Trend file with Secret Closet: Double the fun with combo trends

Taking a step further, we forecast a grouping of various elements in the coming year that will make you look fabulous.

Why wear just one trend when you can double the fun? Not to mention take on the added challenge of sporting two together. 2013 saw the trial and error of countless independent textured styles.

Taking this a step further, we forecast a grouping of these elements in the coming year. The process has already begun to a large extent. Another way to look at it is fabric blocking, with contrasting materials aesthetically infused together in harmony. Here are some of the ways you can try it!

Leather and lace 

BCBG spring 2013, Giovanna Battaglia

Hyper feminine meets biker chic with this double-edged sword combination. It is the perfect example of opposites attracting, bringing together delicate luxe with urban sporty glamour. Pair a lace summer dress with a rugged motorcycle jacket, leather tights with a lace top, or leather separates with lace insert panels for a peek-a-boo effect.

Wool and shimmer

Maheen Karim in shimmer boucle jacket

If you’ve visited Mango this season, as we’re sure you must have, you might have noticed the number of sweaters and bouclé jackets with woven shimmer wool and sequins. The understated glossy lustre makes for a great way to elevate a regular jumper to evening and dinner wear. A statement bouclé jacket with different coloured yarn and specks of gold or silver is a must have. We love the one spotted on Maheen Karim, a piece she picked up at H&M Singapore and can’t get enough of.

Denim and crochet

Mango, Altuzarra

An old school, light-hearted, flirty summer trend underlined with bohemian flair; it can be adopted in its simplest form with a favourite pair of distressed jeans coupled with a pretty open weave off shoulder top. The vintage weave made its way onto Resort 2014 runways of McQueen and Burberry among others, as did luxe denim at Balmain and Chanel, to name a few. We’d love to see both essential elements explored simultaneously. Crochet on collars and pockets, a woven back and denim front, and crochet panels are some of the ways to go.

Velvet and sheer

Maheen Karim, Marios Schwab fall 2013 rtw & Aishwarya Rai in Sabyasachi

If you’ve been paying attention to the international runways along with Hollywood and Bollywood red carpets over the last two years, you’ll agree that the sheer trend went a tad overboard, bordering on tacky. The concept is still very versatile, and is being adapted as a supplemental fabric to highlight curves and cuts on opaque mediums such as velvet. Again, a form of pairing opposites to attain a beautiful balance, the velvet and sheer trend is great for layering, as well as creating insert cutwork shapes. For a more eastern look, you can also pair velvet with organza and French net to assemble a richer luxury ensemble such as a formal sari.

Print and sequins

Zara Shahjahan’s True Love exhibit at Labels, Nida Azwer

Sequins, shimmer, and metallic accents all had a major moment last year. Most often encrusted on to solids, we hope to see a lot more of print in the mix, especially for Spring 2014. Ahead of the game are Zara Shahjahan and Zari Faisal, who displayed sparkling freshness with their vintage floral printed lehengas and cholis, coupled with high shine factor embellishments. Nida Azwer and Shehla Chatoor have also played with this style, which you can try out at the upcoming round of spring-time mehndis, where the triple threat combination of color, print, and shine is more than welcome.

Sublime by Sara Shahid

The best part is combination trends aren’t restricted in the least. You can match any of the above with each other as well. Velvet and lace, sheer and leather, crochet and lace and so forth. Nida Azwer has recently created some beautiful modern saris using leather cut work, gota, silk, and screen print all-in-one. Have some fun experimenting with double or triple texture combos this year!

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Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2014.

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