Arcadia Exclusive! Spring/Summer 07 by Ellen Grace Jones

 

 

 Its white walls bathed in neon pink light, the exquisite Royal Academy of Art was turned into a hip haven of excitable fashionistas for the day. Drinks were all a-flow, the DJ pumped electro, and if the canapés were anything to go by it would appear minimalism is the new black – have you ever eaten a 2-inch beef burger? But I digress…

 

 

 So what does next year’s high street – quite literally – have in store? Well stick a pin in a time line of the last century and chances are it’ll land on one of the eras proving inspiration for next season. Almost every decade since the 40’s was plundered somehow, and wandering around was not unlike a sartorially retrospective trip down memory lane. Although this is no bad thing.

 

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 At Topshop Celia Birtwell’s delightful yet stampede-inducing prints return (some in stores now, ladies!), and indeed a further range seemingly influenced by her and former husband Ossie Clark. In fact, those who reluctantly prised themselves away from their Uggs, shall be rejoicing, as – whisper it – boho seems it may make a comeback right across the board. All-over whimsical florals splatter themselves on flowing empire-line dresses reminiscent of the hazy 60’s. Crochets, georgette, chiffons, crepes and anglaise, it was a textural paradise, just close your eyes and imagine yourself swaying in a field back in those halcyon days… Accessories continued to evoke romantic nostalgia with natural tan woven leather belts, thong sandals, and slouchy bags.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Love it or loathe it, ‘Neu Rave’ (ä Sunday Times Style – allegedly) is well and truly infiltrating the mainstream, with both TopShop and Man devoting more than a nod to the hedonistic days of early 90’s Aceeeed House. Vivid hoodies, outsized street wear, fierce neon graphics and even bumbags(!) dominated. Even Miss Selfridge got on a rave-tip with a flouro palette worthy of any hardcore clubbers wardrobe. All that was missing were the Glo-Sticks. 80’s Hip-hop, also featured; with heaps of B-boy and rude-grrrl stylings gettin’ all up in our grills; blingtastic jewellery using iconic imagery, stonewashed denim, super-bright Tees, and high-top trainers.

 

 

 

 

 Tailoring was sweet and feminine for summer, with a loose, unstructured silhouette. Pin-tucking and ruching lends a delicate edge. Plus, coupled with natural cottons and canvases in neutrals, rich wines and oranges make it at odds to A/W’s rigorous severity. Taking hints from Chloe, scores of trousers found themselves wide, high-waisted tied nonchalantly with a belt. Breathe out girls (and guys) as denim is veering away from the skinny, although what drain-pipes remain, come in rainbow coloured Tsubi-esque brights for all.

 

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 I cannot believe I’d ever find myself typing this but, argh, here goes… Wallis was a surprise hit of the evening. Without alienating their core demographic, Mum’s favourite produced a remarkably directional, very Miu Miu (I thought) inspired collection including luxe fabrics in metallic hues, with twinkling embellishment, gemstones, and playful use of volume. Chic, and certainly not stuffy.

 

 

 A mixed bag indeed, it appears there are few rules for SS07. With such a wealth of eras and genres to choose from, we are either gonna be spoilt for choice or just damn confused.

 

 

 

 

 

Ellen Grace Jones

 

www.myspace.com/ellengracejones