Bird Print

Nothing says autumnal migration more than the calling of patterns and prints.  Fluttering out of the pattern throng this Autumn/Winter 2011/12 was a flock of bird prints. Featuring notably in House of Holland and Mulberry, WGSN had domestic animal prints in their sight since Spring/Summer 2010. Style.com recognised fauna as a fondness among designers, who proved that placement possibilities are endless. Bird print hatched from the growth of social networking sites like Twitter, relating to the constant communication of fashion through modern technology. Other influences include the rapidly growing trend of sustainability, highlighting that necessity to reconnect with nature. View2 Textile magazine further enforced this trend, forecasting the rise of bird and animal inspired prints.

Similar to Mulberry’s single colour vivacity, this blouse is a perfect example of how technology has turned fashion on its head, making the runway to street turn-over nearly non-existent.

High Waisted & Cut Out Swimwear

High waisted and cut out swimwear has made its mark this Spring/Summer 2010/11, erasing any reservations about less is more. Zimmerman, Rebecca Manning and Seventh Wonderland had the pattern to perfection, featuring high waisted swimwear in bold prints, colours and cut outs, each putting their modern twist on retro meets haute Hollywood. Harpers Bazaar was candid in their approach, advising readers online to “Channel a retro-vibe with a 70's style high-waisted bikini”, and featured Jessica Alba on the cover of their January/February issue wearing Kate Sylvester high-waisted briefs. WGSN were ahead of the game reporting this emerging trend back in 2007, noting inspiration emerged from the sassy styles of 50s bathing beauties. View2 Textile magazine also commented on the practical theme of cut out garments.

This combination of high waist and cut out make a statement that’s sure to catch the eye.

Mid-Calf Length

Following the Fall 2010 trend of floor-grazing skirts, designers are taking it up a notch, literally, with the return of classic 50s three-quarter length skirts.  Viewpoint identified this connection that designers are making between traditional and contemporary themes, initiated by the recession and the need to reconsider values. Bursting into Spring/Summer 2011 Ready-to-Wear with the rise of a fresh hemline, Designers such as Chloé and Calvin Klein Collection revealed their own versions of this trend, flaunting muted girlishness. Balenciaga and Just Cavalli elected to carry on this legacy into Autumn/Winter 2011/12, successfully affecting a notable difference. Balenciaga displayed close-fitting, dark skirts whereas Just Cavalli opted for full pleats in bright embroidery. Identified as a growing trend on WGSN since Autumn/Winter 2010/11, and every season since, this trend is limitless in terms of style, texture and colour.   Style.com and Harpers Bazaar were also in step, Harpers Bazaar featuring a three-page editorial in their March 2011 issue, proving that this trend is in full swing.

This Gorman skirt reflects the endless possibilities of this trend, effecting full bodied gathers with a simple earthy colour