In their hit song
Waterfalls, iconic girl group tlc (let’s be honest, the genre has been all downhill from there) urged us to ‘don’t go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the river and the lakes that you’re used to.’
Nineties American girl group tlc in the Waterfalls video
Well they needn’t worry. For Spring/Summer 12 waterfalls, rivers, lakes, whatever - so long as it’s shimmering and blue it works. Of course ethereally hued, icy
dresses flowing down to the floor in glossy ripples have always held a certain romantic appeal, but one more suited to a love story than a high-fashion narrative. But this season’s innovative approach, with modern materials and directional cuts transport the look firmly into real life.
Acne S/S 12
Acne’s sapphire a-line
skirt for instance, had a pool-like shine to it, but defiantly hard, strong lines that immediately erased any mental images of Disney princesses, and
Gareth Pugh’s glossy organza
dress may have been shimmering floorwards but it’s inky hue and avant-garde styling keep it firmly out of wedding party territory.
Gareth Pugh S/S
Marc Jacobs went mad for iridescent blues for his eponymous line, experimenting with plaid and patterns layered under the shiny finish, but most striking were the top to toe aqua coloured ensembles that started with glassy turquoise fringing catching the light and snaking down the body and went on through blue tights all the way down to matching
shoes.
Marc Jacobs S/S 12
Italian designer
Gabriele Colangelo however was the most enthusiastic at embracing the watery theme – a series of striking
dresses, jackets and trousers in his collection were emblazoned with what looked like silky lagoons and crashing waves below bright, otherworldly skies.
Gabriele Colangelo S/S 12
Blue is such an expansive colour, with literally hundreds of varying shades that it’s easy to wear it top to toe without feeling like you’re dressed as a crayon, and whilst shimmering fabrics have earned themselves a reputation as being rather unflattering, this season’s mix of loose cuts and structured silhouettes mean that it’s now a pitfall easily avoided. And of course the smart fabrics that this trend makes the most of are probably its most intriguing asset – who ever thought channelling your inner water goddess would have a wipe clean option!