Trend report: Blue

Spring Summer 2011 catwalks were a myriad of technicolour. Fun-loving fashionista’s rejoice as this season we’re waving goodbye to black in favour of something a little more bright and summery. Among the rainbow of pieces paraded throughout fashion week, one colour which cropped up more frequently than the rest was blue. Make a splash in colour-pop cobalt or keep things cool in crisp ice blue. Blue bring s this summer the perfect hint of colour to keep you looking fresh and bright.

Preen

Subtlety was the order of the day on the catwalks at Preen. For those of us who do not jump for joy at the idea of rocking a floral print maxi skirt, help is close at hand in the form of this ultra cool, London-based label. Preen’s take on this seasons “blue” trend should be just the thing to ease you out of your neutrals and injecting the perfect balance of colour into your Spring/Summer wardrobe. Preen’s collection  was all about clean lines, minimal detailing and lots of crisp cotton all in delicate shades of ice blue and dove grey. From simple summer dresses to androgynous trouser suits, the Preen aesthetic was very much one of understated elegance and their take on the “blue” trend was perfect in keeping with their philosophy.

Roksanda Ilinic

For those of you who fancy something along the lines of the “wow” factor, look to party-dressmaker extraordinaire, Roksanda Ilinic, for a show-stopping take on the “blue” trend. British designer Roksanda’s decadent gowns and elegant high-waisted trousers come in various dramatic shades of metallic blue, eye-popping cobalt and glimmering navy. With their luxurious fabrics and striking shapes Ilinic’s line simply exudes high-voltage glamour and is sure to get pulses racing all over the fashion world.

Peter Pilotto

There was certainly a fair bit of “blue” on the runways at Peter Pilotto, but it was nothing like the eye catching brights seen at Roksanda Ilinic, nor did it depict the minimal icy hues of Preen’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection. This trend really is for everyone and with their longer hemlines, fluid shapes and watercolour numbers, Peter Pilotto has created a selection of blue pieces that are both beautiful and extremely wearable. Floor-sweeping hemlines and artful drapery gives the garments a soft and feminine feel but a ladylike shape may appear and there is nothing dull or dowdy about this collection. Peter Pilotto keeps things interesting through the use of cleverly positioned prints, conceptual shapes and the odd biker-style jacket thrown into the mix. For anyone who wants to stay stylish whilst keeping comfortable, look to Peter Pilotto to rock this seasons “blue” trend in a way which is both deliciously feminine and unmistakeably modern.

Iman’s Dos:

Invest in a bright blue silk Maxi

Mix different shades of blues together

Wear blue numbers with yellow gold accessories to warm them up

Find the right shade for you

Iman’s Don’ts:

Wear with a red lipstick

Clash with other colours

Go too pale and look washed out

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2011.