Style Report: Spring Trends 2012

 by: Chiffon Curtis

Stop! Drop! and Roll! Spring 2012 season is all about feverishly vivid hues of neon, prints and interestingly sizzling silhouettes. As we emerge into the new season, the very popular color-blocking is making a comeback this season while prints are making an even stronger statement.  Take a  look at my review of what's trending in fashion this upcoming season.

Deep Sea Sexy- Major designers this season have major admiration for the natural beauty of the ocean, which is why this seasons ocean influenced collections are breathtakingly beautiful. Designer Houses of Stella McCartney, Peter Pilotto and Giorgio Armani took a big dive into the enchantment of the ocean, even Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel included a conch shell clutch for the Spring, as well as Givenchy with gilded shark medallions, both as accessories to swim deep in. 

1. Color-blocking- This trend happens to be one of my favorites, so I am very excited it is making its way back into the closets of so many audacious fashion lovers around the world. Color-blocking was first introduced  Fall 2011 season and refers to wearing bold solid hues in a garment or outfit. An example of this would be, pairing a blue shoes, with a yellow belt and completing the look with a purple blouse. It is very easy look to achieve, but if you are intimidated by this bold look, you can always start by adding a colored accessory to a very color neutral outfit. Fashion transcends clothing so keep in mind hair and skin color plays a large role in pulling off certain color combinations. Try on as many combos as possible and find the one that best suits you. 
2. Fluorescent Pant- This season it's all about vivid shades of green, orange, pink and blue. The skinny pant has been a popular trend for a few seasons , but now they are arriving in outrageous neon shades. They are fun, hip and a must have for the season. 
3. Birds-  The bird is king this season.  Marc Jacobs uses a colorful, abstract print, while Carolina Herrera chooses more literal avian illustrations—and there are dozens of other interpretations offered in between. I like how it adds such a vintage feel to certain garments. I like it. 

5. The Jock- This season, designers use mesh to express their ongoing interest in athleticism. The perforated fabric forms skirts, dresses, jackets, and even accessories, like oversized day clutches and sporty heels.

6. Chevrons and Zigzag- 

Whether bold, graphic, or subtle; Missoni-style lines are the new stripes. I am a huge fan of this trend.

7. Clear Shoes- Transparent vinyl was the material of choice for everything from Western-tinged booties to high-heeled oxfords.

Clockwise, from top left: Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Richard Nicoll, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Emporio Armani, Maria Katrantzou

8.Black and White- 

White looked super-crisp, especially when accented with bold black lines.

From left to right: Rue du Mail, Carolina Herrera, BCBG, Gareth Pugh

9.Pastels- Soft pinks, yellows, greens and blues are not just for Easter. This season is all about the muted colors. Though most designers favor ultraviolet colors for spring, there is a strong counter from the pastel contingent.

10. Bauhaus Style- commonly known simply as Bauhaus, was a school in Germany that combined crafts and the fine arts, and was famous for the approach to design that it publicized and taught.  The Bauhaus style became one of the most influential currents in Modernist architecture and modern design. The Bauhaus had a profound influence upon subsequent developments in art, architecture, graphic design, interior design, industrial design, and typography.  This Spring, this concept is exploding down the runways- simple, functional lines used by a plethora of designers including: Narcisco Rodriguez and Cynthia Rowley.

Marcus Gropius- Expressionist Monument of the Dead.

Which Look will you be rocking this Spring/Summer season?