London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 saw a wide variety of unique looks, colors, and patterns. From black is back to sports bras and 100% see-through dresses, here is a list of ten trends we should be anticipating for the upcoming spring/summer:
BLACK ON BLACK
Designers: Margaret Howell, Marques Almeida, McQ Alexander McQueen, Haizhen Wang, Christopher Raeburn
While New York Fashion Week SS15 saw the likes of white on white layering, it looks like black is back for our friends across the pond. Several runways showcased head-to-toe black ensembles for next spring/summer, which is great since black is such a chic, slimming, and versatile color. With black jackets, skirts, pants, and dresses, you’ll be able to wear black for any occassion!
DECONSTRUCTED CAMOUFLAGE
Designers: Mary Katrantzou, Antonio Berardi, Erdem, Jasper Conran, Danielle Romeril
Military camouflage was made so that soldiers could easily blend into their surroundings, making it difficult for the enemy to identify where they are. A new idea that came out of London’s runway shows was the idea of dismantling the universally recognized pattern, and appropriating the same earthy colors of camouflage– moss greens, sandy tans, cedar browns — onto different patterns: trees, beads, globs of paint. And the results are a number of fun, feminine garments that are camouflage with a twist.
GRAPHIC PRINTS
Designers: Burberry Prorsum, Giles, Sibling, Ashish, Issa
From all the bold and daring patterns we saw in several of this year’s collections, it’s evident that printed graphics and texts are definitely making a come-back. Not only do these graphics come in all sorts of bright colors, but they’re also reminisicent of pop art. There’s also something very retro and mod about the shape of the garments giving a not-so-subtle nod to the 60s.
IRIDESCENT/SHINE
Designers: Giles, Tom Ford, Antonio Berardi, Peter Pilotto, Richard Nicoll
Many designers blended iredescent fabrics to illuminate a diversity of silvery-metallic colors for the upcoming spring. Using fabrics like chiffon and tulle, the color of these garments change hues depending on what angle you’re seeing them from. Echoing New York’s futuristic theme, there’s a somewhat futuristic undertone with the metallic surfaces of these garments; it’s a playful interpretation of the otherworldiness of the future.
RENAISSANCE REVIVAL
Designers: John Rocha, Erdem, KTZ, Bora Aksu, Marchesa
Another trend we saw in London Fashion Week is the revival of renaissance with a modern twist. In the renaissance, people dressed to impress; the textiles you wore and the construction of your clothes signified your socioeconomic status, and the more elaborate the better. While these garments were typically made with thicker and heavier fabrics, designers turned to tulle, mesh, and other light fabrics to recreate the lofty skirts and have them fit for spring/summer weather.
SPORTY BRA TOPS
Designers: Margaret Howell, Nasir Mazhar, Richard Nicoll, Sibling, David Koma
STRIPES
Designers: Antonio Berardi, See by Chloe, Temperley London, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
Ever since Coco Chanel introduced the Breton sailor’s stripes to the fashion world in 1917, stripes might be one of, if not the most, timeless pattern in fashion. From casual, laid-back looks to more bold and eccentric styles, stripes are also one of the more adaptable patterns, making it quite easy to wear for all occassions. Take a look at London Fashion Week, where we saw thick stripes, skinny stripes, and stripes that drape diagonally across the body.
LEATHER
Designers: Tom Ford, J.W. Anderson, Joseph, Haizhen Wang, Christopher Kane
From our shoes to our handbags, leather is a textile that never seems to go out of style. What is different about leather for next season is the idea of wearing all-leather ensembles. Much like the suede trend in New York Fashion Week, we’re seeing leather in everything, from leather jackets to leather crop tops, skirts, dresses, pants, and they’re all styled together, which makes for an edgy and daring look.
TRANSPARENT
Designers: Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Simone Rocha, Topshop Unique
While sheer to almost completely transparent fabrics are often seen on the runway, London designers withheld all reservations for spring/summer 2015, and sent models down the runway in completely see-through garments. Coinciding with the popular “Free the Nipple” campaign, a U.S. movement against female oppression and censorship, it looks like London might also be in support of no longer having to hide womens’ nipples. Using the standard construction of a dress, designers switched out regular fabrics with sheer ones to create a look that is wildly fearless and feminine.
ANGULAR & ASYMMETRIC
Designers: David Koma, Jasper Conran, Antonio Berardi, Mary Katrantzou, Jean-Pierre Braganza
