The resort collections don’t go in for obscure concepts, these clothes offer a fashion reality check that sets the tone for future streetwear. DESIGNers pull out all the stops to create the new must-have essentials that have the same appeal as styles from the main line shows.
St. Tropez is always a mecca for streetstyle fashion and this season it’s right at the centre of the ethnic trend. Ethnic patterns in hippy styles lead the way forward; styles are channelling summer festivals, pulling inspiration for prints and patterns from a multitude of sources. The effect is an exciting melting pot of prints, patterns and handcrafted detailing. There is a lot of movement on the street with fringes, soft floaty hemlines and loose shapes vying for attention.
COLOUR is grabbing the attention this season, either because it’s bright and saturated or because it’s shaded from one colour into another. Shapes appear simple but there are hidden splits, cutouts at the back or clever asymmetric lines, which add to the contemporary vibe. Necklace-style decoration and bracelet cuffs add impact to minimal tops, tunics and dresses in single colours.
There is a massive swing towards ethnic influenced pattern and craft; Aztec patterns, Native American beadwork/fringing, handcrafted dye effects and animal camouflage merge to form a general hippy vibe that will continue going forward.
Denim looks ahead in washed out colour with abraded finishes either in quirky colour effects or with new customised details…
An exciting array of accessories really grabs the attention this season. COLOUR is an important factor but it’s the contrasts and combinations of materials that really make the difference. Interesting textures and unexpected additions really spice up the offering here. St Tropez is a decadent town that attracts big money and consumers here are looking for statement pieces that will set them apart from the crowd. The Riviera retail scene is brimming with stunning designs that capture the imagination and it’s here that new trends emerge. It is vital for fashion businesses to keep a finger on the fashion pulse here, as its impact will be felt across future seasons.
St. Tropez is a retail hub for beachwear trends. Key swimwear brands from Europe, USA and Brazil fill the small boutiques and shop owners are quick to style the new swimwear and cover-ups with the latest accessories.
This season beachwear offers added value with reversible styles in contrast colours or dramatically different patterns. Straps are versatile offering the consumer adjustable style options or a contrast colour/print.
Coordinated beachwear is key, pareo styles are short and kaftans finish at tunic length; shorts and soft pants or leggings expand the offering…
Intimate Tech is fuelled by new technology and the sensual relationship that brings body shape and ergonomic design sharply into focus. Advances in construction methods and the latest innovative developments in fabrics and materials will push design in exciting new directions.
In general there’s a strong move towards unisex and masculine styles, especially in the footwear sector. The majority of glove styles are boyishly bulky with fur linings, padded sections or added knitwear. Headwear reflects a similar mannish mood in unisex styles, such as, trilbies, fedoras, knitted beanies and sports caps. Belts are the only exception to the rule often hugging the waist in feminine corset-like styles at Etro or cinching the waist like a waspie at Jil Sander. Sporty sunglasses are hi-tech with blackout lenses; at Acne these are squashed into narrow slit frames, while at Just Cavalli styles are shaped into winter sport goggles with a neon trim.
This womenswear and accessory report brings you up to the minute information on the retail scene right now! The headlining trend is for grungy summer festival layers and cleverly styled proportions. COLOUR Collision focuses on the new colour combinations and prints that are making a big impact on the High Street. We’ve covered the leading stores, designer labels and edgy brands to bring you a great overarching view of the London scene.
The prevailing punk theme is a perfect fit for jewellery. Chunky chains are stacked into collars at Lanvin, Rodarte twists innocent looking chains into barbed wire and many designers, including Jean-Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, Francesco Scognamiglio and Roberto Cavalli, all showed ear cuffs that curve around the entire ear…
This information-packed jewellery report zooms in on the key styles of the season and provides trend analysis to inspire and inform your next accessory collections.
Shapes are evolving, changing the way we hold and carry bags. Some styles navigate the hand through a strap or split while others offer both shoulder and short handle options. Highly functional styles provide wallet-style compartments, detachable flat pockets or genius two-in one bags. Sizes are generally compact and neat with some roomy totes, hobos and holdalls being the exception to the rule. This dedicated bag issue, allows you to connect with the key shapes, materials and direction of trends moving forward.