Summer will soon be upon us and judging from the recent runway presentation – designers are not done borrowing from the Y2K era. Trends as we know them will never be the same, as the outside world has also changed – thanks to Covid. Labels are no longer focusing on seasonal fads, but are more invested in having fun with fashion. Case in point: dropped waistlines, kaleidoscopic colours, prints-on-prints-on-patterns, mix-media surface ornamentation – the rule book is officially out of the window.
The pandemic threw every industry off their game – fashion was no exception. With nobody knowing the right answer (is there any?), everyone went back to their drawing boards and the results were cathartic. Free-spirited fashion was a common theme across all labels. Whether it was Valentino and Versace’s high-intensity colour play or McQueen’s amalgamation of business on top and party at the bottom – each design house redefined spring/summer trends according to its individual aesthetic. Here are our top picks of the season.
1. No Shirt No Problem
Both Armani and Fendi are known for their impeccably tailored suits. This time around, models walked the runway in their regular formal suiting sans the shirt – giving this otherwise fall-winter trend a spot in the summer schedule. Throw on a hat and a scarf and you’re good to go from the boardroom to the beach with a bellini.
2. Return Of The Micro Mini
You cannot possibly think about the early 2000s without the flirty mini skirts. From Britney Spears to Paris Hilton, every pop and social icon has worn a tiny skirt with a giant belt. Bringing back the same energy – Miu Miu and Balmain resurrected the silhouettes and gave them their own modern spin. Congratulations, you no longer have to wear them with Uggs or a bejewelled belt.
3. Leave little To The Imagination
The lockdown forced people to break up with their bras and fashion’s finest minds further stamped this separation with their risqué designs. Sheer fabrics, extreme cutouts, knotted tie-ups and the slit and slash methodology helped set the nipples free. From the LVMH prize winner, Nensi Dojaka to David Koma and Maison Margiela – less fabric, more drama was the mood.
4. Clash Of The Colours
What’s complimentary and contrasting anymore? Nobody knows; as the designers unleashed a whole new set of colour combinations this season. As long as it made sense on the runway it doesn’t have to abide by the colour wheel. Colour block through ensembles and cuts were showcased by Tom Ford, Halpern, Molly Goddard and more.
5. Drop It Like It’s Hot
Thanks to Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid, low-waist pants are officially back. Bluemarine, Coach and even Missoni revived the dreadful trousers in their own unique style. Now the question is – are the netizens willing to go back to the dropped-crotch era for fashion? The jury is still out on this.
If you’re into decoding trends, colours and styles of the season – here’s where you can read more about the same.
