Spring Fashion 2014
References to hibernation aside, spring always feels like a reawakening. This season’s runways offered a series of wake-up calls by way of unique pairings, new approaches to femininity and dramatic looks.
The constantly re-emerging athletic trend has gone straight up hood, with street-approved jerseys, retro bombers and low-slung pants giving it new life. Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY were bastions of the trend, going head-to-toe in neoprene and nylon. Marni, The Row and Steven Tai accessorized with sports flair, bringing glammed up baseball hats to the forefront. A plain ole Yankees ball cap will simply not do (unless it’s a Yonce version).
Prints, specifically art-inspired ones, were all the rage in Spring fashion’s 2014 MO. Big graphic prints stole the shows at Céline, Chanel and Christian Dior, each creating vibrant pieces in homage to the modernist aesthetic. And it would be a mistake to omit Prada’s graphic coats, heralding back the colours of Roy Lichtenstein in custom-done designs by modern artists. Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana kept things old school, preferring to pay respects to the renaissance aesthetic of rich embroidery, details and iconography, made contemporary through sheer fabrics and bare skin. In both cases, an art-inspired statement proved bold and unexpected.
While pastels are something that we normally associate with spring, they were given new life thanks to the textured ensembles sent out by Burberry and Barbara Bui. Oscar de la Renta and Prabal Gurung showed evening gowns in unexpected cerulean. Why go for a sprinkling of blue when the whole outfit will do?
Metallics and shine were also hits, often blended in combination looks. Altuzzara’s skirts in liquid metallic hues were amongst the most buzzworthy looks of the season—not only because of their fluidity but also because of their styling with a striped silk shirt. Marc by Marc Jacobs and Lanvin both sent out sequined jumpsuits, a glammed up version of a casual evening wear staple.
And while some of last year’s trends carried over, Spring fashion circa 2014 was all-new. The 1990s reappeared for its third season in a row, this time done up with minimalist flair.
Perhaps this season is yet another post-modern mix: Mod tribal print sportswear? Liquid gold skirts? Pastel crop tops? Skin baring outfits in head to toe pastels? Why not!
Art
In fashion terms, art itself is the New Black.At some shows, the clothes were a vehicle for iconic work by 20th-century artists… SEE MORE
Skin
It’s time to hit gym because Spring 2014 fashion calls for baring it all. Whether it’s a sheer panel, bootylicious short shorts or yet another crop top…SEE MORE
1980s
While the ‘90s have been a runway mainstay for the past few seasons, some designers had a bigger #TBT on their minds, taking us on a time traveling trip…SEE MORE
World Craft
Incorporating a sartorial nod to global cultures into your wardrobe can be a bit of a gamble—go too far and you look like you’re wearing a Halloween costume…SEE MORE
Lady
Spring 2014 fashion anything but prissy. A new take on the classic feminine aesthetic—think skirt suits, midi skirts, hourglass shapes…SEE MORE
Athletic
Blame it on Sochi; the athletic trend is back. The Olympics seem as good a reason as any to re-embrace standard sporty riffs breathing new life… SEE MORE
Pastel
To mistake the pastels of this season as infantile or frivolous, would be a grave error. The soft hues on the runways for Spring 2014 were anything but…SEE MORE
1990s
Fashion’s infatuation with 1990s fashion seems to be never-ending, so it was less than a shock when we saw the decade reappear on…SEE MORE
Metallic
Somewhere between the sky-high shoulder pads and bedazzled skirt suits of the eighties, metallics got a bad rap. Today, however, shiny clothing and…SEE MORE
Ugly Shoes
After years on the rise, ugly shoes have made it to the top of the Spring 2014 fashion charts with bulky sandals, heels and sneakers topping our…SEE MORE
