The 2007 Spring/Summer List – By Becky Lyon

1. Maxi Dresses

Say goodbye to thigh-high mini skirts, spring/summer acknowledges maxi length dresses in reference to sexy seventies chic. Elegantly flowing, printed lengths will no doubt form part of your summer uniform.

 

 

2. Retro Prints

Starting from the 1970’s wallpaper revival in interiors, vividly clashing geometric prints have now infiltrated mainstream fashion. If you’ve had enough of animal print, opt for a colour clashed retro print.

 

 

3. Sports Luxe

A ‘lets get physical’ for the 00’s. Think Stella McCartney style feminine hooded jackets and fitted casual shapes. Get the ‘been to the gym but I’m already fabulous’ look. MaxMara, Jean Paul Gaultier and DKNY are key inspirations.

 

 

4. Neon

When fresh designer Christopher Kane sent fruity neon concoctions down the catwalk we knew the rave revival was just around the corner. Full-blown or trimming, brashy trashy flouro yellow and pink are an option for the extrovert.

 

 

5. Chunky Shoes

As much as I will have to part with my trademark ballet pumps, I am willing to do so in exchange for some sky-high heels. Wedges and tie-up stilettos were key shoe shapes, and will make a perfect couple with long and lean maxi dresses.

 

 

 

6. Fantasy

Wispy princess dresses and demi-couture made for summer fairy style. Sheer fabrics, sparkling embellishment and surrealistic references a la Alexander McQueen and Vera Wang will no doubt provide inspiration for wedding glamour.

 

 

7. Eco-Fashion

Yes, in case you haven’t already go the message – ethical is cool. Make a new year’s resolution to buy at least one green garment this year, whether it be a Monsoon tee, an Edun Jacket or Enamore lingerie set.

 

 

8. Surrealism and Fashion @ V&A

Definitely one of the must-see exhibitions of Spring/Summer 2007; ‘Surrealism and Fashion’ at the Victoria & Albert museum is a fascinating exploration of the relationship between art and fashion and features the likes of Elsa Schiaparelli. Expect to see some quirky, artistic parallels permeating fashion as a result.

(29 March 2007 â€“ 22 July 2007)

 

 

9. ‘Face of Fashion’ @ The National Portrait Gallery

Another exhibition not to be missed and one for photography fans. The exhibition takes a look at the contribution of key fashion photographers such as Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Corinne Day, Steven Klein, Paolo Roversi and Mario Sorrenti. Take a peek for some inspiring imagery.

 

(15 February – 28 May 2007)

 

 

10. Kate Moss’s collection for Topshop

This will no doubt be the retail success story of the year. Expect Wall of China queues to get through the door, GBH and savvy shoppers making profits on eBay the next day.

 

 

11. Kiddy Couture

2007 is definitely the year for Kiddy films from ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Spiderman 3’, ‘Shrek the Third’ and the ‘Transformers’ movie. Therefore, it’s natural that fashion should adopt a childish disposition with vibrant colourful prints and cartoon graphics.

 

 

12.  Sky High – Waists and Hemlines

This season sees a little adjustment in heights and lengths. High trousers are even more prominent with under-the-bust waistlines and micro-mini hemlines are on offer for those who aren’t feeling the maxi dress trend.

 

 

13. Curves: The New Skinny

With new weight regulations on the catwalk, and the media wising up to the beauty of ‘real women’, curvy really is the new skinny. Monica Bellucci is the face of the Dior and Sophie Dahl of Boucheron. Do we predict some further curvy collaborations?

 

 

14.  Social networking

Blogging, MySpace, YouTube and of course fabulous sites like Fashion Capital. The web is the future of global fashion communication. It provides a constant stream of up-to–the minute fashion and street style as users upload their photos and divulge their shopping habits. Expect to see faster and faster interpretations of street fashion.

 

 

15. The future of fashion

OK, so maybe little conceptual for the average shopper but inspiring none the less. Fashion has adopted a forward-thinking approach with the likes of metal plated trousers at Balenciaga, curvaceous metal bodices at Dolce & Gabbana and robotic dresses at Hussein Chalayan. We predict metallic fabrics and panelling details.

 

 

 

 

By Becky Lyon becky.lyon@hotmail.co.uk