The Trends S/S 09

One thing i love about the spring 2009 trends is how fun they are to wear. This season, Runways looked more like a costume party then a compliation of chic designer ensembles. The season is all about self expression, its exciting, its bright and its a whole lot of fun. Sure some would call the trends tacky, garish and even a little ugly, but in the words of former American Vogue Editor Diana Vreeland: "Never fear being vulgar, only boring". Of course if your not into the whole looking like a fancy-dress-shop-threw-up-on-you look, there are a whole lot of more subtle less in-your-face trends to embrace such as innocent nudes, colour blocking and tribal. So anyways here's a round up of the best.


Denims:

(Balmain, Topshop, Diesel)

Denim has never been more relevant then now. The spring 09 runway has unleashed denim in every form, from dresses to jackets, and shorts to the dependable jeans. But the s/s shows have really changed up denim's position as an old reliable. This season's denims were studded, torn, acid washed and ripped. The best of the bunch looked like they had seen better days, such as Balmain, where the jeans were tattered and bleached. The high street has really embraced this trend, with everywhere from Miss Selfridge (acid washed peplum dress anyone?) to Forever 21 really taking hold of this look. My personal favourite product of the season, Topshop's now sold out bleached denim high waisted shorts. Add a tucked in tunic and fringed ankle boots and your all set.

Colour blocking:

(L.F. Markley)

Colour blocking was seen at every major fashion house worth it's value, Luella, Richard Nicoll, Alexander Wang, Ferragamo, Dries Van Noten etc. etc. But it was Lanvin and L.F. Markley (Fashion Fringe) that stole the show, especially with Lanvin's yellow-black combo and really the entire Markley collection (above). The whole colour blocking trend exudes a youthful and slightly sporty vibe. The whole idea of the trend is separates and potent colour combinations, such as fuchsia and orange, purple and blue, black and yellow. The total effect is one that is show-stopping, powerful and vibrant. For high street reincarnations, there is not a store which hasn't produced its own version. For the best check out Topshop's colour blocked skirts and taffeta dresses or surprisingly enough M&S.

Nudes:

(Chloe, Herve Leger, Thakoon, Prada)

From one extreme to the other. At one end of the fashion spectrum citrus yellow and cobalt blue reigned supreme, at the other, the catwalk was bathed in a Delicious palette of peachy blush tones and creamy browns. Nudes took shape in anything from ruffled full length evening dresses at Thakoon to Bandaged swimsuits at Herve Leger. But while some designers chose to convey a more innocent image, others took the oppurtunity to make this look a whole lot sexier. Take Chloe, who covered a cropped nude bustier modestly with a knee length skirt and peach scallpoed jacket. Sheer also became the word of the day at Just Cavalli and C'N'C Costume National, as well as an innocent crumpled look at Prada. The look can be left soft and romantic or subtly sexy...your choice.

The 80's:

(House of Holland, Alexander Wang, Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Philip Lim)

This has to be one of my favourite trends of the entire season. Its trashy, its gaudy...i love it! The era that fashion forgot has made a return. Every show of the season had an 80's vibe going some way or the other. Even designers renowned for their touch of class such as Chloe and Lanvin went a little 'bad taste' on us with gold lame Hammer pants and purple leopard print party dresses. Its all about neon leopard print, ripped denim, shoulder pads, tunics, zips, clashing and mismatching prints, hammer/harem pants, cropped tops (oh hell no!) and body con. Herve Leger, king of the 80's did whats he does best with his skin tight bandage dresses. Alexander Wang pitched in with his colour blocked sport inspired outfits which looked straight out of some 80's fitness video. While everyone from Versace to Philip Lim offered us a jumble of zippers. House of Holland presented us with Henry's trademark crazy ensembles, that only Agyness Deyn can pull off. On the high street i don't think there was a shop that wasn't laden with 80's inspired goods.

Tribal:

(Louis Vuitton, Junya Wantanbe, Miu Miu, DKNY)

Tribal is a pretty standard fare trend in every s/s runway with Safari Jackets and cropped military pants featured in most shows. This trend is never really translated well off the catwalk and never really grabs the public's attention. But spring 2009 is a whole other story thanks to none other than Louis Vuitton. LV was an orgy of leopard print, feathers, phyton, crystals and bangles with a dash of 1940's Paris thrown in, it was a complete culture shock. Accessories was key here, with the Japanese inspired obi-belt taking centre stage on most of the shown ensembles. The leopard bags and feathered shoes wowed, while the chunky statement necklaces and earrings stunned. All i have to say is 4 words: Thank you Marc Jacobs.
Of course Louis V. wasn't the only designer to embrace this trend in a whole new way. Junya Wantanbe's collection was completely African inspired with a range of printed head scarfs and blouses; and Miu Miu, who's abstract print dresses offered us a different perspective on the Global tribal theme. For an extremely wearable version check out DKNY's leopard spot mini dresses.