Stride boldly into spring and summer with this season’s strong statements in shape and colour. From silhouette-altering puffy sleeves to daring suits with shorts, from the revival of 70s burnt orange and beige to vibrant bright greens and pinks, from delicate-yet-imposing floral prints to flowers as a structural element you’ll find adventurous and playful fashion options this spring. Though the fashion industry as a whole is stepping more slowly into sustainability, pioneers like Stella McCartney and new leaders like Amur and Gabriela Hearst are setting the tone this spring for fashion that doesn’t have to cost the Earth.
Puffy Sleeves
Spring collections showed us that not only were puffy sleeves still trending, the look has only become more pronounced, with even more voluminous and sculpted sleeves. At the recent Golden Globes, puffy sleeves stood out on celebrities such as Cate Blanchet in Mary Katrantzou, Zoey Deutch wearing Fendi, and Beyonce donning a Schiaparelli. Pictured here: floral dress with billowing sleeves by the sustainable brand Amur, made of 100 percent silk with a Cupro (reclaimed cotton linter) lining.
The 70s
The decade that brought you disco, bell-bottom pants, wide lapels, psychedelic prints and geometric patterns is back. The pointed disco collar is one of the notable looks on coats, jackets and shirts this spring, especially when worn with a contrasting tone. New collections also reference double-breasted styles, embellished ruffles, modernized crochet dresses and eveningwear, suede, corduroy and fur materials and burnt orange and beige hues. With clothes made with organic or upcycled materials, Kitx brings this trend to the streets, with a look that features wide-legged trousers and a 70s-inspired collared and lapel trench coat (also a top trend this year) in a light blue perfect for spring.
Neon and Bright Hues
In contrast to the warm and neutral 70s shades are this spring’s counterpart: neon and vivid colours that can make almost any ensemble into a statement piece. Think bold in full-length solid-colour dresses or outfits, or a combination of bold colours like pink and orange. Tone it down for the office or social events by mixing and matching a bright top with a neutral bottom, or add a bright accessory for a small burst. Mara Hoffman’s sheer lime green in 100 percent eco-friendly TENCEL™ Lyocell includes a removable white cotton slip (image on left) that serves as a layer to play around with this striking trend.
Suits
Fashionable in 2019, suits have returned to the 2020 runways in a big way with variations from top to bottom. For some designers like Gabriela Hearst, pictured here from her show last year that was the first carbon-neutral fashion show ever, the hips are a focal point with belts and buttons cinching at the waist. Others, like Tory Burch and Tibi, give a nod to the 80s with wider tailoring on the waist and shoulders. Vests are also a dominant addition, as seen in Max Mara, Chanel, Burberry and Louis Vuitton. Short shorts and knee-hitting Bermuda shorts—two big trends this year—walked the runways alongside the classic floor-grazing pants, giving suits more options for the warmer months.
Florals
For 2020, spring florals will range from small and ornate to large and dramatic. More elaborate patterns and oversized images, such as in Marc Jacobs, Richard Quin and Marchesa, give a nod to the 60s and 70s. For some designers, such as Prabal Gurung and Marni, the rose was the flower of choice. We loved eco-couture pioneer Stella McCartney’s green and at-your-fingertips take. Since 2001, McCartney has been using natural and organic materials as well as seeking new textile innovations while remaining committed to designs that create the least possible environmental impact.
By Parvati Magazine Staff