The time is almost upon us to bid adieu to A/W 12, with only the Sales now between us and the switch over into S/S 13. And the Sales of course are the perfect chance to snap up some smart buys to help make the transition into next season a smooth one (because let’s face it, fashion is way ahead of the weather). And to make things a little easier on you, we’ve done all the hard work and identified five current major trends that will be carrying over well into the New Year, as well as the pieces to buy now that you can still wear later. Here they are…
The Trend: Monochrome
Designers doing it for S/S 13:
Marc Jacobs,
Jil Sander,
Alexander Wang,
Valentino,
Maison Martin Margiela
Dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim on farfetch and Jil Sander S/S 13 dress on the catwalk
True, there’s barely a season that goes by without the inclusion of black and white, but the two together on a single piece was the big news for S/S 13, as seen here on a dress that perfectly encapsulates Jil Sander’s chic minimalism. Qualities echoed by
this current 3.1 Phillip Lim dress…
The Trend: Patchwork
Designers doing it for S/S 13:
Proenza Schouler,
Erdem,
Derek Lam,
Eudon Choi, Felipe Oliveira Baptista
Dress by Raoul on farfetch and Proenza Schouler S/S 13 dress on the catwalk
Clashing colours and fabrics layered up onto
dresses, skirts and jackets takes a turn for the exotic next season, as demonstrated by this eye-catching Proenza Schouler look. So be sure carry-overs from A/W 12 have flashes of rich colour, like in
this Raoul dress.
The Trend: Ruffles and Peplums
Designers doing it for S/S 13:
J.W Anderson,
Balenciaga,
Gucci,
Chloé,
Acne,
Burberry Prorsum
Dress by Joseph on farfetch and J.W. Anderson S/S 13 dress on the catwalk
The enduring trend for peplums is going absolutely nowhere, but they’re taking a turn for the more ruffled variety for S/S 13. Think artfully placed ruffles to add movement and flair to classic pieces rather than rigid kick-flares on the hips – just like in both A/W 12’s
grey Joseph dress and next season’s playful J.W. Anderson number.
The Trend: Suits
Designers doing it for S/S 13:
Christian Dior,
Stella McCartney,
Mary Katrantzou, Jonathan Saunders,
Balmain
Dolce & Gabbana trouser suit on farfetch and Chrstian Dior S/S 13 suit on the catwalk
The classic trouser suit is perennially a Winter staple, but thanks to Raf Simons’ artfully elegant first collection for Christian Dior they’re also going to be big news this Summer, particularly in traditional shades like black and grey. Which is why
this Dolce & Gabbana suit is a smart buy, simply add a neck-tie and some killer heels.
The Trend: Oriental Details
Designers doing it for S/S 13:
Emilio Pucci,
Dries Van Noten,
Etro,
Haider Ackermann,
Damir Doma
Dress by Dries Van Noten on farfetch and Emilio Pucci S/S 13 dress on the catwalk
Designers went wild for the Orient in A/W 12 and judging by next season’s catwalks it remains very much the destination du jour. Dries Van Noten was among the most Asian-inspired collections this season, and pieces like
this kimono-esque dress will slot in perfectly alongside S/S 13’s flowing flowered and embroidery and origami tailoring, the former seen strikingly here at Emilio Pucci.