Fashion Trends: Looking Ahead to Spring

We’re gearing up for this year’s annual design competition and trunk show next fall.  But while you’re waiting to see what 10 of Canada’s hottest up-and-coming designers are planning to put on the runway, let’s review what trends are looking hot for spring!

Edgy and slightly aggressive looks were popular this past fall, with bold shoulders and angular lines echoing the severe attitudes of the global economic downturn.  But with spring, say some stylists, we’re going to see softer, slightly more feminine looks reflecting the restlessness that comes with keeping one’s belt tightened all winter.
One of the popular looks we’ll see new variations of is the military jacket.  We’ll see more streamlined and softer versions of these in 2010, if Balmain, Burberry and Celine are any indication.

Ruffles and whimsical touches will also be popping up on a lot of structured pieces, like jackets, giving them a fun and girlish appeal.  Think Carrie Bradshaw’s over-the-top flower brooches on a safari jacket or with stern epaulettes.  Hemlines will go short once again as the weather warms up, from short shorts to Chanel’s short-skirt suits.

As for colours, neutrals on drapey fabrics will lend a conservative background to bold statement colours like yellow, red and purple.  Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen have bright patterns and bold prints in their collections.  Expect to see some Lady Gaga influence in the season’s wilder pieces, with more demure 1920s and 1930s influences at the other end of the spectrum.

Image: thephotoholic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net