London & New York Runway Trends for Spring 2009
Women's Fashion Trends to Watch: from Short Suits to Polka Dots
Sep 19, 2008
Every year, the month of September sees designers showcasing their forthcoming spring summer collections in various parts of the globe. As the lights go down on the New York runways now all eyes turn to London. Before the crème-de-la-crème of fashion world moves on to Paris and Milan, it's time to take a look at a few trends to watch.
Continuing Trends
According to the Daily Mail, Laura Craik article “Top Trends:pring Fashion is about figure-hugging jumpsuits and girly frills and fun colors” of 18th September, 2008 “when a trend works (and sells) one season, why throw the baby out with the bath water? 2008 saw trend after trend in the form of architecturally-sculpted dresses, big bows, lace and frills, military-style coats and dresses, painterly prints, biker jackets, and jumpsuits.
Jumpsuits and jazzy prints still feature heavily on both sides of the pond and many of the trends which emerged in 2008 still have a familiar ring — volumed-up jumpsuits, long and lean dresses and use of metallics and sequins. Frills feature in almost every show, lace gets an Edwardiana makeover, and sexy shorts suits are the new skirt suits.
Parrot Prints and Polka Dots
We can expect a new twist on an old favorite – the romantic floral print, with bright, computer-generated Monet-esque ones from London’s Henry Holland, and embroidered ones at Nicole Farhi and Ossie Clarke.
At London Fashion Week, new-kid on-the- block Peter Pilotto showcased a ravishing collection of brightly-colored dresses and kimono jackets in parrot-like prints. Pilotto, who was hailed by Style.com as one of the “ten most promising talents” for his fall 2008 collection, offered a vibrant display of Macaw-like prints in kingfisher blue and all the colors of the rainbow.
Huge playful polka dots and circular designs also featured, as in Henry Holland’s black-and-white polka dot top worn by Agyness Deyn, New York’s Michael Kors designs also embraced energetic polka dots.
Tropical Fruits and Citrus Lemon
When it comes to key colors, London is definitely feeling tropical this spring. Mango and papaya-colored outfits from the London runways of Betty Jackson, Ossie Clarke and Christopher Kane added a touch of zest to billowing trenchcoats, tops and trouser suits, whilst Sinha-Stanic showed off some papaya cigarette pants and dresses in Shantung silk.
In London, the nutty flavor of pistachio featured in many collections and, according to Daily Mail, black, this season, appears to have been “banished to the back of the wardrobe.” Still with a fruity flavor, New York favored lime green and subtle shades of peach. Both lemon and lime are 2 or the top 10 key colors for spring, according to Pantone's Spring 2009 Color Report.
Jackets and Vests
Whilst London designers are showcasing jackets and with kimono sleeves, New York’s finest favored baggy blazer’s with rolled-up sleeves and vest-jackets. The vest-jacket comes in many guises, from cropped to tunic-length, as part of a suit or over dresses and pants. This is definitely is the one-to-watch.
Jumpsuits and Shorts Suits
The jumpsuit (or playsuit) has weathered two seasons and has finally come of age this spring. From the leopard prints and candy stripes of Temperley Londond and slinky Grecian style of Marios Schwab. Diane von Furstenberg offered up a showstopping gold cowl-neck version, in this year’s favorite length — the 7/8th crop Detailing such as pintucks at the neck and leg were also a highlight of many playsuits.
One trend certain to be a hit is the sexy shorts suit. From the smart to the sporty, with Military-influenced cropped jackets and matching shorts to sports-luxe bomber jacket-styles. Shorts were short, hotpants style, rather than a demure longer length.
Shine into Spring
From the sequined pants of New York’s spring summer runways and shiny wet-look leggings to the liquid silver dresses and high shine plastic raincoats of London, spring is set to sparkle, along with all things metallic.
Fun Fashion Accessories
This spring sees scarves being used in a brand new way. Paul Smith (London Fashion week) featured softly draped pirate-style scarf belts, in silks, plaids and stripes. This relaxed look wears well with jumpsuits, slouchy high-waisted pants and kimono-style dresses.
Bug-eyes sunglasses and other eccentric comedic specs also added to the playfulness of London Fashion Week. If the looks catches on, be prepared for the next big trend in glasses!
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