Style Birmingham

Blog by Dawn Williamson, Personal Shopping Manager at Harvey Nichols

Last week saw the star-studded Harvey Nichols Spring/Summer fashion show, and whilst we reported back on the latest trends, we still thought you’d like to hear from the woman behind the styling of the show. Here, Dawn Williams, Personal Shopping Manager at Harvey Nichols, discusses the key trends for this season.

This season will see a real emphasis on prints; more technical and digital in style than past seasons. Eye catching colour for the summer season combined with striking prints appeals to a new generation of designers more used to working with computer graphics. Upcoming designers such as Peter Pilotto and Mary Katrantzou have produced some of the most attention grabbing pieces, while McQueen has featured prints inspired by engineering and technology also introducing these prints to his MCQ diffusion line. Diane Von Furstenberg who always produces beautiful print-work has introduced strong vibrant colours to her collection this season with hot pinks being the main focal point. Cavalli is the main proponent for printing we featured his gorgeous chiffon maxi dress in a myriad of colours on our SS10 runway. This is one trend not for shrinking violets.

Denim will be a real feature of most collections, especially clashing denim on tops and bottoms. D&G has really gone for this trend and it forms the basis for their current Ad campaign. This is not a subtle look; denim this season should be head to toe, lighter washes were the most popular on the catwalks with mixed textures of patchwork, ripped and frayed jeans and matching shirts. Designers such as Ralph Lauren, See by Chloe and Jeremy Scott all featured head to toe denim looks. On our SS10 catwalk we had whitewashed Juicy denim in a head to toe look as well showcasing silver denims from Sass and Bide and denim dresses by Paul Smith and Armani Jeans.

Lingerie as outerwear will also feature heavily with lace being a strong feature. Stella McCartney is one of the main users of this delicate fabric featuring it throughout her collection. Underwear as outerwear has inspired some of the prettiest and most delicate designs this season; luxurious fabrics and a body-con influence feature on bustiers, suspender belts, pants, sheer layers and bra tops. This trend features even in the smallest detail – e.g. lace edges on knitwear and dresses or layers of chiffon or tulle. Designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Christopher Kane, Antonio Berardi and Marc Jacobs have all embraced this trend. This trend can be as dramatic or as subtle as you like; we showed lace bows on LBD’s and emerald green babydolls from D&G and nude chiffons and silk at Hoss Intropia.

Tribal is the new twist on Safari this season with a distinctively urban feel, divided into two camps – utilitarian pieces and khakis as seen on the catwalks at Gucci, Sportmax and Sass and Bide, and more striking tribal and animal prints seen at Dolce & Gabanna, Alice (Temperley) and Cavalli. Both lend themselves to the summer season, the fabrics being tough and durable yet tailored and feminine.

Candy Girl colors dominated most of the spring summer catwalk shows, a return to femininity and girly-ness, candy ice cream colours and pastels – baby blues and pinks, lemon sherbet, spearmint and lilac, sugary shades on the softest fabrics, wispy and sheer on chiffon, feathers and delicate embellishment. These pretty palettes are made high fashion by strong cuts and lines, thigh high skirts and splits but still very much a return to innocence – Lolita style. Sonia Rykiel, Alice and See by Chloe showcased some of the strongest looks. Our SS10 fashion show demonstrated how wearable this trend can be, pairing D&G floral chiffon blouses with candy colored boucle jackets.

My final strong trend for this season has to be draping. Fluid jersey continues to be the fabric du jour with the standout brand this season being Halston Heritage; featured in the upcoming Sex and the City sequel, this line from the famous Halston fashion house takes inspiration from its archives in the 70s and showcases gorgeous jersey silks in simple designs. New to Harvey Nichols this season, these will be some of the most sought after pieces for spring/summer with Sarah Jessica Parker pioneering the brand. Elizabeth and James, Donna Karan and Black Halo were all seen on the Harvey Nichols catwalk thoroughly embracing this luxe trend.

That’s my round-up of some of this season’s key trends. There are plenty more out there so get browsing and give yourself the ultimate Spring Summer wardrobe.