By Dan Ahwa - New Market Flair, Dec/Jan 2010 Issue No. 22
Finding that perfect outfit to compliment each event is de rigueur, so make sure to check out what’s hot for summer trends this season. It’s not always about block brights, florals and pastels for the warmer months ahead. Retailers are looking forward to a summer of interesting prints and zesty colours. Take your cue from recent Northern Hemisphere runways this season and add a much needed dose of style in your wardrobe.
Lime is a key colour of the season, with New York fashion week spring 2010 showcasing splashes of lime from designers such as Brian Reyes and Proenza Schouler. Locally, have a look at the tropical coloured polo shirts available at Polo Ralph Lauren in the 277 Broadway Newmarket shopping complex or visit Trelise Cooper’s store in Parnell for the sexy ‘San Diego Slim Reaper’ lime pants or the busy ‘Faunacation Dress’ which highlights the lime amongst a kaleidoscope of tropical tones.
Speaking of kaleidoscopic prints, the big trend for the season is a flattering print, and in this instance it’s digitally enhanced prints that merge ethnic prints and 80’s pop art. Forget florals. It’s all about taking a hybrid of references with prints and mixing them up - with consideration. Colours that clash but compliment requires a sense of balance and designers have bravely experimented with ethnic inspired prints and reworked them into contemporary and graphic shapes fit for the modern woman.
Gucci heralds in the season with a new take on ethnic prints whilst Basso and Brooke create a kaleidoscopic print that merges bold colour and stylised flora and fauna for a chic summer wardrobe. The severity of Balmains shoulder padded monopoly has encouraged designers to tap into a softer shape for spring. It’s all about the frivolity of frills and pleats, creating a silhouette that is both exaggerated and distinctively feminine. Viktor and Rolf present an extreme version of this with over the top frills and pleats, whilst Louise Goldin taps into frills and pleats for a new take on cocktail dressing.
For some affordable and chic options over summer, don’t look past the options from Long Island. From hyper coloured floral skirts such as the gorgeous Yvonne Skirt, Bouquet Skirt and our favourite, the Caribbean Skirt. “This has been such a popular style that we had to find another lovely colourway to run it in and this great new print inspires us to get out and dance on the beach - or at least take a walk in the sun! The skirt is fully lined and has a soft stretch waistband for all day comfort and six panels to ensure plenty of room” reveal the team at Long Island. Feminine, floaty and flattering, the skirt options at Long Island are the perfect way to dress up or dress down for summer - taking versatility dressing to new levels.
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Block colours are another way to shake those winter blues away. Why not try out some of the stunning and vibrant t-shirts and shirts from Long Island. As noted above, lime green is the hot colour of the moment. The Paris Tee at Long Island is a vibrant shade of lime, perfect in complimenting that summer tan. The basic summer tee is another summer wardrobe staple and the colours available at Long Island are exciting, from cobalt blues to hot pinks. The best thing about these t-shirts is their soft mid weight stretch cotton helps ensure that it feels good to wear even when the temperature heats up. Accessorise accordingly with some statement jewellery.