Trend Report S/S 2011

This past month has been busy to say the least. College work has been non-stop and I've also been occupied with University applications.

So as I've been super busy, I've also been super busy writing. Below is my shortened (yes, really!) version of a trend report I wrote last week for Spring/Summer 2011. I hope you enjoy reading about what trends you'll be wearing next year!

Spring/Summer 2011 is a season of practicality with a down-to-earth feel. Gone are the days of throw-away fashion with people buying investment pieces that will take them through several seasons ahead. With muted colours and toned down appliqués, pieces will stand the test of time. People are opening their eyes to the issue of globalism and are becoming more conscious of where fashion comes from. There is now a demand for garments made from eco-friendly and recycled fabrics in an attempt to make the fashion world green. This season will create looks that extend the boundaries of recognised groups and become a new breed of ‘’non-classable’’ pieces. However, it is not all so revolutionary. The nautical trend is being brought forward from 2010 as well as the androgynous look (so hang on to those blazors!). The whole 90s looks including mix and match denim and crop tops will also be back. Because of the recovering economy, consumers are choosing garments will multiple uses; a dress that can be worn for work and play, a jumper that can be worn for rest or a dinner. Society is moving forward from the depression of 2009 and is ready to move on in a colourful way.

Terre á Terre (Down to Earth)

Rich browns, olive greens blended with muted beige and faded pastel colours. This is where the eco-fabrics really come into play. Designers are choosing recycled fabrics to help clear the conscience of the fashion world. Knits are being made from Merino wools, cashmere and cottons rather than synthetics and soft leathers and suedes are the chosen fabrics for jackets. Patterns in general are influenced by the beauty of flora and fauna and linings and subtle details will be adorned with bright floral patterns. Aqua colours are a big influence on fabric colours with all shades of turquoise, blue with hints of silver and white. A general vibe of ‘’floating’’ is brought to garments with fabrics like chiffon, silk and buttery satins. With a new attitude of ‘’save the planet’’, designers are taking inspiration from the Amazon rainforest which brings forth a whole spectrum of colours.

Heritage

With the recession came the need for security. People are reverting back to days gone by, by making do and mending used garments to save money but also to satisfy their craving to feel safe and comfortable. Knitting needles and needle-point are hobbies coming back into fashion being taken on by the younger generation. But with people spending less on clothes, they are spending more money on accessories to update their look. An ethnic vibe is sweeping through jewellery – feathers on earrings, tiger tooth necklaces – subconsciously, people want to get back to a more simple and less materialistic way of life whilst still maintaining their own style. The Heritage trend holds the widest range of colours from deep reds to mustard and from navy to nudes. From the Heritage trend comes a subtle topic of equestrian. Horse motifs, swishy patterns, leather, and Indian inspired patterns are all apparent in both accessories and clothing. The most popular materials will be a blend of cotton and viscose for practicality, wools and denim.

Tribal

A variety of tribal prints, leather, patterned crochet, deep coloured dyes, dirtied fabric, battered denim, patchwork and tassel details are widely seen in the garment world. Cashmere, extra-fine Merino wools and organic cottons are all important fabrics in the Tribal trend. This next thing is definitely going to be the next big thing – body painting. Inspired by Indian and Aborigine culture, even celebrities are adorning their bodies with stick-on tattoos, henna tattoos and body paint. High-end designers like Chanel are designing there own and there is no doubt that everyone will be doing it by Spring/Summer 2011.

Architectural

Companies are working on new material contrasts to unite practicality, style and comfort all in one piece. The minimalistic look inspired by a new breed of architecture is being brought to women’s wear with clean lines, light colour palettes and a very obvious presence of white. White exaggerates not only natural fibres but also colour contrasts and the femininity of the body. The way in which we shop is changing; we are forced to reconsider the norm, meaning our tastes are being re-evaluated. On one hand we have the asymmetrical look but on the other, mathematical symmetry and simple geometric shapes are also apparent. The basic shapes are being dramatised by blending shiny and matt fabrics to give a sense luxury. The illusion of paper and plastic materials are evident. Metallic and multi-filament yarns add more of a futuristic yet practical feel to opulent and architectural styles. The appearances of deep blues which blend into delicate pastels are key.

Psychedelic Wonderland

Technicolor fabrics, elements of dreams and a fantasy land, far from the restrictions of society. People want to get away from depressing themes like the economy and escape from reality. Abstract prints, combining trends, structurally shaped garments that still perform a function without compromising on the enchantment of it. This trend covers a wide range of fabrics, some with natural structure, like stiff cottons and some floaty and light-weight like chiffons. With the imminent release of Tim Burton’s ‘’Alice in Wonderland’’, designers are taking note.

Back to the 90s

Much to the dismay of many 90s victims, the looks of the decade are back. Crop tops, mix ‘n’ match denim and graffiti t-shirt prints have all been updated to become an important trend for this season. Battered, stone-washed, ripped, torn and scraped denim are the most evident style of jeans and wearing it with a denim jacket will be a popular look.

Androgynous

Men’s tailoring elements in women’s tailoring – angular-shaped suits, straight legged suit trousers. Blazers are worn to cover up a floral, feminine dress making the silhouette more masculine and less curved. Regular suiting colours (navy, black, beige) are still evident but are teamed with perhaps a colourful, patterned lining or button details.

Sports-luxe

The barrier between casual wear and sportswear is being broken down. Sportswear is becoming something people not only wear at the gym but at home too. The same is the case with casual wear; it is less pyjama-like and more presentable to wear outside of the home. Also, work wear has undertaken an air of sport with sleek lines, stream-lined details and more relaxed fabrics. Jerseys, cottons and knits are replacing more expensive fabrics like satin and linen. This all goes back to the longing of comfort and security.

Back to the Future

This is where accessories come into play. Bags and shoes carry a sense of futuristic style with odd and unlikely shapes used in heels and handles and metallic colours being a main colour trend. This is the most impractical trend and branching out from the need to be comforted. Revolutionary new fabrics are being used to create a modern feel and mix-and-match geometric shapes are the key feature of designs.

Underwear as Outerwear

This trend has already swept through the fashion world all the way back from 2009. Celebrities were the first to take on the trend but now it is filtering down to the mass market. It is becoming more acceptable to wear a black bra, visible through a lace transparent top or an asset-enhancing corset although it is not for the faint hearted. Another style from this trend is the high-waisted hot pant made from a variety of fabrics from leather to sequined cotton.

So there it is. It may seem a little premature to be writing about S/S 2011 already, but designers are already looking ahead to then. The colours of the season are decided even earlier than that - 3 years before, so for a fashion student, it's key to know what is going on (and what will be going on) in the world around us.

I have many more entries to post so keep checking back in the next few days to stay updated :)

Loveness,
Maria
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