Becky Harris
ESVIE Contributor
One of my favourite things about this whole season has to be the light-hearted feel. In what must be a backlash against the pure, oh-so-serious minimalism we saw in the last two seasons, the fash pack are finally in need of some long overdue humour and fun. Romance is everywhere, bohemian is slyly coming back for more, and colour, in the form of eye-popping bright shades or raving neons, are THE trends of summer. Prints are also no exception, and boy are they going to be good…
The main and obvious contender is florals. My favourite interpretation of this trend this season has got to be Erdem’s whole collection of garden-inspired prints and laces, followed by Dolce and Gabbana in a close second for their light green and pink collection of floristry, apparently designed with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in mind. On the high street you’ll be able to get any kind of flower-power prints, guaranteed, be they in the form of a silky maxi, smart cocktail dresses in darker colours as seen at Ted Baker, or ditzy little petals printed all over skinnies and denim shorts at Topshop.
If you’re all over the seventies like a rash this season, you NEED to look at Emilio Pucci. Designer Peter Dundas racked up hefty acclaim and a well deserved star-studded front row for his Mediterranean sea of beiges and blues; the swirly bohemian patterns printed onto delicate, breezy silks, given the ultimate traveller-luxe twist with embellishment details, or romantic ruffles. If I had the money, I would literally have bought the entire collection and be living on some Greek island, just so I could wear it every day. Obviously, the price tags may somewhat hinder my dream, however Topshop are starting to bring out some great boho looks, including their snakeskin printed pieces, and French Connection have some incredible blue and white pattern printed dresses this season, search “confetti” online. Whoever thought I would fall for a print I’ve previously only really seen on vases?
Another big one, spearheaded by Marc Jacobs, is polka dot, and trust me with this one, you want to start stocking up early. This trend is slightly under the radar as of yet, however is set to explode come A/W 2011. The dark red hues used on some of his polka dot silk maxi’s will work well into the colder months with perhaps some tights and chunky knits.
For a more experimental take on print, look at Christopher Kane’s Resort 2011 collection. His S/S 2011 has overly nailed the neon trend with what his sister describes as a “Princess Margaret on acid” collection, but despite the hype, I just don’t like neon. I have to say I much prefer this little nugget of a line. Kane drew inspiration from the solar system, all fiery reds, oranges and yellows in great bursting explosions, contrasting with single leather pieces, such as a jacket over top, to continue with the play between light and dark which has become Kane’s signature somewhat.
Mary Katrantzou has also continued her surrealist style into this season, her collection inspired by interiors and architecture. You can view this on Topshop’s Inside Out, and pick up your own more affordable piece, either a brilliantly bold abstract silk scarf or an insatiable dress made up of bright turquoise hues mixed with splashes of other colour.
Other than all of the above, look out for butterflies making it BIG on the high street, already delving into Topshop (nabbed a great one-shoulder batwing dress that makes me feel like Florence), Aztec zig-zag stripes at Miss Selfridge and grey and black abstracts at Ted Baker. Anything else nature related in general will be a hit too; swans, swallows and other feathered friends can be seen at Warehouse and Whistles.
So the best thing about print trends? It’s really not to be taken that seriously. Plus, there’s so much variety at the moment, no one should be looking the same! Be brave and clash two together, or add a touch of quirk with a cute blouse, the choice is yours.
