We know, we know –– why are we trotting out fall fashion forecasting when it still feels like we’re living in the tropics? Well, in answer to your disfavoring looks and furrowed-brows, answer us this: if September issues can hit your mailbox a month early, why can’t we? So to speak…And besides, it’s only a quick six-month rewind to remember this season’s runways.
Ok Dazzlers, pause it! It’s March 2012, and we’re exhausted from just finishing the exhausting global whirlwind that is fashion month. Between New York, Paris, and Milan, we saw a lot of dope duds for fall (P.S. Proenza, we love you!), but also, well, just plain duds. Spanning all the collections, it was pretty easy to track the differences in dressing between different designers –– we’ll put it this way, we expect to eat a peanut-butter and mustard sandwich, as much as we expect to see an ultra pared-down Chloé frock on a McQueen fiend. Nevertheless, there is a certain item that almost all the collections had in common: volume!
Let’s look at the evidence, row by row, and arranged in color order: up first is McQueen’s bandeau/baby doll situation, which (as expected) has no shortage of extreme proportions, extreme design, or extreme texture. A similar description can be extended to the Marchesa number in raving red –– it’s needless to say, but that lace-boddiced ball gown was the perfect show-stopping closer! Turning towards a more flourescent of light, Mulberry is represented in this trend through color. It’s neon knockout traipsed down the white runway at full fidelity (with booties to match!), whereas –– we think –– Carven appeared to saunter. Their model struck a more casual note, hiding her eyes behind a pair of mustard-colored sunnies, and her hands behind the waist-height peplum accents on her jumper.
Next up, we have Kenzo’s exaggerated take on the drop waist, and Balenciaga’s royal blue mermaid mini. In Kenzo, we see a complete abandonment of the body-con look, whereas Balenciaga used sleeves to simulate a burlier shape, but altogether retained a tighter look. This approach is borrowed in Bottega Venetta’s look, using a tailored, form-fitting frock as a base, but turning up the volume in the accents –– check out those wings! Rounding out our roundup is Lanvin, who delivered a full-leather 2 piece. On top was a strong-shouldered jumper with a tiger-protected collar –– rrraarr! Though possessing the volume of a puffer coat, its nipped-in-waist, paired with that snake patterned, hip-hugging skirt hewed so close to the body, performed the perfect balancing act.
Runway Trend To Reality
So there you have it Dazzlers! Ready to wear has spoken, and it’s volume up all the way! But quickly, a disclaimer: the runway should never be embraced word-for-word; rather than outright fashion laws, think of them as the designers’ dreams come to life, but that the dresser always has the final say. So if you’re into this trend, we think the best way to kick up your dressing decibels is to pick up a few high-volume starters to mix into what you already have: a super chunk(y) sweater; a pair of over-the-top bell bottoms; the perfect peplum jacket; a sky-scraping stiletto! The idea is simple: when you have a compact piece, just pair it with a colossal one!
