Sonia Rykiel – Uprooting 70's Glamour!

Paris Fashion Week paid homage to one of the most sought after and vivacious lines in fashion. Sonia Rykiel is known for her carefree charm and chic ‘no mess’ attitude, and as one of la Mode’s most experienced and knowledgeable designers, her approach to fashion is quirky, independent and extremely fun.

This S/S Season is treading the roots of 70’s fashion glamour in a big way. Illustrations of bold palates are everywhere we go. Rykiel‘s collection voiced the welcoming of sophisticated 70’s runway glory, by capturing the effects of geometric, colour-refined fashion.

Inspiring designs and vivid colour were all in the range at her Paris catwalk show. Sharp designs, playful – embedding a chic, youthful vibe.

A mix of jersey prints and skinnies. An application of heavy cotton-layered trench cuts, cute slimline dresses, stripe-inspired georgettes, silks and satins on show, along with an array of  beautifully designed tassels – in company of outrageously divine accessories.

Top Hats, eccentrically, oversized mid way strap bows, block-colour tees and open-toe wedges. This was creative 70’s characterisation taken to the max.

Rykiel took to the skies with her illustration of handbags, clutches, casual totes and stunning bucket bags – mid length to long straps,  soft fold flaps, hip length falls, in luxurious leather. Colours were bright and striking – a multi array of tan, yellow, blue and black, finishing with the dainty decor of two tone tassels – in theme with the exuberance of tassels in her top hats collection.

Beautiful and chic. Definitely a bookmark for this season’s 70’s-inspired fashion trends.

A Peak into A/W Fashion 2011 – Part Two – Trends

We’ve taken a look at the core colours and richness which is due to explode this coming Autumn and Winter –  now it’s time to take peak at Trends.

First up, none other than Chic Fur – loyal to its spring governing in the fashion world, fur will be a big trend this year. I’m not just talking heavy fur jackets and coats – we’re talking capes too. In addition, it will be an essential accessory tool to add to more simpler, less extravagant formations and textures.

This year will see a more grown up look to women’s wear – the neutral tones and severity of black will play a significant part in portraying a subtle sharpness to women’s fashion.

Florals – Yes,  this Autumn will be making a statement with florals, from light pastels – figurative to romanticism – to deeper mulls, reds and purples. An occasion of mixing and matching with casual day wear to evening dresses.

The 70’s Look – Already making it’s statement for S/S 2011, the look for this A/W will be less hippy, and more chic. We are talking minimalist stripes teamed up with camel colour turtle necks and gently embroidered knits.

Back to the Future 90’s – Deep colours, needle-defying textures – symbolising the strength and boldness of a woman. Minimalistic meets futuristic. Though this is a featured trend that comes back and forth, this Autumn/Winter will see it strike back with force.

Lace – Yes, a niche trend to some, but bringing its versatility back for this S/S, the trend will continue its animating presence in A/W, too. Together with sheers and cut looks, lace will be the friendly option to your add-on closet.

Silks and Velvets – Silks being prominent when it comes to shirts and dresses – outerwear that would be worn more as an illustration for the evening. Velvet – enthused in jackets and capes – mustards, browns, chic camel and gorgeous ruby.

Tweed – In essence, tweed has been a female fashion must since the introduction to tweed-inspired suits and hip tucked-in belts by Chanel – reinvented by many fashion designers. This A/W is the season for tweed enthused suits and jackets – in a palette of warm browns, camel and creams.

Tweed also works in alignment to the uniform style. Returning this year, welcoming an array of blues, greys and mulls. Strikingly bold, and again, wearable in the day and an accompaniment to evening wear.

Knitwear – BIG this year! From the classic roller neck to the boyfriend’s cardigan – a flux of yarns and defining patterns and patchwork enthusiasm.

Spring & Summer 2011 Part Two – Fashion Trends {Fashion}

Time to look at Trends. OK, this is a tricky one, as there are so many to choose from. I think a key trend this year will be Stripes, the bolder the better. I’ve personally been a massive fan of this trend. It goes with practically anything and has a friendly versatility to it. Dressed up or down, in Vintage, Urban and Street Wear. This year sees Stripes as the dominant trend setter, as it has always been popular. This year, (particularly blue and white) will play an integral part in the fashion scene. Jak and Jil have a great collection for stripe themed hats too – well worth taking a looking at.

Capri Pants – Yes, indeed a favourite of mine, I think these will be playing a dominant part of S/S 2011. Although we have all been a lover of skinny jeans, Capri Pants are a recognition of the trend, with that extra edge, especially in shiny, shimmering colours. The three-quarter length look will be particularly dominant this year. Balmain, again masters this look like no other.

Right, now for the season’s opposite – Flares and Bell Bottoms – Making wave with the 70’s look – yes, they are back! As mentioned, this year will spark off all things 70s and what obvious way to start your wardrobe collection, than to purchase a fashion classic. Together with wide leg trousers, this will be a dramatic comeback! Again, skinny jeans have been a intricate part of people’s clothing style, therefore, like all things in fashion, there is bound to be an ominous change. Derek Lam and Rocha are indeed the masters of this style!

Lace – Showcased in the specific tailoring of clothing as well as dresses and skirts. Lace is great. It’s chic, as well as girly and fun. Worn with practically anything – but be careful not to overdress it. Even lace in more radical colours are resolute to their simplicity, so it’s best not to try and overshadow a look this pure and feminine.

The return of the Jumpsuit – Though proving to be a fashion ‘must have’ last year, the jumpsuit has still been a ‘shall I? shall I not?’ trend. This year will see its casual to dressed up comeback – especially during the summer festival period. The basic designs and most versatile wearing, are by none other than sterling Stella McCartney – keeping the colours soft and simple – a definite for any lady’s wardrobe essentials.

The Jumpsuit will also be a fashion piece one can dazzle up and wear in the evenings too. Look out for Alber Elbaz’s designs for Lanvin. Beautiful, shoulder cut and sparkly. A refreshing alternative to any conventional evening attire.

Spring & Summer 2011 – Part One – Fashion Looks – Wear It Like You Know It! {Fashion}

So here it is – the start of a fresh new year, with the fashion world upon us. For all you keen fashion lovers out there, prepare to be geared up for a wonderful selection of bright, uniformed, geometrics and an array of textures and bedazzling patterns. 2011 is indeed the year for dynamic fashion.

We see a variety of emerging and reinvented trends, year by year. This year makes a stand for some interesting themes.

Here’s a look into the Spring/Summer Key themes – Military meets Biker. Yes, the military style has been on the fashion scene for quite some time now, and even though this look is great; screaming versatility and can be worn on both a formal and casual basis, this year will highlight room for change.

Introducing the Biker/Motorcycle theme, I remember spying a biker jacket last year whilst strutting down the streets of Soho myself. This is a look that has been in the shadows of fashion since forever, and this year will be a crystal replacement to the military mode we are so used to. Quilted and zipped sleeves will also be a big look, with the added accessory of belts and shimmering bags to accompany. Alexander Wang and Balmain (a personal favourite) have a great range – for the more affordable take – be prepared to hoist River Island‘s asymmetric zip jacket – striking and edgy.

Punk Fashion – Again, this look has been in the mix of a la Rock meets Boy George, largely appealing through 2010. However and somewhat measured by the ‘crowd’ it is most suited to, probably because this look is one that is pretty hard to master, but continuously influential in the fashion world.

2011 will make an iconic stand in Punk Wear – more so in the way it will be experimented with, within other genres. Renowned brand Balmain are at the top of their league when it comes to this look – a real one to look out for – if you can configure the art of Punk to your wardrobe collection, you are doing pretty well! Think Chuck Taylor’s and Motorcycle boots! Treat yourself and take a trip down to Camden Lock and Soho, and be dazzled by the sheer range of punk enthused clothing – at a much more affordable price!

The 70’s Look – 70’s style is all about glamour, so it’s no wonder the striking geometrics and elegance of the bohemian look, are making such a comeback. Flowing dresses, silks and satins being prominent, creating a look of sophistication and feminine, earthy glamour. Faye Dunaway, Angelica Huston and Bianca Jagger are just a few examples of the range to this unique glamour.

The key to winning this style is confidence and boldness. Being experimental is a must. By day – sophisticated block patterns, deep colours. High waisted Wide Leg trousers, accompanied by cute, silk/satin blouses in lighter colours, rolled up sweaters and turtle necks – indeed a Farrah Fawcett look by day. For the evening – silks, satins and metallic patterns. Beautiful dresses with low neck cuts and sexy slits.

The 60’s Fashion Spot – 2011 makes a gateway for one of the most illustrated and sought after looks of all time. Be prepared for bright colours, fresh looking pastels, an array of florals and pinks. Check out Louis Vuitton and Jayson Brunsdon for inspiration. High waisted floral and checked skirts – pinstripe dresses in calming colours, high waisted belts in a multitude of reds, yellows and greens. Bold accessories which make for completion of this look will include heavy beads, 60’s cat-like glasses and sunglasses. Think Jacqueline Kennedy, Twiggy and Edie Sedgewick.