Knitch Magazine

OK, when you’re setting your clocks to daylight savings time at 2 a.m. on March 13, 2011 – yes, I said 2011 – you’ll want to be up to date with the warm-weather fashions to come. And with our access to fashion resources worldwide, we are able to give you a fun, funky preview of the Spring 2011 fashion trends a full 18 months in advance. So grab a mug of hot chocolate, cuddle up on the couch and enjoy a quick pictorial look into our fashion crystal ball.

First, get ready for a return to the casual sportswear trends of the 1980s being called “casual deluxe” by several designers. Even the elegant fashions of Dolce & Gabbana are peppered with casual coats, jackets and pants. As an interesting variation of this trend, watch out for the cowboy/cowgirl look around the world and not just in the American Southwest (note those cowboy boots on the Dolce & Gabbana model (photo left) strutting her stuff on the runway!).

As a terrific complement to the casual looks being seen for Spring 2011, be sure to check out the “back to the origins” fashions featured in the collections of Stella McCartney , Lala Berlin and Anteprima (photo right). Easy flowing, unstructured designs with maximum drape are the key to achieve this trend suited to a variety of body types, sizes and shapes.

Of course, as with most seasons, we also see designers highlighting the direct opposites of the most prevalent fashion trends also. For example, lightweight classics are the exact opposite of the casual look, and yet without these “light classics” the season would be incomplete. Specifically Salvatore Ferragamo’s little black dress (photo left) is classic simplicity at its breathtaking best as are the traditional creations with a modern twist from the creative imaginations of Kris Van Assche and Max Mara.

Then for the opposite of the flowing, unstructured look of the enveloping “back to the origins” style, enjoy the sensual, lingerie trends featured in the fashion shows of Antonio Marras, Jill Sander and Fendi. Think lace, sheer fabric, form-fitting skirts and accenting, see-thru blouses for eye-popping eveningwear and special occasion dressing (photo right).

And notice all the neutrals and versions of white being showcased on the runways of Milan, Paris and New York for Spring 2011. Bleached, off-white, ecru, beige, taupe, all represent a significant investment in light neutrals accented only occasionally by brights and contrasting jewel tones. Also the strong emphasis on white as the key color of the haute-couture fashion scene reflects the continuing eco-friendly movement and promotion of sustainable fibers and natural, undyed fabrics. (Photo left: Fendi)