The 70’s Glamazon
Seventies glamour is set to take over the summer whether it’s for the office or for after hours cocktails. Style icon of the era Bianca Jagger first embraced this trend during her Studio 54 days in slinky metallic gowns, embellished head pieces and sky high platforms.
Like Ms Jagger this demure trend holds a subtle air of sexual confidence as it is expressed through the shop stopping shimmery fabrics, and body hugging silhouettes that royally drape over the body. For an old school Hollywood glamour keep an eye out for high sheen fabrics with a lurex or silk metallic thread, accompanied by a ruffled neckline and tuxedo jacket. As seen below in Salvatore Ferragamo’s collection.
A key piece for this trend is the ever omnipresent floppy hat, which defiantly needs to be teamed with exotic jewellery if your really going to own this look. Below, WGACA collection.
Earth toned colour pallets; billowing sleeved blouses and roll neck jumpers tucked into high wasted wide leg trousers are a great way to take influence from the 70’s without looking like you got stuck in a time warp. For those that dare to bare thigh high boots is a grand way to ooze sex appeal without looking like a street walker. This is only as long as they are teamed with loose fitted bohemian smock dresses, or on top of neutral coloured tights.
To finish off your look keep and eye out for statement accessories like bold stoned rings, string beads, leather satchels and wide belts.
New spin on the Maxi
Designer’s Dolce and Gabbana never fail to inspire a new take on trends. This spring/summer the effortlessly glamorous maxi dress has be reinvented in sheer fabrics.
The look offers a minimalistic sexiness that can be transformed from daytime casual to evening chic.
Crochet and Macramé
You may have an unsightly image in your mind of the crocheted blankets you so graciously pretended to like when your grandmother gave them to you for Christmas. But don’t fear for spring 2011 its all about intricacy, quality and a luxury edge. As seen at Emilio Pucci SS11.
Macramé on the other hand knots together as a bulky material that has little stretch to it. Although it has made its way on to the runways as beachwear for the likes of Gucci and Christian Dior this season.
Both crochet and macramé take inspiration from the 70’s revival that is set to take the spring/summer by storm. As it is usually comprised of earth toned colours of browns, oranges, whites and creams. The pieces are based on a hippy chic festival theme that uses an aesthetic of luxury and modern refinement.
The Tail Hem
Shirttail hem, mermaid tail, cutaway hem…whatever you want to call it, Nicki Minaj and Furgie Ferguson are big fans.
These hems fill the void between mini, midi and maxi. There aim is to cover with exposure in a fresh take on baring those summer pins.
The dipping hem is a playful way of showing the elegance of length while allowing for something a little more revealing. It can also resemble something much more effortless especially if its styled likes an un-tucked shirt or an oversized tee as seen the No.21 SS11 collection.
Dare to bear with the crop top?
This reworked trend seems to creep in every summer season but it has yet to become a choice for the majority.
Although in 2011 the crop top is not just about exposing the whole stomach because not all of us were granted the same personal trainer as Ciara and Beyonce.
It’s about finding new elegant ways of showing off a peep of midriff while leaving the rest to the imagination. Still confused? No we don’t mean the crop top you may wear as a sport bra in the gym to keep the twins under control. This season it’s more about using the crop top as a sophisticated and refined piece that can be embraced by even the most modest fashionista.
Words by Gina Badhen
