Now that NYFW has come to a close, and we’re well into Londo, instead of continuing to ask “what’s next?” (because there is much more to come!), I’d like to pause for a moment and take stock of the next big things. My favorite sure-to-be trends, courtesy of some of the most influential designers not just in NYC but in the world. Get ready!
1. Summer Fur and Leather: Yes, why not?! I wore a vintage Halston capelet to a party in Milan this past spring, and my dear friend Santiago Gonzalez who’d accompanied me exclaimed, “Fur in April?” I flippantly responded, “It’s called summer fur, darling. Get used to it.” It’s time! From J. Mendel’s sweet fuzzy pastels to Derek Lam’s sharp, geometric below-the-knee skirts to Jason Wu’s Helmut Newton-inspired sex appeal to Proenza Schouler’s tough patchwork and perforations, the rules have officially changed.
2. Stripes: Get ready to show your stripes! Polka dots have had their day; it’s time to get linear. Michael Kors
unleashed bodysuits and crewnecks with a preppy-glam edge, but it was Marc Jacobs who embraced the pattern fully (and did it best), showing them every which-way, applying Edie Sedgwick as his black-and-white-wearing muse, on everything from louche skirt-suits to slinky evening gowns. Any type of stripe will do: thick bars, pinstripes, painterly streaks, horizontal, vertical; they may be straight lines, but the possibilities have proven to be endless.
3. Floral and Lace: Femininity knows no bounds this Spring, as designers got in touch with their sweet sides. But don’t think it’s all innocent – on the contrary. Floral and lace are poised to take a daring turn, as Vera Wang brings sheerness and chantilly-lace built to reveal, Oscar de la Renta’s explosions of broderie anglaise are packed with gumption, 3.1 Phillip Lim released a brigade of floral-loving bad girls, Thakoon brings his expert eye to both old Asian embroideries and acid plisse lace, and Peter Som reminds us of the beauty of a pastel blossom.
4. Bare Midriffs: It’s all about the core! What once was hardly more than a fashion faux pas (and staple-look of mall rats) is now oh-so chic. Edun, Band Of Outsiders, Rag & Bone, Charlotte Ronson, Alexander Wang and Jill Stuart (the list goes on) all indulged in the crop top for Spring. Jason Wu takes it to another level with itty-bitty bustiers, Derek Lam’s cropped camisoles in cellophane basket weave were an instant hit, and even one of Marchesa’s mod-Indian princesses sported a tummy-baring peplum! I’d better get started on those crunches, stat.
5. Mod: A-lines and minis galore, the leg-flaunted sheath is back in full effect. Michael Kors performs his rendition of the Mondrian print, while Marc Jacobs pays homage to the night-crawling Mod, complete with smoky eye and bouffant, and Marchesa, presenting a sea of sari-style shift-dresses paired with capri pants and jaunty flats, cited “the spirit of India in the 1960s” as their inspiration. Mod may be an age-old trend, but I’m happy to say it’s being reinvigorated with a new sense of creativity.
