Style miles
2010. Let’s look at the year gone by. The key fashion pieces. I feel this year was significant in transforming our wardrobes as there were various strong concepts which started on the catwalks in Paris and Milan and caught on in a big way with the high street and became full-blown trends.
Bling was huge this year. Everything was embellished. Skirts in all over sequence, dresses in silver crystal, jackets in brocade, tunics embroidered in multi- colours. Shelves were overflowing with glam all year. Wolford and Bebaroque came out with a range of embellished sheers and tights. Long suede boots by Cesari Paciotti with a swirly snake embellishment became a rage. When Jimmy Choo tied up with Ugg boots to launch a limited edition range, we all held our breath. What came out of the collaboration was an over-the-top collection of metal-studded day boots.
On the other end of the spectrum was the concept of minimalist lux. Coats in plain camel cashmere or plain white shirts by Anne Fontaine. Solid coloured shirts by Pink with little ruffle detail and the elegance of single coloured shift dresses by Bottega Veneta and Prada. These simple pieces gave women the opportunity to accessorise with chunky earrings and necklaces.
Lace which really is timeless was seen in a new modern light by designers this year. Louise Kennedy and Dolce Gabbana combined lace with print and silk making it more contemporary and relevant.
Longer lengths in dresses, skirts, shirts made a major comeback due to their practicality. Long shirts over a pair of leggings are no more a look out of the movies of the 1960s. It is a preferred look today. Leggings in every length and colour flew off the shelves as teenagers started to team it up with shirts, dresses, T-shirts, miniskirts. Anything really.
Print went bold. Designers were trying to catch the attention of the consumer in recession by creating dramatic prints. Erdem, Cavalli, Halston, Alexander McQueen gave print a shot and did so successfully. Traditional floral and tribal prints got accepted worldwide. Gucci did the most stunning collection in ethnic prints.
Cape-like jackets got universal acceptability. Animal print became a classic. Whites and pastels made a strong statement. Modern military became a look that celebs adopted as casual wear option. Velvet was big this year. Baggy trousers and skinny jeans both are contemporary and modern. Faux fur was huge. Frills, ruffle and bows became common.
Look forward to the new year.
The writer owns a
fashion brand based in Europe. She can be reached on info@amishi.eu
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