Paris fashion week for Spring/ Summer 2009 saw designers stage a flow of pretty florals, neutral palettes and pale prints. But who can pull off this pretty mismatch of pastille petals?… just about anyone it would seem.
Stella McCartney, known for her kindness to women, showcased a collection made up of pale hues. Added folds for interest, but added room for reality. Pretty sweetheart necklines and a twist of the eighties inspired jumpsuit as the fashionista’s out there have come to expect, and love.
The catwalk staged models from all over the world, from flawless English rose to dark sultry complexions, and all worked as a perfect canvas for these neutral palettes. Paler skin types suited the darker neutrals in cinnamon and coffee whilst darker complexions worked better with the paler, more dewy fabrics.
But the real show stopper? The designer who dazzled for sheer beauty? It would have to be Dolce & Gabbana. For sheer pretty- pretty embellishments and flowing blow away fabrics. The fairytale sweetness of their corseted gowns with princess skirts brought Spring blossom right onto the catwalk.
Whether you want to look like a rose bush or a ball of candy floss by dressing in a cloud of taffeta and net is debatable. All the same, inspiration can nonetheless be taken from these extreme creations.
Paul and Joe showed a mix of the two most vivid trends with a cinnamon stiletto, strapped over the instep and entwined around the ankle with a corsage bringing detail and beauty at the side.
And perhaps that’s what we can expect to see on the high street? As a contrast to the garish print we’ve come accustomed to, more innocent powder soft colour’s, and natural shades could mean us girls can give a, ‘wearable’ sigh of relief. Layer these itsy prints over eighties inspired brighter designs, and you’ve got the statement outfit to die for.
But haven’t we seen massive flowers and controversial shrubbery before?
This time last year Sarah Jessica Parker; as the daring fashion led Carrie Bradshaw, saw a Grecian style white dress on a sunny flawless complexion hit the big screen in Sex and the City, the movie. And the statement piece? A shoulder- breaking white and gold flower.
Even the red carpet premiere in London saw the star herself adorning an iconic headdress, with roses and butterflies reaching to the heavens.
And its not just S.J.P’s outfits which have become inspired by nature. Her newest collection of fragrances, “The lovely Collection”, has been created with fresh blossom in mind.
“Twilight” is the time when dusk fills the sky with timeless light. Heat seems caught in the rays and beauty in the shades.
“Endless”, the second of the collection is capturing something. The “precious moments” as Sarah Jessica P. describes, which her collection represents. And “Dawn”, the third component of the trilogy. Dawn is a two way name. First, S.J.P describes it as the time for Hope, promise and fresh starts.
The most interesting concept behind this scent however is her memory of walking through Botanical Gardens. Smelling the rich infusion of orchids, inspired her to encapsulate that very scent into a bottle…with a few extra ingredients for added identity.
Whatever the reason behind the collection, they all work to compliment the “Lovely” perfume which we have all become aware of.
…And they all encapsulate that fresh new essence of Spring. Which has entered our spheres in more ways than one this year.
By Sophie Clissett.
