Off The Runway This Summer

CEBU, Philippines - We saw girls lately sporting plaited hairdos and wearing flat, sparkling sandals to match their chirpy mood. Oh, wait! Hello, summer! We thought you wouldn't come sooner.

When at some point we wanted something different from the pure, modern and minimalistic approach in last year’s fall fashion, we can now ditch last season’s wardrobe for lighter clothes.

But rather than buying everything and going online-shopping crazy, there's plenty from summer 2012 fashion will not overburden your closet. We have recommended so many accents, trends and must-haves in the past but no one has ever gotten bored with these highlights that spawned a trend on and off the catwalk. Here they are:

Rooted in authenticity, Levi’s Spring/Summer 2012 Collection features contemporary Americana looks and effortless style. The collection sets off an easy-going summer feel defined by craftsmanship and simplicity.   Inspired by “The Sea Ranch”, Levi’s infuses breathtaking harmony from unspoiled surroundings- rugged beaches, sea ranches, traditional farms and time spent working outdoors on a long hot summer day! There’s a real desire to showcase authenticity. It’s about respecting the past while designing a better future. 

Zoology in Havaianas. If Mulberry, House of Holland, Carolina Herrera, and Giambattista Valli have been brave enough to go with a wild print for this year’s summer trend, wait till you see Havaianas’ take on the wild print. Spice up your look by adding a touch of jungle fever with Havaianas Slim Animal. These leopard-print flipflops in white, brown and grey with slimmer metallic straps are just waiting for you to get your paws on. If you’ve been prowling for the perfectly unique and trendy addition to your outfit, look no further.  

Soak Swimwear is the brainchild of two beach lovers since 2007 that has truly gone a long way, bringing the concept of beach couture to a whole new level with stylish hardware, a chosen mix of colors and prints. This summer, indulge in their newest designs: Cape Town, the Malibu Pleated V maillot, Sao Paolo chain link halters and bestselling bandage high waist!

Bask in the summer sun with CMG’s Summer 2012 collection! Candy-colored sandals, floral wedges and suede platforms are your allies in the city or by the sea. Also carrying the hottest trend of the season – woven shoes – CMG introduces its newest in-house brand Vittorio Ventura along with staples Matthews and Stacatto.

Topshop’s print leads the way in South Pacific this summer: a highbred of contrasting kaleidoscopic baroque borders, animal prints and high octane hibiscus florals are all brought together in a palette of brights. The prints create a stand out presence against a backdrop of deep plums, worked on silks and patched together with mesh. 

Inspired by a rare bird who has always been ahead of her time, M·A·C presents a colour collection featuring Lipsticks, Beauty Powder and Eye Shadows with as much flair and joie de vivre as the woman who helped create it...Iris Apfel. Iris Apfel for MAC lipsticks come in Flamingo, Morange, Party Parrot, Pink Pigeon, and Scarlet Ibis.

Email this writer at [email protected]. (FREEMAN)