TREND REPORT: Spring Summer 2010

The spring collections radiated with sensuality and the look of almost nude color. Dusty rose and nudes illuminate skintones, creating an iridescent glow as the models walked down the runway. The neutral palette was worked into clean-lined, minimalist looks, as well as lighter than air whipped frocks. Metallics, another top trend is super hot in a variety of light capturing textures and sheens. Mirrored finishes in gold, silver, copper and bronze shimmered on leather, silk, sequins and metal. Shiny textured fabric surfaces were everywhere. The suit returns with a new effortlessness, making leisure suits with relaxed jackets and trousers the new alternative for casual dressing.
Faded, ripped and distressed, denim was seen in many of the top collections, from fitted dresses to sexy jumpsuits, high-waisted shorts and tiered skirts to blazers and hats. From the much copied and emulated Balenicaga shredded skinny jean embellished with chains and studs, to the western style chambray shirts and variations on denim rompers, this traditional American staple is new again.
Feathers in an intense array of colors and textures added drama to the dresses and minis by ADAM and Jason Wu. Feathers look delightful rather than frightful for spring.
Lingerie as outerwear was one of the biggest trends this season as lingerie was revealed through sheer fabrics and lace. The mastermind of this sultry look, John Galiano first introduced the idea at Dior’s couture collection. Constructed with luxurious lace, silky sheer chiffon and satin in sexy black, nude or soft pretty pastels, the daring looks are sensuous and demonstrate women in control of their sexuality.
Digital prints brought a futuristic element to the runway with designers using computerized images of contemporary art, photography, the splatter prints of Jackson Pollock and even Darwin’s theory of evolution. Manipulated images of op-art, geometrics, swirls, scales and feathers, and various other patterns were printed on a large array of textures, including silk, tulle, latex, and chiffon fabrics with a futuristic techno edge.
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel led the flirty farm girl theme with models cavorting on a runway made of hay in high-heeled wooden clogs, crafty long tweed skirts and lace blouses. Designers from New York to Milan explored the rustic country workwear of peasants, pushing it to a whole new extreme in decadently sweet floral patterns, eyelet tiered skirts, and overalls paired with chunky wooden clogs.