Trend Watch: A Season

 

Take the Spring/Summer 06 designer collections, predictably a time for light-as-air chiffons, cottons, silks and linens in fresh flirty shades. And while some indulged in seasonal difference others brought in tones, textures and patterns normally associated with winter.

 

Deep Tones: Alongside lashings of white and neutrals were deep rich shades such as berry, chocolate, emerald green, slate grey, petrol blue, rust, mustard, black and vibrant red. Not your usual summery shades but after several seasons of dramatic print it all seems right for now. Check out Betty Jackson, Aimee McWilliams, Aganovich & Yung and Alexander McQueen for some unseasonal dark and muted colour palettes.

 

 

Check Please: A play on plaids from punk-esque tartans at Comme des Garcons and Junya Watanabe to all-over check elegance at Roland Mouret and Preen. Word is that a Western flavour is about to hit our screens throughout 2006 with the likes of ‘Brokeback Mountain’, ‘Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus’ and ‘Junebug’ all due for release. An influence that seems to have already inspired a design or two at Dolce & Gabbana and Julien Macdonald. Elsewhere plaid is mixed and matched with the likes of patterns, florals and stripes.

 

 

Heavier Fabrics: In keeping with this seasonal rebellion theme designers have brought out some heavier fabrics to toughen up those light summer favourites. Leather, suede, wool, satin, brocade and heavy cottons appear alongside all those delicate chiffons, silks, jerseys and lace. Call it luxurious layering if you like, from Marc Jacobs to Balenciaga designers are playing the field with fabrics this Spring/Summer.

 

 

 

By JoJo Iles