We keep reading about the need for colour blocking this season, but what exactly is it? Our runway expert Nikki Dhaliwal gives us the down low on what trends you need to follow from the Spring/Summer 2011 Ready to Wear shows. Not all of us can afford a Chloé dress, so pull up this guide on your smart phone the next time you’re out at your favourite shops, and look out for these trends.
Fashion forecast:
Alberta Ferretti
Doing exactly what Ferretti does best; her collection was a tale of romanticism and femininity. From the soft, floral, chiffon gowns to the lace and crochet smocks.
Balmain
Christophe Decarnin delivered rock n roll glamour. The models strode the runway in leather biker jackets, bleached denim to the worn in look of holey t-shirts to the torn fishnets to compliment the complete look of a rock chic returning from a late night concert.
Blumarine
The 70s and animal prints set in vibrant pastel or neutral hues was the forefront of the show. The mini-dresses, tunics, kaftans, and flaring trousers were paired with lots of colourful bangles and fringed bags.
Bottega Veneta
Tomas Maier’s collection featured: sporty, soft, sheer, minimalistic elegance in a neutral palette. The tailored suits were light and airy along with the A-line dresses.
Burberry Prorsum
Christopher Bailey combined sexiness whilst still paying homage to Burberry’s classic heritage. The trademark trench coats were shrunken into a mini biker jackets which were paired with skin tight leather leggings and short ruffle dresses. Accents of bright colour featured the waist clinching belts and clutches.
Celine
Phoebe Philo’s collection was dominated by minimalism pieces of white, ivory and other soft subtle shades but also with the occasional sporty look, perfect for a relaxed summer mood.
Chloé
Minimalism was at the forefront of this collection from the neutral leotard tops to the sheer skirts with a tutu-like overlay.
Christian Dior
John Galliano delivered everything one could expect for the spring summer collection.
Think South Pacific style of Hawaiian prints, masculine outerwear, and nautical infused with sheer opulence.
D&G
For Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana their younger sassy line eluded a whimsical garden feel with a retro twist. Boho floral prints took centre stage.
Dolce and Gabbana
Here the duo transformed the sexy opulence of lace into sheer, soft lingerie pieces of baby-dolls, rompers and skirts.
Elie Saab
It was back to the 70s at Elie Saab who combined the essence of Studio 5 4 into glamorous red carpet looks.
Emilio Pucci
The 70s bohemian glamour was mixed with Pucci’s signature prints in fresh blues and whites.
Erdem
A vision of garden prettiness was showcased in this dream like collection. This Canadian born designer bought romanticism and his unique use of print, into the whimsical day dresses in lace and coquettish flared skirts.
Giambattista Valli
Three words: minimalism, orange and sheer.
Gucci
Frida Giannini’s Spring collection was by far my favourite. The colour blocking was unexpected from this fashion house, which usually opt for a neutral palette. Pairing orange with green and violet seems a faux pas but here it truly worked. Other looks from this collection also included safari, and tribal, in sandy hues.
Hermès
Jean Paul Gaultier combined minimalism with western equestrienne.
Jil Sander
Minimalism was bought forward by the clean lines and proportion of the t shirt and ball gown combination.
Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs’ inspiration for his collection was Jodie Foster’s Iris in the classic New York film Taxi Driver. Voluminous hair, retro sunglasses, broad brimmed sunhats and splashes of coral completed the 70s look.
Prada
Miuccia Prada combined minimal tailoring set in bright eccentric prints of monkeys, cherubs and fruits. This electric theme of colour continued set forth in the stripes.
Stella McCartney
A burst of citrus fruits was also seen in McCartney’s collection. There were also denim tunics and shorts along with strong tailored suits which were given softness in their pastel palette of rose, pistachio, and light blue.
YSL
Stefano Pilati re mastered the classics of ladylike minimal glamour set in retro graphic sophistication.
Story By: Nikki Dhaliwal | Photography Source: Style.com