Trend #6 - Back to the 90s/70s

Well we are half way through already, only five more to go! Remember, if you want to read the original post, click here.

Back to the 90s/70s

Much to the dismay of many 90s and 70s victims, the looks of the decades are back. Bright colour pops, mix ‘n’ match denim, florals and graffiti t-shirt prints from the 90s 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.


Gucci


DKNY


Betsy Johnson


The 70s vibe brings high waisted wide-legged trousers, billowing tops, power dressing and platform wedges. If you are influenced by one trend this season, it'll be this one.


Marc Jacobs


Marc Jacobs


Anna Sui





Maria

Zandra Rhodes

I was lucky enough to attend a lecture with Zandra Rhodes last week. Admitedly I didn't know much about her other than the usual legendary fashion designer, CBE etc. but I found her lecture very insightful. I also found out a lot of things she's done in her extensive career.

She is not just a fashion designer, but began her career as a textile designer. And moreover, she was a major player in the punk era. Taking inspiration from all over the world, her designs are worn by royalty and celebrities alike. Some of her most famed work was worn by Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury.



More recently, she has designed costumes for the operas The Magic Flute, Les Pêcheurs de Perles and Aida in both the US and the UK and founded the Fashion and Textile Museum in London.

However, what I found the most amusing is that her hair hasn't always been pink but started off green and has gone through a sort of metamorphosis through the rainbow, briefly stopping at brown and then swiftly moving on to pink and staying there.


Zandra Rhodes is now chancellor at University for the Creative Arts.





Maria

Trend #5 - Psychedelic Wonderland

Psychedelic Wonderland

Technicolor fabrics, elements of dreams and a fantasy land, far from the restrictions of ordinary 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. This trend covers a wide range of fabrics, some with natural structure, like stiff cottons and some floaty and light-weight like chiffons.


Moschino


Stella McCartney


D&G


David Koma


Stella McCartney





Maria

Shopping for Vintage Gems on Brick Lane - Part Two

Following on from this post, I thought I'd show you a few more photos from the day and tell you about my new favourite vintage shop.


Metal plates on the pavement which I found out aren't actually as riddled in history as you may think. Click here to find out more.




My new favourite vintage shop - This Shop Rocks. Well worth a visit if you are ever in the area.




Clothes...


...accessories and...


...valentines cards!






A 1920s teddy, I was seriously tempted by this one but managed to restrain my wallet.


A bit of a dreary outfit for a dreary day.

Leonie wrote a wonderful post about the day so wander over to fatfreeyoghurt to read it!




Maria

Trend #4 - Architectural

Architectural

Companies are working on new material contrasts to unite practicality, style and comfort all in one fabric. 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 matte fabrics to give a sense of luxury. The illusion of plastic materials are evident. Metallic and multi-filament yarns add more of a futuristic yet practical feel to opulent and architectural styles. The pops of deep primary colours which blend into delicate pastels are key.


Versace


Byblos


Crystal Zhang


Giovanni Grillotti


Crystal Zhang





Maria

Trend #3 - Tribal

Tribal

A variety of tribal prints, leather, patterned crochet, feathers, deep coloured dyes, 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. Body painting and tattoos are back in fashion. Inspired by Indian and Aborigine culture, even celebrities are adorning their bodies with 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.


Missoni


Sass & Bide


Holly Fulton


Gucci


Dior



Maria

Reebok EasyTone - Week Two

WEEK TWO

I've been a bit lazy this week with regards to walking. And obviously less walking = less toning action. So I am still yet to see a difference, I'm hoping by kicking the exercise up a notch next week that I will see even a slight difference by the end of the week. However, although I don't notice a change in my body I am able to tell you about the actual trainers. I bought a white pair which may have been a bit risky considering the miserable English weather but I'm pretty pleased with how white they've remained. The plastic/leather fabric is very easy to clean with just warm water if they get muddy and there is minimal canvas.

Anyway, enough rambling for now, I'll keep you updated!







Maria

Trend #2 - Heritage

Heritage

With the recession came the need for security. People are reverting back to days gone by, by making do and mending used garments (possibly second hand/vintage) 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.


D&G


Justin Giunta


Lanvin


Rodarte


Erdem


Thom Brown





Maria

Recycled - Trend Report S/S 2011 - Terre á Terre

Back in February last year, I posted a trend report that I wrote for my fashion design course. I wrote it months before the S/S 2011 catwalk shows and way before designers even start to hint at their coming season. Now however, spring is just round the corner and we all have a pretty good idea of what we'll be wearing when the weather starts to warm-up. Looking back at my trend report, I'm happy to say that most of my statements turned out to be true. Some are a little exhagerated and some trends are missing, but over all, for my first trend report, I don't think it was too bad at all. So in the spirit of recyling, I am going to re-post my trend report but correcting a few bits and also showing you what pieces I was actually envisioning/talking about, all those months ago.

My plan is to post a trend a day for the next 10 days so first up, we have...

Terre á Terre

Rich browns, olive greens blended with muted beige, camel 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. 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.


DKNY


Versus


Roberto Cavalli


Dolce and Gabbana


Dolce and Gabbana


If you want to read the original post, click here.




Maria

Rebirth

I've decided for a bit of a Maria's Gaga make-over. I was a little tired with the last design so have changed everything to being a bit brighter and fresher.

However, although I like it, I want to hear what my readers think, since you are the ones that have to look at it. Do you prefer the new or old design?

Let me know!




Maria

Shopping for Vintage Gems on Brick Lane - Part One

I took a little trip into London today with Leonie from fatfreeyoghurt. We went for a gander along Brick Lane and found ourselves some lovely vintage shops. Now, I have a bit of a thing for vintage shops but I hate when they are cluttered. It makes me feel like I'm in a charity shop and when I am paying vintage prices, I expect more than the charity shop experience. However, I was pleasantly surprised with everywhere we went today - tidy, clean, organised and still reasonably priced. And I have to add that there wasn't a snooty sales assistant to be found.

As I was on the hunt to complete my French Connection/Louboutin ensemble (see post here) with some sort of purse/clutch, I was pleased to find a lovely late 50s ivory satin clutch bag with hand sewn sequins and beading on for half price - £12.50 - and considering I was mulling over whether to buy one from Primark at £6, I think I got a much better deal. It is a little bit grubby but nothing a cotton bud and some warm water won't fix and you can forgive a little wear and tear after 50 years, can't you?









I love the little post cards that boutiques display for customers to take home, I think it adds just that extra bit of service. These are a few pretty ones I picked up today.









Maria
PS. Come back tomorrow for some more photos of the day!