Interpreting Collections - Spring

Spring 2010 - ready to wear

VERSACE

Again and again I keep getting reminded that "fresh" is just another word for "forgotten". In Versace's collection there are complex prints and vibrant colours. Colours which remind me of the '60s and prints which are a little on the psychedelic side.

This collection is exciting to me because it utilises icons from the past, little snippets which we're familiar with, which have been changed subtly. There are studs, pastels, big sunglasses and 'out-there' fabrics and what appear to be leg warmers in vinyl. Regardless of the wearability of these garments it has to be said that this is a risky move on the designers part. Not everyone is keen to return to the past, but this is something which the fashion industry does quite often.

These short skirts and tight jackets remind me of filmic depictions of the rock 'n' roll era, attitude, spunk and big hair. Metal and pout!

Spring 2010 - ready to wear

VERSACE

Spring 2010 - ready to wear

VERSACE

Where might one wear such garments I hear you ask? Well, if you're the party going type then there's your answer, however if you are the bookish, hard working type with some passion for clothes. You might take some aspects of this collection and interpret them through the "work lense". Probably leave the legwarmers for social activities, unless your workplace is suitably groovy.

Think pastel shades (shirts and skirts), a bit of vintage metal (definitely belts), bright patterned fabric for highlights (a scarf or two never went astray and a bright jacket can be just the ticket to brighten up the day). I fully intend to do some sketches to bring these thoughts into reality. Stay tuned.

Spring 2010 - ready to wear

VERSACE

Spring 2010 - ready to wear

VERSACE

Where might one wear such garments I hear you ask? Well, if you're the party going type then there's your answer, however if you are the bookish, hard working type with some passion for clothes. You might take some aspects of this collection and interpret them through the "work lense". Probably leave the legwarmers for social activities, unless your workplace is suitably groovy.

Think pastel shades (shirts and skirts), a bit of vintage metal (definitely belts), bright patterned fabric for highlights (a scarf or two never went astray and a bright jacket can be just the ticket to brighten up the day). I fully intend to do some sketches to bring these thoughts into reality. Stay tuned.

Ramblings #1

This image is taken from Elie Tahari's 2007 Autumn collection. Originally I had filed this under 'colour', but I kept coming back to it mainly because of the simplicity, and also because it reminded me of my own wardrobe. Tahari appears to have found each garment and put them together in much the same way I do when dressing. Maybe she began with the red gloves and then went to the black/denim/navi colours.

I do this too. You find something you really want to wear and then find the next thing that goes with it. This ensemble look appropriate for work. It's business-like, but its also very chic.

The simplicity of dress, with loose, straight sleeves, is deceiving. The idea that less is more is well and truly established. Audrey Hepburn was a pioneer in this regard. Here we see the slim black tights and ballet flats which she wore. These have become staples in many wardrobes and I love to see details from the past resurfacing. Though not a tights person myself, I would kill for those gloves. ;)