Winter 2015 Fashion Trends
By Emma Francois
THE PLAYFUL NEUTRALS OXYMORON
This season, designers go above and beyond winter whites, transforming timeless neutrals into sophisticated and classic color pairings. Beige adopts a blush hue, gray becomes a rich charcoal, and sandstone revives a typical taupe. The highlight of this trend is seen in the dichotomy of light and dark- the snowy whites juxtapose crisp blacks in a loud yet elegant sartorial metaphor.
Actress Léa Seydoux wore an understated gown in a neutral that blended champagne and rosé. Her Miu Miu dress had a hint of sparkle around the jewel neckline that complimented the bubbly beige.
Sienna Miller donned a breathtaking cream dress with delicate cranberry and eggnog undertones- perfect for the winter season. The Michael Kors number featured a simple silhouette with antique ruffles reminiscent of Victorian Era lacework, and made modern by the pearly shade of ivory.
Have fun embellishing neutrals that range from slate to caramel. Try mixing different shades of chocolate or contrasting a frosty white with a bold black. The result is a contemporary twist on a favorite fashion oldie!
On the Runway
ARTFUL NODS TO BYZANTINE
This season, a thoughtful source of inspiration comes from the overlooked troves of past artwork. The resurfacing of ancient medieval masterpieces means religious motifs, artful florals, and a limited palette of wine red, royal blue, sage green, and, of course, gold à la Byzantine mosaics. While the inspiration may seem focused, the breath of interpretation taken by designers seems endless.
Actress Cate Blanchett personified the historical trend in a Schiaparelli dress with rosettes appliqued around the exaggerated neckline reminiscent of delicate tile work.
Actress Rachel Weisz donned a majestic and voluminous Lanvin gown with grapey purples and marigold-and-amber yellows that looked like the backdrop of a fourteenth century tapestry.
Take a cue from Nanette Lepore and experiment with this unconventional trend in soft and intellectual ways: a head-to-toe look in yellow ochre or perhaps a shirt in an intricate and Gothic floral tucked into understated trousers. And in the ballroom, play up the Byzantine allusion through hints of gold or insinuations of Medieval designs.
On the Runway
DISCO RETRO REVERIE
From Moschino to J. W. Anderson, many designers employed a tool kit of colorful swirls, unexpected color blocking, and wavy lines. Jonathan Saunders exemplified this disco revival like no other – his collection’s funky shapes and streamlined color palette epitomized discotheque style. It was spicy, spirited, and sophisticated.
Film-maker Gia Coppola attended the Gucci fashion show last October in a sporty silver zip-up jacket with a groovy emerald green tea length skirt, striking the perfect balance between a casual and fancy interpretation of the disco trend.
Alicia Vikander’s stone-colored Louis Vuitton dress had the ideal amount of jazz to create a tasteful illusion of the lively theme. The burgundy and teal detailing amplified the retro mood.
This trend is all about the trompe l’oeil effect. This tried and true artistic technique translates effortlessly into fashion: play with unexpected color, shapes, lines, and movements. This rhythmic trend will perfectly compliment your style – on and off the dance floor!
