Easing into a new season with fashion month’s top trends

Is there anyone else feeling dizzy from last year’s fashion musical chairs? The year closed with several designers dropping their old guard for a new slate of creators manning top brands like Chanel, Saint Laurent, Dior and more. And the revolving doors have barely closed with Versace and Armani joining the fold with their trendsetter, Dario Vitale.

It usually takes about three seasons for designers to find their feet before we truly see what they will be bringing to their respective houses.

This in turn has opened the doors for an interesting season for the global spring/summer collections. One that doesn’t necessarily rock the boat, but re-establishes style codes that designers and corporations can pin down audiences who will continue to shop from their collections. From fresh perspectives to houses with trusted staples, here’s a look at the trends we couldn’t help but notice.

FASHION IN THE EASE LANE

There’s an inescapable air of ease permeating in fashion. Perhaps the dust has finally settled on Gen Z’s multitude of cores and maxing micro trends, and the definitive look is a mishmash of 90s restraint and 2010s normcore. From Paris to New York, designers are turning to functional clothing while street style is dropping stealth wealth for sartorial nonchalance.

Street style sees the clutter of wired earphones, playful labubus and nonchalant styling give character to a look over curated perfection. Perhaps owing to designers needing to keep an audience that’s ready for practical clothing rather than risky and expensive pieces. Chanel, Gucci and Cos, among others, were leaders of the pack.

Beauty looks from Prada, Etro and Ekhaus Latta were bronzed. The blush and bronzer look that features a flushed finish works well with the big lashes and sun-kissed glow that dominated shows in Milan and London. The party animals of Charli XCX’s brat aesthetic live on in moody eyeshadow looks and messy coiffures.

WORK AND PLAY

It might be the padel or office siren trend but workwear and sports have became central to the shows. Designers are playing with contrasts and clashing prints more often and shaking off the dust from minimalism with animal prints and chore coats given a fresh appeal. Contrasts also paired golfers with sequins or feminine touches to both men and womenswear.

BARE NECESSITIES

As fashion’s fourth quarter comes to a close, so are the few stitches left. Design houses have not been doing their best, and perhaps it shows in the lingerie and undergarment dominating the fashion scene.

Look no further than young fashionistas in baggy jeans with their elastic waistbands showing, but for older audiences, it’s not just a blend of 90s Aaliyah meets Ice Spice but rather a “sexy back” moment that doubles down on the slinky cut-out dresses we’ve seen time and time again on red carpets.

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