Whats in store Womenswear S/S 2005

This season is well and truly a summer holiday. Inspiration comes from: Africa, for safari jackets, tribal jewellery and animal prints and Asia for beading and colour. This season the more adventurous among you may want to opt for rainbow brights and abstract prints which are in abundance this summer. An emerging nautical theme means there is plenty of blue on offer, from teal to turquoise- so all hands on deck! And what summer would be complete without a splattering of floral prints and some beaded sandals.

Hippy
For the summer the designers looked towards the 70’s for inspiration. Anything goes in this theme. Silhouettes are long and floaty with billowing kimono sleeves and kaftans. Pattern and print are key for this look so mix white and bright colours for this dreamy trend. You don’t have to go head to toe- go opt for a printed top and team up with a denim skirt. Paisley chiffon kaftan, Floor length Indian-style skirt, Jangley coin belts and accessories ,Chandelier drop earrings,
Jewelled flip flops and wedges.

Tribal
Influences from around the world come together this summer cultivating in beautiful outfits in embroidery and beading. The strongest emerging look is African from tribal prints to the funky looks from the afro Caribbean. Keep outfits/shapes simple making them stand out with prints. Browns and greens are an important colour palette in this theme and can easily be worn by everyone. Batik or tie-dyed skirt, Sleeveless military shirt, African print tops, African wooden bead necklace
3-4 chunky bangles worn together, Straw wedge heel espadrilles.

Nautical
This is a very commercial look and can adapted to suit you with effortless ease. You can adopt this trend by simply wearing a striped jersey or go head to toe in a masculine nautical inspired suit. Obvious colours are blue and white but team up with yellow to brighten up the look. Wide leg sailor pants, oversized vests, Tailored short skirts, Cropped naval jacket, Canvas deck shoes, Wedge espadrilles.

Safari
A look suitable for all ages as we see the welcome return of the safari jacket. When mixed with glamorous chiffon pieces this can be a very elegant look. During the day this look can be adapted to suit any age. Jazz it up with prints or keep it simple with t-shirts.
Blues: It’s all about the blues this summer all across the spectrum from teal to ocean blue. There are so many shades around your bound to find one that suits your colouring. These hues look great when worn with purple for that sumptuous Mediterranean feel.

Knitwear
Is a key trend this season as designers bring out the lighter knits for summer. Go for natural and bright colours in fine gauge knits. Knitwear can be worn in summer too- so look for sexy silhouettes rather than clumpy knits.

Whats in store Menswear S/S 2005

Good news for menswear this season is it’s hotter than ever! The emphasis is on a more defined and smarter silhouette than previous seasons. Colour is an important theme this summer as are print and pattern. Designers teamed together stripes and florals for a mismatched look. Tailoring is back and casualwear takes on a smarter edge so say ‘bye bye’ to the trailer trash look and hello to a smarter more sophisticated trend!

Safari
As with womenswear this season Africa is a key area of inspiration for menswear. Wear the safari jacket with jeans for dressed down chic or with lightweight cotton trousers for the summer nights.

Colour
The season's brightest, most ubiquitous trend. Be confident when wearing colour and don’t be afraid to mismatch bright colours. Make up your own rules for this trend wear all your favourite colours at once- only if your confident enough to carry it off!

Pink
A key menswear colour for summer. You don’t have to go head to toe in this colour so why not wear a simple polo shirt with a splash of pink or even a pink belt. Gone are the days when pink was only for girls.

Preppy
The classic is back, think regatta blazers and cricket knits. Although this is predominantly a smart look it can be taken forward and developed into a sportier silhouette when teamed with the right pieces. Cream and brown look great teamed with unexpected brights.

Nautical
As with womenswear this season some of the menswear designers look to the deck for inspiration. This look is sharp and smart with plenty of structured cottons and canvases. This look can be worn by almost anyone young or old.

White jacket
Seen everywhere this summer worn with jeans for a dressed down casual look like D&G or dressed up a la James Bond at Valentino Men. Wear yours casually or dress it up- it’s up to you- but just make sure you wear it!

 

 

 

 

 

Whats in store Accessories S/S 2005

 

Womenswear Accessories:

· Wear your hats either large and wide brimmed or small and neat. It’s a season of extremes so choose which one best suits your personality.

· Shoes can be high wedges with wooden effect heel or bejewelled Indian inspired pumps. You don’t have to wear heels in the evening any more the flat versions are just as sexy!

· For the day, make sure your bags are big and for the evening make sure they are as small as possible. Big colourful bags for the day in an ethnic inspired print and small structured bejewelled clutch bags for the evening for ultimate glamour puss. Key colours are purple and browns.

· There are some fantastic jewellery pieces around at the moment at both high street and designer level. Look for crafty looking necklaces in wood, enamels and semi precious stones. Principles and Top Shop have some great jewellery at high street level and Clements Ribeiro at designer level

 

Menswear Accessories:

· It's official- the hat been revived for men. In all shapes and sizes from the trilby to the baker boy- they are back! The trilby in particular is modernised as coloured bands are worn around this stylish hat. Wear casually in colour and in a more muted palette with tailored looks.

· Shoes are smart with a focus on texture and pattern. Brogue details and exotic leathers are put together to create a mismatched look. The old walking boots become more casual and are more trainer-like.

· Key shapes for men’s bags this season are the holdall and satchels as D&G showed with their gorgeous brown version of the holdall. Shapes are quite structured and keep to a brown and neutral palette. Stylish satchels are in leather and canvas and are an easy bag to carry with plenty of room and not as obvious as the holdall.

· Belts are big and should be seen. But if you don’t want to stand out too much wear in browns and khakis for a more understated look.