Fashion Week Micro Trends

All this week I'll be taking a second look at those trends to come out of London, Paris, Milan and New York Fashion Week's.

Both the bigger trends and the micro trends (those only with a beady discerning eye might have spotted) will be scrutinised with an eye to how these might translate to the high street and beyond...Hope you enjoy my edit!

Perhaps inspired by the grandiose set designs at Paris Fashion Week last season or the phenomenon that is Downton Abbey, the London catwalks saw a resurgence of elegant, period style dresses for S/S 13.

Examples included ultra feminine lattice appliqués, embroideries and diaphanous fabrics fit for a princess at Temperley London. Floor length gowns in sheer silk organza's, printed dresses with puff sleeves were popular at Bora Aksu and across at John Rocha in delicate tones of china blue and blush pink. Meanwhile, London’s Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and the British royal garden provided stimulation for Corrie Nielsen and Vivienne Westwood respectively.

A fast and easy was to convey a designer’s vision for the season, the slogan T-shirt was used to great effect on the LFW catwalks this season. First up me Acne with ‘Music’ – claiming that the soundtrack played in their studio is a major contributor to the design process and final result of each collection’s mood. More comical stylings came from Asish with sequin emblazoned sweaters spelling out ‘I’m Serious and Tres Fatigue whilst Henry Holland simply went with ‘Bitchin’.

Tropical shades of Lemon, Orange, Lime and sunset red were hot tones this season found on the catwalk, seeing fashion embrace a tropical colour palette without the matching print. Jasper Conran showed flame red and orange designs, especially across pretty and wearable sun dresses. Jenny Packham meanwhile chose the high octane colour for her high glamour pieces, especially sheath dresses with sequin or embellished detailing. New designer label Willow followed suit with a few orange designs making a statement across its otherwise restrained pastel palette. Others going crazy for orange-ade included Temperly London, Zoe Jordan, Fyodor Golan and PPQ.

 

Midriff baring crop tops were another hit this season, reaching all the sporty notes but with a luxe edge. Crop tops at Zoe Jordan, Mark Fast and Jonathan Saunders were all teamed with mid length skirts in metallic or silky fabrics for a grown up and glam feel. We were told that a cover-up’s were essential however as blazers and waistcoats kept things structured and pulled the look together.