Fashion feature: Spring 2008 trends and ‘best of’ the designers
By: Alexa Williamson
As any creative and kinda It-sy girl, who appreciates beautiful things, will notice, this season’s trends and creations have some stunning items and others, which of course you can’t help but wonder why they were ever created.
So here’s my take** on the upcoming UK trends and strong designers this time around.
The trends:
* Abstract designs (as per image below) – as if someone did a bit of Jackson Pollack slap-dash.
* Voluminous, flouncy and short, skater-type skirts – with pleats or without, knee-length being the longest.
* Safari wear - various khaki, beige and cream items (mainly belted, trench-coat type tops and some skirts, trousers and shorts) .
* Shades of violet – one of the few things I didn’t cringe at this season, with the end result being many pretty-coloured dresses.
* All-in-ones – suddenly dungarees (aka overalls in American English) and things that zip down the front are popular. Why? They get half a star for being easy to wear – and that’s it.
* Floral patterns – these never truly go away and are back with a vengeance this year. Be afraid, be very afraid…
* Ethnic fashion – you may see random Indian, American Indian, African, Middle Easter, Japanese, etc pieces popping up in all the A-list department stores.
Polka dots, stripes and ‘stars and stripes’ – the designers have lost their heads with these overly busy patterns incorporating all three things named. The only good piece from this trend is by Stefano Pilati for Yves St Laurent – a top made of black/dark blue stars cut from what looks like crystal.
Sheer layers – lots of muslin, chiffon and organza floating over various creations.
Lingerie as clothing – corsets, skimpy satin things and bloomers have suddenly become normal outfits – um, on what planet though? (Some innovative stuff, but the general public will think that you’ve forgotten to finish dressing.)
‘Warrior’ dresses – some interesting necklines that look like they’re from the Amazon or gladiatorial Rome (which are accessorised with thick belts and lace-up shoes).
Strong designers this season***:
* Miu miu – clever and fun ‘short’ stuff – particularly skater skirts, and also some nice bloomers that slide nicely into the lingerie style.
* Gianfranco Ferre – some great, long, flowing gowns and awesomely innovative top -and-trouser ensembles.
* Calvin Klein – for their well cut suits – simplicity amongst this season’s disarray is literally a much appreciated sight for sore eyes.
* Hermes - fab if you’re looking for elegant ‘safari’ and ‘ethnic’ ware.
And finally…
* Bottega Veneta – high class elegance in all pieces from this season’s collection shows why they are a worldwide icon that can demand high prices.
Plus the fashion accessory I recommend for this season:
* Any of Chloé‘s black, classic, Paddington bags.
Further information:
Style.com – to view all of these designers – and many others’ current collections. Also, a huge and comprehensive site, in general, which is well worth a visit.
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* That’s how I perceive fashion, – as “wearable art” – and I swear to you I didn’t take this straight out of Devil Wear’s Prada. I was actually an art history major at university ; )
** I get complimented a lot on what I wear so promise not to lead you astray. As a further testament to my ‘good taste’ this is an example of something I would never wear or recommend anyone to wear. Doesn’t matter that it’s by Dolce & Gabbana, looking like a bizarrely coloured meringue with legs is always ‘out’.
NB: This photo is by Marcio Madeira. I looked everywhere for a link to this photo as I don’t want to ‘steal’ it (and despise that kind of thing). However, I would like to prove a point, so I’m very sorry if I’ve acted wrongly and if you’d like this photo removed from this blog, please leave a comment and will do so immediately.
*** Or moreover, those who don’t embarass themselves.
