Doll's Eye View: London Spring/Summer Trends '16

London fashion week is traditionally known for its hard core, edgy "concept" clothing and....Queen Mum! Not being a fan of either of those diametrically opposed poles, I'm always amazed how I'm able to find something that suits both my taste and the aesthetics of my dolls! Although I have to dig a bit, London always delivers!

ABSTRACT THOUGHTS

This is fashion as abstract art. Think about simple silhouettes as a base, embellished with a contrast of geometric cuts or even origami.

2015 SPACE ODYSEY



Talk of space travel to Mars, technological advances from Silicon Valley, a return to solar power as a source of  "green energy".... silver makes a brief appearance. Think about foiling a portion of a garment, or fashioning a metallic top to be worn over white or perhaps a simple dress made from a texturized silver fabric.

Katouchka's dress is made from silver eyelash ribbon!

UNRAVELED

Again we see a theme explored during New York Fashion Week...frayed edges. In addition, the Julien MacDonald garments are made from a combination drawn thread work and lattice trim. The general idea is to create texture by manipulating the fabric itself. Hint: Instead of using denim for this, consider chambray or silk! Also, the open work is lined with a flesh tone fabric.

A-FLUTTER

An alternative to skinny styles, these are garments with "wings." There are some vintage looks revisited in this group: a three-tiered dress by Osman, the tent dress with petals that flutter in the wind by J. JS Lee, an overload of ruffles spilling down an oversized top (though you should lose those parachute pants), and handkerchief points from Vivienne Westwood.

FLATS

In direct opposition--styles that are simple flat shapes almost resembling cut-out silhouettes. Look for "fit & flare" with nipped in waists, dresses with an emphasis on bare shoulders, or even tunics cut into thick slats. (Style note: red panty hose worn with black!)

SHAPE OF PANTS TO COME

Pants come is all sizes and shapes. What we like best are looks borrowed from the 1960's: bra top over hip hugger stovepipe pants, the tunic pantsuit and pants with a built in cummerbund.  

 

EASTERN REFLECTIONS

Here's a perfect example of how the designer's environment is translated into clothes. With all the talk of immigrants--from the Syrians fleeing their country to the problems in the Ukraine, designers have gone behind the scene into the folkloric backgrounds of Easterners and emerged with an interpretation of ethnic patterns and prints used in contemporary silhouettes.

COMFORT ZONE

At the end of the day, we can take a pause and slip into gear that's easy on the eyes and comfortable to wear. This means body skimming ankle length jersey dresses, wide trousers and jumpsuits or a sexy jersey dress that slithers off one shoulder!

 

 

Next up....Milan!

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