SPRING-SUMMER 2019. FASHION INSPIRATION.

So, where shall we start? The coolest and most Instagrammed women’s Spring Summer 2019 runway shows gave us everything and nothing. Even the websites we have always depended on for this season’s trends are spoilt for choice, presenting twenty, thirty, forty... We have sifted through this explosion of creativity, suggesting the consumer’s desire for more freedom of choice, to give you four macro trends which we feel stand out because they are closer to the contemporary mood than others. As we said, four macro trends. In each of these trends, though, it is possible to identify eye-catching medleys which define the real innovation of the season. So the Eighties inspiration – which featured consistently in the fashion gurus’ Spring Summer 2019 collections – contained elements of denim and vice versa. The new romantic way was seduced by daring accents inspired by the sheer and nude look mood, which is also all the rage. And the Pantone colour of the year, Living Coral, was the undisputed protagonist on (nearly) all the runways in Paris, New York, London and Milan. Oh, and we haven’t forgotten this season’s must-haves, those important little details which fashion addicts can’t live without. Are you ready? Are you steady? Our journey to the world of Spring Summer womenswear is about to begin... With tons of surprises, fun facts and original ideas for you to discover. And copy. BACK TO EIGHTIES. Many of the big names of haute couture and prêt-à-porter chose to give their own interpretation of the Eighties, the second half of which was particularly “excessive”. Alberta Ferretti, for instance, showcased roomy mini jackets and ankle-length trousers. Maxi shoulder pads (basically almost covering the whole shoulders) dominated, as seen in Balenciaga’s trench coat and in the jackets that couldn’t get any more ‘80s in the Louis Vuitton collection. Isabel Marant gave her take on the Eighties with a sparkly sexy oversized sweater, while Chanel surprised us all with white shirts with the black logo and “super shoulder pads” worn with black ankle-length trousers. For which woman? Despite every moralistic understatement, “she” loves strutting and flaunting. She makes her own choices, convinced that life is too short not to have fun. Even with what you wear. DENIM, BUT NON JUST JEANS. All the 2018 fashion gurus declared denim an evergreen fashion capable of reinventing itself season after season. And the Spring Summer 2019 collections all agreed once again that denim is one of the top trends. But hang on, we’re not talking about our “usual” jeans... The runway shows that dictate new fashion trends presented us with endless denim reworkings. There was Balmain’s unusual and bold interpretations, Versace’s surprising explosion of imagination and Isabel Marant’s casual-chic versions (we particularly loved the large jacket decorated with metal embellishments!). Green light also for those designers who revisited denim giving it a more couture, visionary, precious and at times elegantly country-inspired look. Led by Japanese designer Junya Watanabe. For which woman? The quick answer would be: for all women, as long as they are laid-back, love a laugh and are ever so slightly unconventional. But in actual fact this answer only applies to the classic pair of jeans. If we’re talking about more outgoing and extravagant outfits, you’d better check their ID first... NEW ROMANTIC WAYS. Although this trend is not overtly referred to by fashion industry opinion leaders, taking a look at the Spring Summer 2019 runway shows, we think the new romantic mood is most definitely here! And the key word is “new”, because in many cases influences from other inspirations are glaringly obvious. Take, for instance, Blumarine’s highly popular floral print and its lighter transparencies (another super cool mood). Dolce & Gabbana’s romantic/passionate mood on the other hand was expressed in its magnificent Spanish-style and hippy-inspired flowing dresses. Etro couldn’t resist the legendary ’60s either with billowing skirts, flounces, lace details, ethnic costume jewellery, straw hats... An amped-up tribute to Woodstock. If you’re a dreamer, you’ll love Fendi’s vintage flowers and sheer transparencies and the long pink and cream outfit with Art Deco overtones by Temperley London. And while MSCM showcased sinuous sensuality for a very millennial romantic way, we can always rely on Alberta Ferretti to deliver her more classic and recognisable interpretation. Whether they are pastel, black or white, her creations convey a sweetness and femininity that are truly... romantic! For which woman? For dreamers, nostalgic souls, women who believe in timeless beauty. And for all those splendid creatures who are just waiting for that “fatal encounter” or who are living it. Fabulous princesses with carefree thoughts in their minds and magic in their hearts. PANTONE LIVING CORAL. THE BEST! The out-and-out protagonist of the Spring Summer runway shows was Pantone Living Coral, named official colour of 2019 by the Pantone Color Institute. And the reason behind the choice?... Because this coral shade with its golden undertone conveys the vitality, energy and lightness we all need now and then in our lives. And let’s not forget its implicit connection with nature and protecting the environment. The runway designers got the message. With everyone giving it their own personal stamp of course. Some examples? Brandon Maxwell gave it to us “pure” or paired with a lighter shade to create a tone-on-tone effect or embellished with silver arabesques. Mugler focused on powerful and irregular colour contrasts, although the brand did present a high-impact plain colour homage. The list of fashion gurus who included the Pantone 2019 colour in their spring summer collections is long. But one to mention is definitely Temperley London for the ethereal elegance of its outfit. For which woman? Perfect when worn with garments in lighter or darker shades to create an elegant, on-trend dégradé effect, Living Color adapts to all skin and hair colours. It’s just the thing for showing off your tan or accentuating paler skin. Women with pinker complexions should opt for shades verging on cold coral, while more golden hues are suitable for olive skin. The golden rule for everyone, though, is to wear this colour with casual upbeat ease, absorbing all the positive energy it creates.