The Clothes: For S/S ’04, designers invoked a season of soft feminine elegance. In contrast to last season’s dressed-up glamour, this season offers a more laid-back appearance. Clothes are undeniably feminine and supple, yet they have an almost casual attitude about them. There’s an eclectic mix of colors, fabrics and styles, without reference to the bohemian lifestyle of seasons back – an amalgamation of everything from tropical prints, neon neoprene, earthy tweeds, pastel chiffons and intricate prints. Almost every decade is represented in the collections yet the look is not retro. While inspired by the past, everything looks fresh and modern – there are no literal translations of historical trends. This is a great time for women to explore their own style, and not just copy what’s on print or on sale. Fun, fun!
The standouts: •Alexander McQueen’s brilliant collection of dance-inspired Depression-era pieces presented in the most unique spectacle of the season – both male and female models danced their way on and off stage.
•Marc Jacobs ditches Courreges and gets back to what he does best – late 70’s, vintage chic.
•Prada-dip-dyed resortwear.
•Chanel – lacy tops, flirty florals, summer tweeds and saucy swimwear can stock you up for the rest of the season.
The Highlights:
•Sheer, transparency!
•Ruffles/drapery
•Camisoles, bralettes
•Loose shorts (paper-bag waist pants), pleated fabrics
•Lemon/lime
•Light tweeds
•Snake motif
The Trimmings:
This Spring/Summer 04 brings accessories to the forefront of fashion. The catwalk boasted a parade of high-luxe accessories with elaborate details, glitzy hardware, a chunkier "feel" and expert craftsmanship. This is the season to invest in a designer bag, shoe or chapeau because there ain’t no mistaking these gems for tiangge knock-offs. It’s a great season for accessories addicts – you’ll feel like a pirate who’s just discovered your biggest treasure.
The standouts:
•Dancing shoes at Alexander McQueen.
•Butterflies at Chloe and Valentino.
•Fringes and snakes at Gucci.
•Big buckles and metal chains at Louis Vuitton
•Satin at Marc Jacobs.
•Heavy shoes at Dior and Vuitton
The highlights:
•Gold! — Hi-ho silver isn’t so high anymore. Anything gold goes.
•Luxurious materials and brilliant colors — bejeweled, bedecked, bedazzled. Full-grain leathers, silk satins, gold fringes, metal, beautiful fabrics, semi-precious stones.
•Chunky! From the new heavy-heeled shoes to all the hardcore hardware on bags and body jewelry, it’s definitely not the season for dainty.