Spring/Summer 2012: Shine On

Metallics have certainly earned their place in fashion this fall, and will continue to shine through the summer.
The Alexander McQueen show was dominated by glistening metallics and shining ensembles of all colors. The shimmering black look (below right) made the darker color more appropriate for the spring.



Givenchy incorporated sequins to its show to get a shiny looks that made a lasting impression.



Marc Jacobs had an incredible show filled with shining and sparkling pieces. The effect was created by many materials, giving more diverse results, that were all stunning.



The Reed Krakoff show invited a burst of sparkling color to the fashion world. Brightly colored sequins is a great way to take the trend into the spring.


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The Fashioneur

Spring/Summer 2012: Not So Plain, But Very Simple

Minimalism is anything but boring. Think of it like silence and talking, sometimes silence can say more than words. The season's neutral tones and sharp lines create a crisp look that is refreshing after a winter filled with chunky sweaters and fuzzy boots.
In the 3.1 Phillip Lim show, minimalism dominated the runway. Light colors, relaxed shapes, and simple design made up such a beautiful and complex show. The black ensemble below (right) keeps a minimal look, but the pants allow for a slight ruffle, creating small detail that makes the look more interesting.
 

From Celine, big, boxy t-shirts make a simple look that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
The pants shown in the outfit below are layered so they are more original and diversify the look.

From Jil Sander comes an abundance of basic, neutral tones, and waves of intense color, put into their most simple form.

The minimal looks from Alexander Wang had small detailes that added a twist to the show. Even the most basic ensembles had beautiful, intricate detail.


All images from Style.com

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Spring/Summer 2012: Sporty Chic

Phillip Lim showed a more elegant sporty look for the spring, using pastel colors similar to those in the rest of his show. Sheer, oversized jackets are a great way to incorporate a sporty look to your summer wardrobe. A pair of sunglasses always assists the look.

Akris included many very elegant sporty looks.


Stella McCartney created chic and sporty looks using bright colors and boxy shapes.
Alexander Wang incorporated sporty looks with zippers and large pockets.




All images from Style.com

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The Fashioneur

Spring/Summer 2012: Big, Bright, and Bold

What would spring be without an abundance of florals? Of course, floral prints are back this spring and summer, but this time they are bigger, brighter, and bolder.

In the Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 RTW show, vegetables and fruits rather than flowers were featured on most pieces.


One very popular trend is cut out shapes, most often florals. Seen here in the Dolce & Gabbana (below left) and Prada (below right), and Oscar de la Renta (second row) shows.




Prada's reappearing element, which appeared in multiple looks throughout the show, was a boxy embroidered pattern piece. It appeared in skirts, tops, and most often, jackets.



The Alexander McQueen show used very detailed patterns which made each look more complex and interesting.


Valentino used large florals in ladylike dresses and in lace looks.


Marc Jacobs included many patterns in his spring show. From checkered jackets, to small, floral printed skirts, this show had a strong hold on the season's brilliant patterns.


Dries Van Noten's patterns were beautiful prints, more like landscape images than patterns. The show also managed to craft different patterns and images together.



Oscar de la Renta had many big prints scattered among the colorful show. The floral looks were very elegant and often flowing, rather than boxy.




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Spring/Summer 2012: The Right Angle

Perhaps the most obvious trend for the spring is boxy shapes and sharp angles.
Shown here in the Celine Spring 2012 RTW show, the first look contains all boxy shapes, but the second contrasts a boxy shirt with a flowing skirt, which gives it a more relaxed feel.

Karl Lagerfeld managed to use the boxy look, but keep a smaller profile in the Chanel show. In the look below (right) the pink ruffles add a more ladylike look to the boxy jacket that goes along with it.

The Givenchy show incorporated boxy shapes into suits that weren't as stiff as some other designer's boxy looks. In the look below, the boxy shape of the vest was balanced out with tight pants, which gives the outfit an effortlessly chic look.

Stella McCartney's boxy shapes were also often presented in suits with intricate details such as embroidered curves and small patterns.

The Yves Saint Laurent show featured shapes of all sorts. From rounded sleeves to ruffled hems, this show taught the fashion world a little something about geometry.

 

All images from Style.com

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The Fashioneur