Summer can be one of the most difficult seasons to navigate on the fashion calendar. With the fashion capitals of the world dressed in Burberry trenches, embellished Miu Miu booties and Chanel quilted leather gloves, we find ourselves in thongs and bikinis, scraping our hair into messy ponytails to stop it from sticking to the nape of our neck. Taking a few style cues from the SS13 collections, we at Couturing have broken down 5 of the hottest trends to keep you looking cool throughout summer 2013.
WHITE HOT
A fresh alternative to the arguably clichéd summer neons and pastels, head to toe white on white is the perfect complement to both healthy faux glows and porcelain complexions. Experiment with clashing textures or use accessories to break up the look. From the slightly masculine tailoring at Eudon Choi’s futuristic showing at London Fashion Week to Anne Sofie Madsen’s white-gothic collection in Copenhagen, it would appear that we’re in from an achromatic summer.
Down here in the antipodes, LOVER designer Susien Chong has created a collection of ultra feminine ensembles in the purest of shades, from bewitching white lace dresses to tailored white jumpsuits. Both Dion Lee and Sass & Bide have embraced the charm of alabaster, creating dresses in summer appropriate lengths with breezy cut-outs.
Try a fresh white sundress with acid wash denim for a touch of resort cool, and add a masculine white blazer and patent ivory stilettos for the evening. And never, EVER underestimate the appeal of a crisp, classic white shirt.
Dion Lee
RETRO REVIVAL
What goes around comes around, and this summer we’re embracing 60’s mod silhouettes. Moschino Cheap & Chic embraced the colour and playfulness of the 1960s with flared trousers, burnt orange mini skirts and a maxi dress emblazoned with a peace sign. This look is all about bare, summer-ready legs, so add some oversized ray bans to translate this runway trend to a beach worthy ensemble.
For a 60’s inspired evening look, pay homage to Tom Ford’s SS13 collection in slinky knee-length pencil skirts, second-skin dresses and cashmere sweaters (for after the sun goes down, of course). Keep it simple in sultry nudes and monochromes with jewel accents in cobalt blues. Beehive optional.
Tom Ford
EMBELLISHMENT
Studs, sequins, three-dimensional pearls; this summer, anything goes. As the days grow longer and hotter, hemlines rise and sleeves become redundant, so it’s important to make an impact in the little clothing you’re still wearing. We saw garments dripping with gobstopper-sized pearls at Chanel, and while this may be too ostentatious and impractical for an Aussie summer, we can take guidance from Lagerfeld and coat ourselves in wreathes of feminine, crystallised accessories on a balmy summer evening.
Australian design duo AJE achieved nonchalant elegance with a summer collection featuring hand-sequinned garments created in one of the world’s top embellishment houses alongside some of the highest level international designers in the world, taking months to hand craft. The collection is all about accessible luxury; an attitude and style we plan to wear all throughout summer. Adapt sequins for day wear by dressing them down with rock star black leather boots and just-rolled-out-of-bed tresses.
AJE
SHEER DELIGHT
You might be able to get away with a bare midriff poolside, but too much skin on dry land tends to lead to a fashion faux pas. Sheer panelling is the answer to your prayers. The slightly less provocative younger sister of the cut-out, x-ray fabrics are about to take over your summer. Shift away from prim and proper seasonal florals and embrace your dark, sultry side like the models at Nina Ricci or sweeten your look in spring-inspired pastels from Anne Valerie Hash and Preen.
No longer reserved for ballet costumes, melodramatic mesh made an impressive catwalk turn at Alexander McQueen in the form of headpieces, sheer pants and ball gowns of impressive proportions. On trend AND light enough to keep you cool.
Alexander McQueen
IRIDESCENT
Not chunky enough to fall under the embellishment category and not reflective enough to count as a metallic, iridescent fabrics are the most versatile and wearable way to add shine to your summer wardrobe. Think the turquoise satins from Alberta Ferretti, the pearlescent summer party dresses from KTZ or Louis Vuitton’s subtly shimmering separates in the smallest sequins to ever be produced; pieces that would make The Little Mermaid sing.
Alberta Ferretti
It’s going to be a hot, hot summer.
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