So London Fashion Week is over and this week we’ve seen the runways of Milan awash with colour – but how do London’s top design houses really think we’ll be dressing in spring 2021?
The top designers went for some very British themes and with the UK going through uncertain times, appeared to fall back on a few retro influences (some VERY retro) to get us through the next fashion season.
Big-name designers like Christopher Kane, Molly Goddard and JW Anderson showed their takes on old -vs- new and mixed up some great textures and shapes to create something new from some more established ideas and influences. Here are a few of our favourite trends – which ones do you think you’ll be heading for in the shops next year?
Shimmer and sparkle in spring 2021
In times of gloom, fashion has often been expected to provide a distraction – and this season’s trend for all thinks glittery evokes a feeling of optimism, even if it is only on the catwalks. One shining (and sparkling) example of this is the wonderfully over the top collection marking Mary Katrantzou’s 10th anniversary which channelled late eighties and early nineties glitz with a contemporary twist.
Ballet and froth
It seems that many of our top designers had been to the ballet in recent months and been inspired by the spectacle; there seemed to be acres of tulle and taffeta cropping up all over the city’s catwalk shows. Some of the biggest frill freaks included Molly Goddard, Simone Rocha, and Erdem.
Molly Goddard’s collection was almost wall-to-wall ruffles, featuring an eclectic colour palette that included down to earth navy and olive green alongside a vibrant multi-print asymmetrical shoulder top.
Richard Quinn mixed in some more of the eighties vibe (it never quite goes away) and added ruffles to his retro-styled cocktail dresses.
Ruffle it up
Victoriana – again
Victoriana fits perfectly with lace, tulle and all things feminine so it’s hardly surprising that this very old-fashioned style made a comeback on the catwalks for spring 2021.
It’s not all about the fabrics though – the Victorian style statement sleeve is prevalent in 2021with old-style bell and dolman sleeves from the era being used for inspiration and brought into the 21st century with a flourish.
Roksanda gave us pretty sleeves on a sherbet-coloured maxi dress, while Erdem quite obviously took inspiration from a Victorian silhouette. Erdem even gave us a take on the old bee keeper hat, although we think this might be a style that’s a tad harder to carry off away from the catwalk…
Just add sleeves
Victoria is calling and wants her dress back
A place for lace
Following the theme, lace is staying on-trend in Spring 2021. Christopher Kane infused his collection with the dainty fabric, and Burberry added it to a cute slip dress which he then added big sleeves to – proving that the sleeves trend is another one that’s not going anywhere yet. Victoria Beckham did her own thing with lace and took a feminine fabric to a masculine oversized shirt that was made from various types of lace in a patchwork design. (PS: We still have some lace Wingz left at £9.99 but they won’t be around for much longer!)
Laced up
With all the emphasis so far being on feminine style, it’s refreshing to see a bit of attitude creeping in as well – you wouldn’t expect anything less from British designers! Next season’s punks vary widely in style. Riccardo Tisci did it with polish for Burberry while Gareth Pugh added a cyborg-esque twist. Nicopanda took the look into space cowgirl territory. Channelling the old punk spirit meant that the occasional slogan tee also popped up to remind us that fashion is supposed to be fun, too.
Attack of the Spring 2021 Cyber-punks
Cow-girl punk sloganistas
Pastels aren’t going anywhere next season, which may be disappointing if you want to brighten up your wardrobe. You can opt for ice cream shades if you want to get in on the pale and interesting themes, or go LEGO with the other colour trend, bold colours. Retro seventies colour palettes cropped up in some shows, with Halpern going all jumpsuit on us and House of Holland opting for neons and fluorescents.
Studio 54 Chic
At the end of the week, Brit designers had shown yet again that they are a creative bunch, but also that old trends are always going to inspire the latest season’s collections. Any bets on which era is going to take centre stage in the AUTUMN 2021 shows?