MATERIAL ADVANTAGE
Erdem at London Fashion Week ss18
WINNING TRENDS TO COVET
This summer, fashion flutters between fantasy and reconstructed classicism in the form of oversized jackets and blazers and long wide-leg pants. After an epically depressing year in politics, designers reacted in the only way they know how, with uplifting, colourful clothes (including plenty of hot pink and sugar-almond pastels), plus vibrant prints (especially the animal kind) and floral motifs in neon shades that are anything but the wallflower variety. Fashion seems to be riding a Prozac high. Easily adaptable trends to look out for include:
01 . Roar Power
The call of the wild echoes loud and clear with the return of snakeskin, tiger, leopard and zebra print. Opt for separates like long silk shirts nonchalantly tucked in up front and dangling behind over slim cropped jeans and a heeled metallic ankle boot, or emblazoned on an oversized suit jacket with fierce shoulder pads. Mixing and matching is now totally acceptable, so go all out and cross-breed species if you dare. The Iconic and ASOS have ample print styles to select from to suit all budgets.
For those loathe to fully commit, rest assured there is a solution: some of the season’s greatest accessories come in the spirit of the trend so you too can feel like the queen of the jungle. Pair a animal-printed V or round-neck tee with kick-flared cotton pants in a slimming dark tone and trainers, or strut Zimmermann’s new ankle snakeskin cowboy or kitten heel boots beneath a long slip dress to assert your feline prowess.
Also opt for faux fur animal print handbags or belts. My go-to for quality accessories is Frenchman, Jerome Dreyfuss. Each bag has a male name – intended to make the man in your life take second place to your coveted carry-all. Stock up on leopard pony calfskin handbags and slinky pouches for evenings out (his refreshing minty green rendition will set off chain reactions). My current favourite is his python baguette bag in iridescent rainforest shades for the festive season.
Song of Style wearing Zimmerman boots
Vestire’s Clemence Dress at The Iconic
Victoria wearing Victoria Beckham at London Fashion Week
Jerome Dreyfuss Bobi bag from Farfetch
Camilla and Marc Paloma dress
Ganni Silvery crepe wrap dress from Incu
Ginger + Smart Harmony dress
Zimmermann Tempest Frolic dress
02 . Potent blooms
Busy botanicals have turned into surprisingly sophisticated dresses. But the floaty seventies sweetness and charm stops there. Bright pop florals in small, fine prints are the go. For a modern arrangement, pair your dress with a black leather jacket in the evenings or trainers by day to decode their prissiness. Also look for modern edges including: asymmetrical hemlines, corseted waists, plus on trend billowy sleeves. And consider wearing a tee or even a long collared shirt in a contrasting colour under a fine chiffon or silk dress to steer it in a new direction. Where to buy? Head to Camilla and Marc for directional florals geared for evenings, Incu for Ganni’s sweet and flattering wrap dresses. With a focus on clever cuts and delicate prints, Zimmerman is the ultimate petal pusher.
TIPS:
- Avoid oversized floral patterns if you’re short or shapely because they often add a few pounds to your silhouette. Smaller flowers sprinkled all over your dress give more of a solid colour impression, working for most body types.
- Bright, bold colours and high-contrast colour combinations will draw more attention and potentially add more width to the figure compared with darker or more tonal combinations. If you’re conscious of this, opt for a navy or black base with coloured blooms scattered on top.
- If your wardrobe is filled with mostly solids, especially in dark colors, add a bright blooming separate. A sleeveless floral blouse could be a perfect accompaniment to your business suit while remaining professional. Or a bright floral sandal can enliven a long black pant or block-colour dress.
03 . Shore Thing
Seashells have metamorphosed from vacation throwaways to sartorial statements with an infinitely more grown-up, luxe vibe. In particular, solo cowrie shells dangling from lobes and clusters fluttering across necklines or adorning wrists with a simple tie are the choice du jour this summer. Trust me, this trend has come a long way since the puka necklace you bought on your childhood family holiday to Hawaii. Gold or silver settings or solid dippings amongst a string of natural shades instantly elevates their status from seashore sanctuary to soirée ready.
Visit Tohum Design for a full range of concha treasures and French jewellery designer Aurélie Biedermann, whose cowrie’s dipped in neon tropical hues hang solo from fine chins and dangle in clusters from colourful cotton and leather threads to add a splice of colour.
Tohum Design
Aurelie Biedermann