Trend Report SS2013: Opposites Attract

This season it’s all about material mixing. Of course we were already wearing shear tops with heavy skirts. Yet this time around single fashion pieces exist of a mix of fabrics. After seeing leather accents such as collars, cuffs and pockets for a few seasons it’s all about transparency this summer. Think cotton tops with sheer silky parts, satin skirts with transparent hemlines or dresses with see through mid riffs. Not cut-outs but body parts just subtly covered by a fine layer, adding some seductiveness to the look. While Viktor & Rolf created a clash with their metallic fabric, Paul Smith showed some contrast by using lace, Jason Wu opted for leather and Dolce & Gabbana blew everyone away with their use of cork. Other labels such as Blumarine, Céline, Gucci, Stella McCartney, Chloé and Chanel showed multiple variations of sheerness, sexy, tough and sportive. Looking seductive was never this chic.

Trend Report Fall/Winter 2012/2013: Mixing Materials (Shoes)

We’ve already spotted this trend in the clothing section before, but now shoes too are made out of more than one material. Designers have been mixing and matching leathers, metallics, plastics and furs to create the most eye catching footwear.

A metallic heal or pointed nose (as seen at Marni, Byblos Louis Vuitton and Just Cavalli) seems the ultimate trend (started by Louis Vuitton for Spring/Summer 2012). But why not add a touch of lace (Anna Sui), fur (Iceberg), transparent plastic (Chanel) and sparkling crystals to the mix of leathers?

It makes it easier to match your wardrobe to your shoes and a fashion faux pad will be less evident.