The first opportunity designers have been truly able to respond to the economic downturn of 2009 has been through their Spring 2010 collections. Designs reflect more transitional pieces, muted tones and “wearable” softer silhouettes.
Last year’s ‘80s-revisted trend has all but been forgotten and although architectural sculpting is still prevalent, season-specific sharp-shouldered cuts have given way to more feminine silhouettes which can transcend seasons.
Dresses are simpler and more elegant, splits are higher, and shorts are shorter with thigh-grazing proportions. Suits and pants are slouchier, fabrics are billowier and ruffles and ruches are more pronounced (Marc Jacobs).
Pants and Shorts for Spring 2010
Rolled up straight-legged trousers and printed luxe lounge pants represented the softer side of spring. Fashion designers continue to rework the jumpsuit, a fashion favorite in 2009. From luxe billowy jumpsuits (Izzac Mizrahi), denim short-cut versions (Erin Wasson) and colorful romper suits (Marc Jacobs) the humble jumpsuit continues to make its mark. Shorts are all over the runways from sexy hotpants and big knickers to looser styles in sophisticated silk.
Abstract florals and urban garden prints also find their way onto baggy pants, leggings and boyfriend blazers (DKNY).
Denim-on-denim (jeans and jacket) from Ralph Lauren is jazzed up with sparkling stilettos, and sloppy dungarees in shimmering fabrics provide a fashionable alternative to a party dress.
Dresses for Spring 2010
Body con dresses which concentrate on curves and contours are more billowy and sophisticated than skin-tight. Softly draped skirts and jackets also take on a body-conscious silhouette, especially those from the queen of curves, Donna Karan.
One-shoulder dresses remain a firm favorite in tropical and floral prints (DVF and BCBG) and flapper-inspired tiered mini dress in swinging metallics.
Head-to-toe white represents one of the main seasonal trends in sack-style shifts and shirt dresses. From Narciso Rodriguez to Chado Ralph Rucci to Proenza Schouler, white shirt dresses are given a 2010 modern twist (literally).
Enter also the tank dress, with its below-the-knee length and neutral colors. To be worn with metallic gladiator flats or some sexy high-heeled platforms.
Accessories for Spring 2010
Oversized hair accessories (bows and bunny ears) adorn girlie Desperately Seeking Susan hair styles. Giant neckpieces like those from Vera Wang and the revival of the bum bag from Marc Jacobs are two more reworked accessories of the season.
Colors for Spring 2010
New York Fashion Week provides the benchmark for the color palette for Spring Summer 2010, as reported by the design industry standard, the Pantone Color Institute ®.
Overall, designers showcased more muted colors with the emphasis on neutral hues (soft gray, green and pinky beige) which are not season dependant and can therefore be teamed easily with other pieces. White and blue also provide the main canvas for splashes of color, which this spring season are tones of coral, red, turquoise and lavender.
All in all, Spring Summer 2010 brings more timeless pieces in keeping with consumer demand for outfits which are not so season specific.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
