From surfer style to prim and proper, each fashion city had a distinct message for next season. Odessa Paloma Parker reports on the trends that shone in New York, London, Milan and Paris – plus spring’s buzziest beauty look and the accessories that caught everyone’s attention.
NEW YORK CITY:
HIGH TIDE
West Coast vibes dominated American-based brands from BCBG Max Azria to Thakoon. Beach-worthy board shorts were given a luxurious revamp, done in intricate floral embroidery at Anna Sui. And at Creatures of Comfort, a more city-wise take on California cool, as coulottes and a cropped top were teamed with a light-weight, oversized coat.
PARIS:
LEAN MACHINES
In Paris, a tank-and-trouser silhouette showed up at Lanvin, Chloé and others; a layer of flounce, like that seen at Barbara Bui, gives dimension to the shape. Sexy and slightly tough, the look will surely inspire a few extra bicep reps this winter.
MILAN:
COVER LINES
With the exception of the usually sexy subjects (see: Versace), Milan’s runways were awash with disctinctly prim designs. From Prada’s eclectic skirt suit to Jil Sander’s subued separates, skin was markedly not in. More proof? Fendi’s long hemlines and high necklines were erogenous zone erasers.
LONDON:
FOLKED UP
Eccentric prints, weaving, embroidery and beading were on tap at many London shows. Christopher Kane, for example, shook up shapes in a delightfully disjointed woven dress finished with rainbow fringe. And maximalists Mary Katrantzou and Holly Fulton towed the loud line with collections full of crafty embellishment.
GOLD STANDARD
Leave it to Prada and makeup artist Pat McGrath to give us the most editorial – but easily wearable – beauty look for next season. A striking gold pout looked bold but still beautiful, casting a spell when worn on all complexions. Expect to see a gilded lip on the whole style crowd come spring.
BEST-IN-SHOW ACCESSORIES