The Style Report

06-10-2008

STYLE REPORT

FashionCapital

By Vanessa Camelia

Structure, form and shape were at the forefront of last season international catwalk shows for Autumn/Winter 2008/2009. FashionCapital predicted September 2007 this exact trend (which can be seen on the FC Trend Prediction page. (If you are a member click here ).

Designers such as Alexander McQueen, Giambattista Valli, Giles, Masion Martin Margiela, Nina Ricci and Yves Saint Laurent have all worked with this key trend.

There is a dramatic move away from loose and un-fitted clothing. We can clearly see this happening, minimalism will always be popular amongst people, however this look will no longer been in the spotlight, strong structured garments are the way forward. Architectural revival is about to happen and this trend will filter through right up until Spring/Summer 2009/2010.

Pleating, cleaver use of folding, origami style forms are used in dramatic proportions displaying beautiful shapes not seen for a few seasons now. These new and exaggerated shapes are a breath of fresh air. This is not so much about tailoring, even though tailoring will play a huge part in this season’s wardrobe the structured look is not to be confused with tailoring. This trend is simply about the form and way in which a garment is brought to life once the body is engulfed inside the garment. It’s about creating new and exciting shapes through clever use of fabric cutting and design.

Shapes and Styles…

Giambattista Valli

Out of the many designers using this trend my favourite has to be Giambattista Valli. His collection evoked everything that this trend supports; his collection is a prime example of craftsmanship. Throughout his entire collection you can see the way in which he has used form and shape whilst maintaining sheer elegance and sophistication throughout.

Details…

Looking at the details which are very important you can see the way in which he has brought in accessories to add embellishment to the form through pleating or ruffles as well as using unusual fabrics to bring about surface texture which is another trend on its own, this season the use of surface texture on fabrics is imperative. Sleeve heads are exaggerated to large proportions tucked and folded neatly at the hems. I absolutely love this collection.