Because Fashion Week showcases the clothing of the upcoming season during the current season, the recent fashion week in February presented trends for the upcoming ( for the Northern Hemisphere) Fall/ Autumn; the season we, in the South, are currently in. I shall be noting the biggest trends from the September 2012 Fashion week, trends for the Northen Hemisphere, and the ways in which those of us in the South can use them to our advantage whilst its still warm.
1. Leather
The bondage or S&M inspired look graced the catwalk in what one could term as a 50 Shades of Grey look. From layered leather, leather jackets to leather pannelling on shirts, one cannot go wrong with leather in the upcoming season.
Leather is especially special because it can be worn both in warm and cold weather and is, therefor perfect whether in the north or south.
2. Color
Catwalks everywhere seemed to be wild fields of color. Orange stood out in the New york fashion week. Designers seemed to favour monochromatic outfits, outfits with the same colour palate. So for example, one can wear green pants of a differnet shade from their green blouse.
Colour, in my opinion works in all seasons. It’s always nice to brighten up your mood with a bright coloured coat on a dreary, rainy day. And there’s nothing like a bright summer’s day, in even brighter colours.
3. Prints
The summer dress in muted florals, or cotton pants with floral patterns are in this season. Floral shirts work as well. Any clothing item with print on it is trending this season. A suggestion for when you happen to be wearing an item with print; it always looks so much less “crazy” if paired with a stable colour. So if wearing a print dress, it would be advisable to settle for a cardigan with a single colour, or, if that’s too boring, you can always pair it with stripes.
4. Stripes
Vertical, diagonal, horizantal… It doesn’t matter which way they go as long as they are stripes. Stripes can work in any season and are therefor, easy to carry on from summer to winter.
5. Midriffs
This is a trend that has been very prominent here in South Africa, what with the heat we’ve been experiencing. But as the weather cools down it’s not a very informed idea to wear a crop-top. Personally, I have not been much of a crop-top fan. I believe that just because something is the trend doesn’t mean you have to wear it. If you know that you don’t exactly have the body for a particular trend, it does not make you unfashionable if you don’t wear it.
6. Relaxed silhouttes
There was a lot of eastern inspired looks at fashion week which would work well both in summer and winter. The eastern looks includes relaxed silhouettes. There were lots of sheer shirts, an item that is still trending in South Africa right now.
Other big trends included the colour, white, which featured in a lot of shows, denim (another big hit in South Africa), flat open shoes (because there is nothing worse than having sweaty feet). Baseball caps, in all shapes sizes and colours are also trending.
For more trends:
The Telegraph Fashion: New York Fashion Week Spring/ Summer 2013
http://bit.ly/TOKghE
The Telegraph Fashion: London Fashion Week Spring/ Summer 2013
http://bit.ly/UdwiGj
Harper’s Bazaar: The Spring 2013 Runway Report
http://bit.ly/SsRbLv
Marie Claire: Spring 2013 Fashion Trends
http://bit.ly/OMx3Rc
LaMode 