SCENIC LANDSCAPES
Wearable art, as in scenic landscapes printed on jackets, blouses, and trousers, was seen all over at Milan’s Spring 2019 shows. A scenery stamped across a double-breasted jacket was a highlight at Prada’s Spring 2019 show. Vivetta did a more playful take, evoking childlike elation using pastels on lace. In like manner, a printed a sanctuary of pale tangerine-colored roses, which are particular to summertime bloom, was seen on a denim three-piece ensemble at MSGM.
STAMPED OUT
Extravagant prints are an Italian thing. From Roberto Cavalli‘s famous animal-printed stamps on monochromatic looks to Stella Jean’s layering of different colored prints on mid-length ruffled skirts, a lavish extravaganza of prints defined the Italian fashion houses this season. Nothing less expected: joyful drama and upbeat glamour are in Italy’s fashion DNA.
POCKETS FOR DAYS
Spring 2019 will be the season of utility and fashion. Pockets as decor is a thing of the past – they’re now oversized and zippered. Fendi did them in plush faux-fur while other designers such as Alberta Ferretti and Iceberg chose sporty-street fabrics, think denim and jersey. Maybe its time to leave the purse at home? Pockets come with extra-protective closures and can fit the largest of belongings.
LIFE IN PLASTIC
A 90s pop-star presence was felt this September at Milan: vinyl was the it fabric. No. 21 sent down a number (no pun intended) reminiscent of Britney Spears‘ iconic “Oops…I did it again” video, except this time it was a doll-like A-line ruffled dress instead of a jumpsuit. Fendi used plastic fabric in a more standard way: raincoats. They were detailed with tan leather pockets and trimmings for the Fendi aesthetic and high-end effect.
THE ISLAND OF CAPRI
The hem for summer shorts is no longer mini but just above the knee. The trend of lycra gym capris paired with formalwear (take running shorts paired with blazers as an example) that erupted in streetwear and is endorsed by reality stars– Kim K in particular– has made it all the way up and adapted for high-end design houses. It’s not the first time designers have taken inspiration from the lower tiers of fashion; they usually resort to culture, and at this point in time, trends are set by influencers.
BOXY OUTERWEAR
Everyone needs a little sixties glamour in their life, no matter the year. Box-like structures and shoulders have been making a way back to runways for decades–the classic and timeless silhouette is something that fashion can’t get away or enough from. There’s something about a bold structure that’s both: classic and contemporary at the same time.