that any boy or girl would love.
White and Black:
Lending a helping hand to the tuxedo trend, this classic combo can be seen beyond the tux. Graphic dresses and tops were glammed-up with metallic accessories. There is just something irresistibly chic about black and white when paired together; you can easily look put together with minimal effort.
Yohji Yamamoto, Givenchy, Elie Saab, Christian Lacroix, Giambattista Valli, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and many, many others offered up their latest collections on the runway. After much reviewing and drooling, I have categorized reoccurring similarities between collections and sure to be trends for the upcoming season.
The “Mullet Dress”
A huge fashion crime in the hair world (unless you're Garth from Wayne's World), a mullet is the ultimate no-no. Despite this, mega fashion houses such as Nina Ricci, Balmain, Elie Saab and Emanuel Ungaro among others debuted this look. A mini skirt in the front with a trail in the back may seem like a huge risk, but after seeing these fun frocks swish down the runway, they may become more common as a skirt version instead of an ‘80s hockey player's hair style.
Embellishment:
Nothing to be said about this look besides the more bejewelled, the better. Some stones offered a rock n' roll edginess, while other crystals created a whimsical feel.
Hosiery:
Just because winter's over, it doesn't mean your legs are free from stocking. Far more sheer this season, a range of colours and patterns ruled the runway. Lace, two-tone, dip-dyed... wear ‘em all.
Lace:
Thank you, Miucca Prada. This past Fall, Prada sent models down the runway wearing black and tan lace shift dresses that, for the first time in a very long time, looked trendy and fresh instead of like it came from your grandmother's closet. Who hadn't worn the dress since her grandmother's funeral. This spring, Wunderkind, A.F. Vandevorst, Antonio Berardi and other designer's followed the lead and also created lace dresses. These ones, however, come in a variety of colours and silhouettes.
Leather Jackets:
I am ridiculously happy this was a reoccurring runway trend this season because I love my leather jacket like none other. Cropped, biker, blazer-style, or bolero: take your pick; they're all trendy this season.
Military:
Although this has been an ‘it' trend for many seasons, it's now updated in the way it's incorporated into an ensemble. Last season, Gucci toughed up the military look with severe embellishments and dramatic colours. For Spring, military pieces are complementing flimsy and floaty dresses in feminine colours and shapes to create contrast and not have you confused with the Lieutenant Colonel.
Grecian:
Don't toss your gladiators from last summer just yet. One shoulder dresses paired with sky high gladiators are still popular. How to update: choose a fresh silhouette, like a body-hugging A-line dress instead of last Spring's boxy shifts.
Skinny jeans:
My favourite creative director at Barney's New York, Simon Doonan, openly admitted to underestimating the skinny jean trend. I'm glad, or else all those pilates classes would have gone to waste. Spring's hottest looks were leather and distressed denim.
Tuxedo-inspired:
If only the famous Yves Saint Laurent were around to see this trend, knowing he started it all with Le Smoking jacket. Fitted menswear blazers paired with blouses with ruffles and bows created an androgynous look that any boy or girl would love.
White and Black:
Lending a helping hand to the tuxedo trend, this classic combo can be seen beyond the tux. Graphic dresses and tops were glammed-up with metallic accessories. There is just something irresistibly chic about black and white when paired together; you can easily look put together with minimal effort.
