Pleated skirts for S/S and A/W 2012

Pleated Skirts 

Seeing as the Olympics are arriving in London this year, many S/S collections for 2012 have a rather sporty feel to them such as the pleated skirt trend. With possible inspirations from tennis skirts evolving very fast in the fashion world, this trend has become extremely varied with pleated skirts and dresses. Pleats can be varied by shape, style and size. Bigger pleats often giving a more formal feel as seen on Kate Middleton in both her pink dress and red Alexander McQueen pleated dresses. Smaller pleats often give a  more casual appearance in cotton and sheer fabrics. Personally I feel this trend will become even bigger and more pleats will be seen on the top half of dresses also. 

1950's trends for S/S 2012

1950's trends S/S 2012

After the Queens Diamond jubilee, people have been looking back over the last 60 years since the Queens coronation in 1952. Unsurprisingly certain 1950's trends have come back stronger than ever, such as full skirts, fitted bodices and Capri pants. As you can see by the mood board designers such as Dior Haute couture S/S 2012 (Red, Grey and black dresses above) and Gucci S/S 2012 (photo under 1950's title) have a really strong 1950's feel throughout their collections. Not only through their clothes but stylists are mixing the designs with red lipsticks and sleek, waved hair. This 1950's trend can also be seen in women's suit's and jacket's which suggests this trend may last until the end of Autumn/ Winter 2012.

The Great Gatsby trend S/S 2012

The Great Gatsby is due to be released toward the end of December with much waited anticipation. Many fashion trends for Spring/ Summer this year have been inspired by the Great Gatsby hype including designers such as Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Chanel, Roberto Cavalli and certain silhouettes from Valentino. All designers producing extremely dramatic and glamorous garments. Although many inspirations have come from 1920's many dresses and trousers have become more subtle with a lower waist line than 2011 and much more feminine that fashion from the 1920's.

This trend has become a macro trend and will probably last for another year or so, possibly becoming more subtle through each season. You can see the trend through the silhouettes of garments and the beading and sheer fabrics used especially by Ralph Lauren.

Above is a mood board to created to give a feel for colour's texture and designs for Spring/ Summer 2012. Personally I feel this trend will grow even bigger for Autumn/ Winter for Christmas party's and New Year. Similar trends can be found on the high street in stores such as French Connection, Topshop and River Island.

Here are some silhouette shapes for garments for both S/S 2012 and A/W 2012. Garments are full length and flowing with a Grecian feel. Whilst other garments are mid length and layered with feather like textures. Garments for the Summer often have little detail other than beading or feathered fabric. Ralph Lauren is a good example of this, with their sleek silk dresses.

Ralph Lauren

Roberto Cavalli

I love how shiny Roberto Cavalli's S/S 2012 collection is and how most garments are created in a sheer see through fabric, leaving the main focus on the beading and sequins. Not only does the colour scheme work for this trend but also the pattern on the dresses are very Art Deco.

Gucci

Gucci's S/S 2012 collection is another great example of Art Deco patterns in gold, also contrasting against a bold black background. The use of fringing at the bottom of the dress really gives this dress in particular a roaring twenties vibe.