Well we made it through an entire month of runway shows from around the world. With Paris Fashion Week officially ending on Wednesday it is time to talk about the trends. It is always fun to guess which trends will stick around once springtime actually comes and exactly how they will translate into the mass market—as some will never actually see the sales floor. Could you imagine if we all started wearing Alexander McQueen facemasks? It looks great on the runway, but there is not doubt that is where it will stay.The more wearable trends that we saw at the spring 2012 were in plenty and this year it seemed that no matter which country they were in designers were all on the same page.
Alberta Ferretti/Donna Karen
The tribal trend has been on the radar for quite sometime now, but this season it was all about the African print. Alberta Ferretti was specifically inspired by Zulu tribal prints. This trend will be easy to incorporate with accessories like scarves and bangles, as well as print dresses and tops.
Luca Luca/Philip Lim
Sorbet colors were huge on the spring runways. Models sported sweet shades of orange, purple, and greens. Though not my favorite color palette it was a nice change from the acid and neon hues of last season.
Ralph Lauren/Gucci
The roaring 20s made a comeback both on American soil and around the world. Ralph Lauren gave us a literal take on the idea with trousers, pin striped suits, and bias-cut dresses while Gucci modernized the look with chic black and gold flapper dresses.
Chanel/Versace
One of my favorite themes, that I hope and pray will make a huge splash come next year, was the oceanic motifs seen at Chanel, McQueen, and Versace… I’m a sucker for anything nautical. The designers gave us whimsical sea nymphs, literal shell prints, and iridescent seaweed.
Valentino/Erdem/Dolce and Gabbana
Last but certainly not least it seems that ladylike fashion has finally made its first appearance in what seems like decades. I’m not sure if it was the notably heavy influence of the 1950s or the fact that people just want “real” clothing again (you know the kind you can wear more than once and certainly for more than one season). Many of the designers did an amazing job at creating pretty and feminine collections, but among my favorites were Erdem, Valentino, and Dolce and Gabbana.
Now that it is all said and done, what trends do you hope to see make it to your favorite boutique?
By Kristianne Young
Photos: style.com
