Summer 2018 Fashion Report

Two iconic sartorial milestones mark the beginning of summer: The Cannes Film Festival and the annual Met Gala, this year themed, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” Both events highlighted fashion’s immense artistic and cultural influence, and promised a season of optimistic and thoughtful fashion fun. Which brings us to our trend report of three lively trends: sequins, ruffles, and pastels – together a celebration of the memories and prowess of summer.

Style icons from Marilyn Monroe to Grace Kelly would agree that glitter should be used artfully, a sartorial metaphor for sparkling inside and out. This summery take on a fashion staple is confidently understated and quietly lavish, a smart marriage of juxtapositions. It was, after all, Audrey Hepburn who said a woman should be two things, classy and fabulous. Sienna Miller exercised restraint and vivacity with her serene Louis Vuitton dress. Her minimalistic white bodice met its match in a floor length champagne slip skirt, diplomatic in its thoughtful blend of quiet power and brave glimmer. Salma Hayek explored the sequin’s potential in an Altuzarra custom gown that was as much a show-stopping confection as a breath-taking pièce de résistance. Inspired by pointillism, the glittering sequins created a fairy-tale woodland scene when sewn together. Jazz up any ball gown with a healthy sprinkling of razzle dazzle from hairpins to hemlines.

In a season dominated by flowery motifs and feathery fabrics, the ruffle becomes an almost natural flora of camouflage in the fashion jungle. But with its unpredictability and voluminous texture, the ruffle refuses to blend in – a bold statement of femininity and strength. 

Swathed in turquoise ruffles, Frances McDormand emanated power, grace, and majesty with her Valentino number, a testament to the trend’s elegance and ferocity. 

Iris van Herpen’s latest couture collection played up this trend’s earthy allusions in its bone colored palette and layered, asymmetrical texture that reminds us of sedimentary rocks and fossil hunting on misty coastlines.

Take a note out of Diane Kruger’s Prabal Gurung floor-sweeping Met Gala gown and exaggerate ballroom silhouettes. Decorating a statement sleeve or a stately train with indulgent ruffles.

A trend long dominated by spring’s frothy renaissance, pastels are finally having their moment in the sun. In shades of mint julep, margarita, and sparkling rose, this reinvention of a spring favorite is as refreshing as the cocktails it inspires.   

Lupita Nyong’o graced the Cannes Film Festival in a princess-worthy Dior Haute Couture gown in shimmery shades of carnation, peony, and rose. Her mint eye-shadow completed her argument for this summer’s reclaiming of the pastel.

Rooney Mara radiated peacefulness in her regal Givenchy dress. The iridescent appliques and heavenly blue hue added an angelic lightness that softened the structural silhouette.

This trend translates beautifully into the realm of ballroom couture. Shine in shades of pistachio, lemon drop, and pearl.