Monday 9 January 2012

S/S 2012 Trend Review 2

Under The Sea
(Edmund Dulac illustration for Hans Christian Andersen)

Though this spring is all about bright colours, clashing textures, innovation and avant-garde styles, I was not sure about the new 'under the sea' trend at first. I was initially struck by just how popular this trend had become amongst designers, from Alexander MacQueen to Versace. However, looking back, it should not have came as much of a surprise at all, many s/s collections feature deep blue sea colours and are inspired by all things associated with the summer season. The mysteries of the ocean and all the creatures that live within it have fascinated humans since the dawn of time. Mythical creatures such as mermaids detailed in folklore legends have inspired creative thinkers from Hans Christian Andersen and his 'The Little Mermaid' in the nineteenth century to the 2011 Pirates of the Caribbean film 'On Stranger Tides', directed by Rob Marshall.

The creativity within all of the sea-life collections was vast and exhilarating with tropical fish style dresses to shell accessories and wave inspired pieces. 

Most collections took influence from the creatures living in ocean such as the tropical fish. The designers that rocked the colourful tropical fish pieces were Mary Katrantzou, Emanuel Ungaro and Prada and Versace with their starfish shirt dress.

(Mary Katrantzou)
(Emanuel Ungaro)
(Prada)
(Versace)


Some of the most beautiful pieces were inspired by the less obvious sea-life such as the coral reefs and barnicles. Yet again Sarah Burton impressed with the Alexander MacQueen sophisticated and embellished take on the under the sea trend. A particular favourite was the floor length, silver, gathered light chiffon dress. The embellished headpiece, almost like a crown leads the eye down the dress as it flares out into a ruffled bottom, evoking a mythical and enchanting sea goddess feel.

(all Alexander MacQueen)

A simple yet clever take on the water world trend that worked well was the wave inspired pieces, which were   mastered by Peter Pilotoo. The Pilotoo corset style tops flowed into puff ball skirts, that perfectly mime the white-caps of the sea. Stella McCartney's bodycon style dresses too captured the foam of the tide in the black and white trim.

 (Peter Pilotoo)
(Stella McCartney)

Though it may not be my favourite look the most innovative catch by far was Nicolas Ghesquiere's fisherman styled collection. 

1 comment:

  1. Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog - now following you!! :)

    Lovely blog, looking forward to reading all your posts, this one was great, love the sea theme! :)

    http://electricsunrise.blogspot.com/

    xx

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