Trend report: Princely prints

Vibrant prints and quirky patterns ruled the spring summer catwalks injecting the runway with a healthy dose of much needed colour after a gloomy winter.

Florals, fruit, animal, polka dot, digital and ethnic inspired prints all cropped up, making this the best time to dig out a few old favorites from seasons past. With PFDC fashion week round the corner promising exclusive voile shows and lawn exhibits causing traffic jams; go wild with head-to-toe prints for maximum effect, or keep things subtle with just one or two patterned pieces.

The young and the brave

Nomi Ansari and Wardha Saleem: With a colour sense that could make a rainbow shy both these designers recently unleashed their psychedelic lawn prints. Ansari left no stone unturned with prints ranging from loud bold geometric designs to intricate filigree. Saleem and her love for all things bright was present not just in her print designs but in her catalogue and her striking billboards. So, for the young and vivacious these two designers are a safe bet.

Mary Katrantzou: Mary’s exquisite digital prints have made her one of the most in-demand designers around with collections stocked at the foremost designer emporiums and featured in every worthwhile fashion publication under the sun. This season the young designer brought stunning, interior-inspired prints in eye-catching summery shades.  She’s added a modern twist to ladylike style and has pieces to suit all body types. If you’re bold enough go for one of her sculptured pieces or mix a delicate print top with some elegant cigarette trousers.  Mary’s pieces are a sure shot way to set you apart from the crowd.

The bold and the beautiful:

Sana Safinaz and Gul Ahmed: Sana Safinaz is as much a brand as Gul Ahmed, and that’s not me making a tall claim, the designer duo proved their entrepreneurial prowess by launching their collection to packed halls at the Expo centre. Just that, in and of itself is a testament to the beauty of their designs. Although, textile giant GulAhmed didn’t form any designer alliance, they had multiple designers design garments using their fabric. The brand is a household name and the brand had a huge variety of prints … variety enough to please almost everyone.

Diane Von Furstenberg: Diane’s signature printed wrap dresses have always been a wardrobe essential amongst the fashion elite for decades, this season she pulled out all the stops to bring us some of the most vibrant prints seen. With the revival of her vintage collection, she has us all going gaga over her retro inspired collection. Offered in a variety of styles from jumpsuits, skirts, dresses to swimwear, we are spoilt for choice.

A variety of both body-conscious & figure hugging shapes have been introduced. For those who don’t have the courage yet to pull of one of her signature prints, many fabulously on-trend printed accessories from bags to laptop cases are available.

 

Iman’s Dos:

• Bright, colourful prints are the perfect summer statement

• Invest in printed trousers and wear with a simple t-shirt

• Clash colour’s and prints for the ultimate affect

• Print maxis are the best way to say cool and chic this summer

• Printed accessories are a hot statement this summer

Iman’s Don’ts:

• Invest in a printed jumpsuit if you’re on the voluptuous side. It will enhance the parts you hate

• Wear very loud prints if you’re petite. Find ones that don’t over take you.

• Buy printed jeans. There is nothing tackier

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2011.