Trend Alert: Summer’s shining news

Summer is hot! Summer is cool! How can it be both? That’s why summer is fun! The season’s fashion is sexy, glam, full of sparkle, luxurious, precious, feminine, bold and daring. Showing off is back! The season’s woman is sexy and she wants to be noticed. Sparkle is back. Glamour is back. Fun is back. Bold accessories are back. Excess is in good taste again. Think Hollywood. Think Vegas. Think Dallas and the decadent world. Think classic retro films. Think Sunset Boulevard. Think pin-up girls. Dare to be all! Play the role you desire. That’s what summer fashion is all about – fun, bold, playful and whimsical!

Designers made the runways sparkle with glittery numbers using lamé, satin, sequins, crystals, rhinestones, beads, PVC, silk and leather. Metallics give an instant edge to your look. Nearly every designer – from Tom Ford for Gucci and YSL Rive Gauche, to Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, John Galliano for Christian Dior, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Phoebe Philo at Chloé, Miuccia Prada for Prada and Miu Miu, Narciso Rodriguez, Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi and Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Helmut Lang, Matthew Williamson, Sonia Rykiel, Giorgio Armani and Valentino – made his collection sparkle – whether discreet or seriously shining. Wrap coats, flapper dresses, swimsuits, knits, party dresses, cocktail numbers, skirts, pants, tops and tons of accessories didn’t go unnoticed. All hit the jackpot with gold and shimmer. It’s the best way to shine this season.

Dare to be noticed this season. Make heads turn. Now, nothing is too big, too rich and too bold. Spikes, wedges, platforms, strappy and lace-up numbers strut the runway in iridescent, gold and bronze leather and satin with crystals, beads and rhinestones. Wedges and platforms are reworked and have become the season’s cult shoe as seen in Moschino, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Christian Dior, Chloé, Versace, Calvin Klein, Balenciaga, Prada, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli and Missoni. Other accessories are also embellished with the same tools of choice – from see-through to plastic, Plexiglas, studs, beads, metallic leather, crystal and precious stones. Jewelry pieces are worn in great numbers. Shapes are daring. The look is explosive. The accessory is at its best this season.

Even beauty style goes full force with shimmer. Summer skin is sheer and shining. Eyes are soft and smoky with metallic shades of brights, browns and gray. Cheeks glow in peach or pink blush with a pearly finish. Lips are kissable in sheer and glossy tints of peach and pink. Bronze and gold shades highlight the face. When I was backstage in Milan during the summer fashion week, most makeup artists used their fingertips to apply makeup. It creates a more natural look. And, almost all products are cream-based to achieve the season’s new look. Make the latest style work for you. It’s sexy, glam and easy to achieve.

Some like it hot! Don’t get too carried away though. Opt for accents like a bag, a belt, a pair of shoes for a more low-key style. Let’s face it, only a few can get away with Vegas-style bling. The best way to shine is by perfecting the mix – pair shimmer and gold with luxe and mod track pants, classic khaki, cotton tees, denim, full skirts and white cropped pants. Stand out in the crowd. Don’t be afraid of sparkle and gilt. Remember that the metal of choice this season looks oh-so-good with our Asian skin.

Reinvent yourself. Have fun and play pin-up girl or be a Hollywood diva. Exaggerate details. Be brave and take a heady dose of sparkle. Make yourself shine this summer!

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Send queries and suggestions to jo@joyceorena.com