Written by: Adrienne Brookbanks
The weather is heating up and while we’re not quite ready to whip out our bikini’s, we’re definitely ready to pack away (most of) our jerseys and bulky winter clothing. Spring not only means new beginnings – for us fashionistas, this season is also synonymous with shopping sprees and over-indulging in the new collections from ethical designers. liveeco takes a look at some of the local and international trends to give you the tips and insights you need to make your spring wardrobe a success!
Toxic colours are in
Electric, toxic colours like striking pink, electric blue and bright yellow are one of the top trends this spring. Designers like Martin Grant, Lanvin, Fendi and Moschino Cheap & Chic showcased mini dresses, summer skirts and work-wear in these toxic colours (combined with black and other neutrals) on the international runways.
Colour clashes
Another hot colour combination is blue and yellow. Issa’s Spring collection at London Fashion Week showed a variety of off-the-shoulder, loose fitting summer dresses in yellow and blue. The styles were soft and floating, cinched at the waist yet linear, with tampered items. Some of the runway models also wore these summery items with yellow and blue head turbans as accessories. Other designers who paired blue and yellow throughout their collections included Marni, Vanessa Bruno, Mary Katrantzou and Aquilano Rimondi.
Floral prints
Runways were awash with feminine, flora prints in pastel shades. Designers such as Erdem, Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti and Celia Birtwell showcased everything from floral blouses and light summer dresses in country garden prints and delicate organic prints.
Some of the hot accessories this season include golden jewellery (with coloured stones), jewelled sandals, fabric turbans, flower penchants and flower rings.
Urban safari
Another trend that will suite the South African ladies well is the urban safari look. Light, khaki colours combined with white shirts are easy to wear and easy to mix-and-match. Some must-haves this spring include beige shorts, white cotton tops and khaki-coloured summer dresses. Make sure you invest in leather strappy heels to perfect this look.
Local designer tells us about new Spring trends
Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser – who are the masterminds behind the popular local ethical fashion label Lalesso – recently told Globalcool.org that some of the hot items people can expect for the summer months include mini and maxi dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, hotpants, bikinis and tops all featuring their trademark bold, beautiful Kenyan prints.
“We are launching four new prints in exquisite colour combinations that will appeal to a vast range of consumers. The print designs embody the usual African essence with a very fresh, fruity and modern twist. Resort wear will be strengthened with floaty kaftans, loose cover-ups and beach side cocktail bar numbers,” said Alice Heusser and Olivia Kennaway when commenting on Lasello’s spring/summer 2011 collection, called “The Neo African J-peg Generation”, which they showcased at the Cape Town Fashion Week, which took place on 13 – 16 July.
Inspiration behind the new collection lies in Africa’s progress moving into the digital era, combined with Heusser and Kennaway’s view of the strides that the continent is currently making. “The collection is a reflection of the way we view Africa right now, a place full of power, movement, passion and romance. The combination of old and new and the clashing of cultures were all aspects that we drew inspiration from.”
Heusser and Kennaway also explained that they are extending their ethical fashion initiatives into charitable organisations in Kenya. “We are working with a workshop called Bombolulu, a creative hub for handicapped people in Mombasa. We are adorning parts of the designs with their hand-made brass pieces, supporting the Bombolulu group and providing an elegant and luxurious touch to the collection.”
The liveeco team
