Wide ranging themes create a multitude of choices and looks.
With the AW'12 blockbuster trends already at the top of every fashionistas shopping list, the Splash season collection is all set to offer high-voltage fashion trends that draw inspiration fromthe most popular catwalk trends, across the globe. Ranging from retro mix of the 19th centuryto tapestry and heritage classics and all the way to military alongside some Eastern futurism,the trends are given a spin to provide chic and elegant fashion.
Beautifully married into theFashion 365 campaign of this season, the looks are presented against a billowing backgroundas florals and lace, bonded fabrics, fur and fabric combinations, felted wool and silk make thesartorial cut. So, the question is how will you play all this and more into your wardrobe thisseason?
While fashion is looking outside of its own borders, the 'Plush age of Aquarius' finds inspirationfrom the rich carved appeal of the 19th century which is a culture clash of colour, print andpattern. With Belle Époque and Baroque Rococo as inspirations and Bohemian skirt silhouettesteamed with long-haired gilet, the silhouettes are all about sharp tailoring, peplums, throw-on or slouchy jacket shapes. Black is plentiful throughout textured floral as an offbeat mixof electric blackberry, bitter chocolate, aubergines and plum brown darks are worked with atawny coral and mauve grey. Unexpected brights come in the form of ribbon red and autumnalochre all worked back to a dusted flesh tone neutral. Decorative influences are importantwithin the trend and glamorous evening wear is decorated with luxurious lace and embroideredwith touches of gold.
Turn up the simplicity and forward march into the season with 'Military' which has re-surfacedas a key trend for the season.
Military tailored pea coats, capes teamed with pencil or longpleat skirts, pocketed sweatshirts with skinny pants and jumpsuits remain an integral part ofthe collection. Silk finished fabrics give a slick appearance while felted and boiled wool, cottondrill, twill and canvas are the other materials used. Hints of leather, satin and sequin additionsraise the glamour quotient, while new camouflage prints are already being promoted by popstars. AW'12 sees 'Retro' make a comeback but in a new avatar, with the French feel of theearly 60s as a key influence. Dusty neutrals, cosmetic tones and powdery pales are teamed withcharcoal, orange and brown as the season's 'It' colors, where the trend features simple funnel-neck coats and boxy cropped jackets, shell tops and skirt suits, shift dresses and tunic knitsamongst others. Also keep a look out for simple shapes vs. detailed merging and contrasting
patterns that are available in bonded fabrics, stretch sateen, twills and jersey with fur andfabric combinations.
Next in line are traditional tapestry patterns and textures in decorative floral motifs, designedin eye-catching intense brights and set against the stark contrast of black, navy and white.Heritage classics are updated while pop highlights of racer navy and ultraviolet add a sportycontemporary feel to the collection of capes and ponchos in knits or tweed, circle and skaterskirts, printed leggings, vintage-look lace blouses and jacquard knits. Fashion is all about talesof ancient empires this season where oriental motifs and kimono detailing exude a wealth ofexquisite ideas. 'Tales of the Orient' sees an integration of Eastern influence reformed andredefined by its Western aesthetic. Beautifully brocaded kimono jackets, elaborate obi belts,cheongsam-style dresses in a rising-sun red colour, while judo jackets in hi-tech fabrics andgraphic Chinese prints are available in this collection.
Not to be left behind, male trends are dominant once more. With a clear gravitation towardsall things formal, upright and strong the suit and smart tailoring is certainly the focus ofthe season. Soft woolen suiting's have a formal elegance with contrasting lapels and capesas directional outerwear options. The season also finds its cues from historical influencesdrawn from the Victorian and Edwardian eras of haunted poets and aristocratic men. Severesilhouettes, pieced fabrics and layered proportions give a new meaning to all sorts of masculinestyles, while double-breasted jackets remain essential to the season.
A small yet strong trend is 'Military' which makes a comeback, with uniform inspired jacketsin tailored forms as a wardrobe staple. Henley shirts are styled with soft woolen pants whileolive drab and grey are the prevalent hues in this trend. Next in line is a collection inspired bythe 'Windsor Lodge', where layering wool, tweed and cotton is key and adding texture is anearthy natural color palette. Checked cotton shirts with contrasting denim collars feels freshand can be worn on mended pants and jackets with corduroy or canvas patches.
A sophisticated take on active wear continues to inspire men's casual apparel whereformalwear is mixed with casual-inspired active wear. Preppy Ivy League style dressingcontinues to gain momentum as rolled up trousers inspires a casual silhouette and the croppedparka becomes a must-have item. As the refined and romantic nature of the season sets themood, inky darks and unexpected romantic jewel tones are often worn in head-to-toe tonalensembles, while black still rules the roost but is mixed with masculine metallic's adding anopulent splendor to the season.
So when it comes to the AW'12 wardrobe, be it safe separates, accessories to covetor the colours and fabrics to start injecting into your wardrobe, be sure to visit yournearest Splash store as we have the season sorted for you. To further keep you onthe cutting edge, we have also put together a webisode on our very own Splash TV,interpreting the key looks with some gossip on what goes behind the scenes of ourFashion 365 campaign.
