FALL|19 TREND REPORT

The summer, with all of its wonders and whims, can be exhausting. As the days grow darker, designers greeted fall with delicate kisses of ivory chiffon and winks of pewter lace. Sweeping the runways with lighter, refreshing looks that connote the essence of the season: brisk, beautiful, and brief.

A topaz, bohemian dress with glittering accents kicked off Zuhair Murad’s fall collection. Following this gem, gowns of onyx, ruby, emerald and amethyst bejeweled the runway. The message was clear: the earthy undertones of jewel hues serve as a grounded, sophisticated pop of color. One citrine confection exemplified this argument with its plunging neckline, hints of tiger’s eye, pleated hem, and jasper animal print.

At a recent red carpet, Margot Robbie opted for a streamlined interpretation of this trend in her amber Dries van Noten slip. Similarly, Michelle Williams wore a Louis Vuitton dress with geometric embroidery that heightened the sparkling effect of the carnelian color. Not to be left out, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s garnet gown, designed by Huishan Zhang, left a powerful and playful impression.

This trend innovates the traditional palette of fall. Twirl the night away in gowns of peridot, moonstone, opal and sapphire.

Ronald van der Kemp’s fall/winter runway collection featured bold patterns in saturated colors reminiscent of Matisse paper cut-outs and Kandinsky canvases. One ruffled, disjointed blue gown even evoked an Yves Klein painting. But, like so much of modern art, the design house alluded to more than art movements or color palettes. Mostly made of recycled materials, the designer’s collection spoke to this trend by abstractly expressing an entire worldview and ethos of sustainability and thoughtfulness.

Along a similar line of thinking, in her recent Fall/Winter Couture collection, Guo Pei embraced her fascination of abstract impressions through animalistic imagery, muted nudes, and floral motifs.

Taking this trend beyond the runway, Amanda Seyfried attended a recent movie premier in a flowing Proenza Schouler number. The black spots conjured images of a Jackson Pollock, a cartoon Dalmatian, or faded newsprint.

Equally evocative, Camilla Belle’s Farm Rio skirt and bodice looked as if a Dutch still-life of a fruit bowl had been transported through time and enlivened with a modern silhouette and fresh coat of paint.

This trend demands a hint of imagination in your sartorial decisions. Evoke an otherworldly backstory in a gown with starbursts of rhinestones. Or, allude to more earthly beauties in a flowing spotted skirt with a punchy animal print.

Each season, designers update the flower, transcending its traditional history and speaking power to its timeless potential. The “blushing blooms” trend embodies yet another season’s fresh take. Understated blossoms in shades of blush, carnation and flamingo nod to the undeniable grace and femininity of florals.

A favorite look from the Giambattista Valli 2019 fall haute couture collection made a powerful case for the humility of this trend. A tower of flowers in blush pink comprised the architecture of the look. The idea was simple. The execution was elaborate, gorgeous, and celebratory.

Designer Laura Mulleavy, one half of the sister duo behind Rodarte, donned a soft ivory look from her capsule collection. An elaborate neckline and princess bows along the sleeves gave the gown a vintage appeal, topped off by small, delicate rouge petals.

Emma Roberts proved the versatility of this trend by pairing washed out denim with a Reformation top defined by its puffy sleeves and pink microprint florals.

Whatever lipstick shade you prefer, find a dress with large blossoms or small vines and take this trend for a swirl.