Proving difficult to ignore and set to continue throughout the summer months, metallic finishes are creating a strong statement on the streets.

Having been around for some time as an accessory accent, this trend is now developing and impacting on garments.  Metallic weaves and lightweight Lurexes create directional summer knitwear in soft tones such as bronzes or pewters.  High-sheen metallics such as silver and gold work for accessories, however, expect to see cropped jackets, shorts and skirts all getting the metallic treatment if spring/summer 05/6 runways are any indication of trends to come.  Designers such as Louis Vuitton, BCBG, Bottega Venetta and Anna Molinari to name but a few all added a touch of glamour to their collections with bold metallic palettes often teamed with white.

On the street, accessories remain a more commercial way of incorporating the trend.  Co-ordinate outfits with metallic bags, belts, footwear and metallic-weave scarves. Alternatively a flash of metallic detailing such as high-shine buttons on military-style jackets creates a similar striking impression.

Jo carey