Fashion Directory

A collection inspired by a novel and film heroine is fresh news in fashion marketing. Swedish fashion retailer H&M brought Trish Summerville on board for one of its latest fashion collaborations. Trish is the talented costume designer for “The girl with the dragon tattoo” movie by David Fincher. Certainly Versace for H&M collection is the big news now, because of the glam factor, but I am keener on the film-fashion association.

"The girl with the dragon tattoo collection" by Trish Summerville for H&M

Every fashionista must own a pair of leather shorts says Net-a-Porter.Com. This urban chic trend will be present on the fashion scene for at least two seasons, and even if it may seem like targeted for teens, new designs on offer are more women friendly. Sure this look could easily slip into the tacky zone if being too short, tight and “zipper-y” or teamed up with glitzy tops – Balmain even counts on this formula.

Global fashion label H&M enlists American topmodel Karlie Kloss to star in the autumn 2011 lookbook. Trends for the upcoming fall include 1970s tailoring from soft, thick fabrics (flannel, tweed, leather) and precious silk, lace, brocade, velvet, all in warm colors including luscious burgundy red, camel, chocolate brown, cream, tan, forest green, rusty brown, tomato red.

The wedding of Britain's Prince William and his darling Catherine (Kate) Middleton on the 29th of April was a living fairy tale watched by an entire world. Hastily called the “wedding of the century” it was though a stunning and opulent show, mostly because of its media coverage and the cheerful support of a celebrating nation. I admit being caught up by this modern tale of princes, but how can you not be charmed by this modern young couple that looked so genuine in their emotions?

The art and functionality mix sounds like an abstract, unidentifiable notion but it is given a lively representation through Sarah Williams’ debut collection of surreal luggage. The young British designer, a recent graduate from London College of Fashion designed for her 2010 MA thesis project a collection of unique fashion artifacts by transforming traditional craftsmanship through the vision of Salvador Dali’s art.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin spring/summer 2011 (7-10 July 2010) gathers top German fashion brands and designers to showcase their most recent collections.

Mongrels In Common is a young label founded in 2006 by designers Livia Ximénez-Carrillo and Christine Pluess who met at Esmod School of Design in Berlin. The brand's name is inspired by their both multicultural backgrounds. Mongrels In Common’s spring/summer 2011 collection displays a calm color palette of blue, beige, cream, yellow and pastel floral prints; soft fabrics cut into relaxed tailoring with pleat details; a focus on the waist that creates the ideal hourglass shape.

Mongrels In Common spring/summer 2011

What is your in-between-seasons favorite wardrobe pieces? The ones that go perfectly with the last days of summer yet “stating” the upcoming fall's trends? Here are some sartorial ideas gathered from the pre-fall 2010 collections.

Floral print goes beyond summer days only now chose rich, autumn colors on deep colored background. A dress (a shirt or even a coat) in dark florals is a great way to end August and start the fall season.

dark floral prints

The Style Guide report published in January 2010, created by Promostyl and presented at Printsource show, emphasize four key trends for the Spring/Summer 2011 fashion season (including women's, men's, kids’ apparel market)

Spring/Summer 2011 theme Patchwork - "The Fifties injects a spirit of fun and exuberance in this theme created by free associations, eclectic assortments and cheery accumulations. Textiles take on a whimsical play with textures and structures for an arty and poetic feel. Prints are created with a bustling medley of textures, renderings and scales in a refreshing artistic and polychromatic vein. The color palette is a mix of matte gouache tones with vitamin accents and cozy neutrals."

Spring/Summer 2011 theme Transform - "The quest for a new elegance pairs science with sensuality for a theme that is tactile but strange. Fabrics focus on experimentations with yarns and new textures to create a modern minimalist style. Prints are inspired by the world of living patterns like bacteria, animal skins and X-Ray flowers. The color palette is made up of synthetic natural shades, chlorophyll greens and mutant skin tones."

PatchworkTransform

I love the colorful, cheerful, whimsical aesthetic of Kron by KronKron shoes. They look like coming right out of the Wonderland after being on a Galapagos adventure and on an African safari. The thick soles and heels make them super-comfy while the use of fine suede, patent leather and velvet put the Kron shoes in the luxury range. Tinted in bold color blocks in mix with white, black and gray, decorated with bows, frills and tassels this could sound a little too much but they can be a true staple in an imaginative wardrobe.

Kron by Kronkron shoes ss2010