Fashion Forecast: Code Brown

While spring runways were dominated by a collection of vibrant hues, there was one glaring exception to this general rule.  While black and white both had noticeable places in designers' collections, brown, of all colours, was seen with the same frequency as the others.  An unusual choice for spring - which is typically dominated by pastels - brown not only was present, but was often featured head-to-toe.  My favourite use of brown was definitely in Alberta Ferretti's show, where it took on an almost coral tinge and perfectly complimented her gorgeous early-nineteenth-century style gowns.  Photos: http://www.style.com/.

 

Alberta Ferretti

 

Christian Siriano

 

Diane von Furstenberg

 

Gucci

 

Gucci

 

Hermes

 

Lanvin

 

Lanvin

 

Rodarte

Fashion Forecast: Blossoming

So I thought I would take a break from chronicling the colours of Spring 2011, and instead feature one of the omnipresent prints: florals.  Florals are a Spring tradition in fashion-world, and this season saw them reinterpreted.  The small prints of last year were - for the most part - replaced by a style reminiscent of a botanical encyclopedia.  Carolina Herrera, Dries van Noten and Dolce and Gabbana followed this form, while the florals from Alberta Ferretti could have come from a Renaissance painting.  Alice + Olivia and Oscar de la Renta both chose a Betty Draper style '60s floral pattern, while Donna Karan and D&G were more evocative of the '70s.  All photos from http://www.style.com/.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Dries Van Noten

Dolce and Gabbana

Alberta Ferretti

Alice + Olivia

Oscar de la Renta

D&G

Reem Acra

Donna Karan