Clariant predicts fashion contrasts for autumn-winter 2012–13
22/06/2011
The contrasts range from warm to cold, light to dark, black to white, and romantic to grunge. “Compromise is no longer chic whereas the sensitivity for the timeless and sustainable has increased,” Clariant says.
In keeping with its findings, the company has released its latest global colour card, developed in close co-operation with consultants ModEurop, and the Fashion Pool at DSI (Das Schuhinstitut GmbH). The latest in its trend booklet series, Fashion Up is also available.
Grunge, Romantic, Classic and Galaxy are the new mix of the season, ranging from aggressive high-heels and pure classic lines to “opulent antiqued leather articles all the way up to galactic styles with reflective and futuristic metallics”. Decorative finishes include vintage styles or the high gloss of soft patents.
Grunge is back, according to Clariant. Fashion is once more playing to the beat of the nineties alternative rock scene. Attitude is required to wear lumberjack shirts, parkas, floral slip dresses and torn jeans layered up with beanie hats, arm warmers and laddered hosiery. Tough buckled strap boots and aggressive high heels are the footnotes. Battered and distressed finishes and new high gloss leathers such as corrected grains or soft patent interpret this mood. This rebellious youth-led look spans all levels of the market from inexpensive thrift shop finds to luxury designer grunge.
The romantic fiction of Victorian novelists is the starting point for the second mood. Passionate heroes and captivating heroines come to life and inspire apparel touched with gothic nostalgia. Soft flowing lines and full-skirted silhouettes come in the new below-the-knee lengths. Elegant heels and granny boots are embellished with lace, gemstones and pearls. This opulent story with antiqued leathers and decorative textures offers a total contrast to the minimalist trend, and marks the return of trims and detail following a period of low-key fashion.
Classics get a new minimalist twist with pure lines and pared away details that stand the test of time. It is back-to-basics dressing, but with a luxurious makeover. Color-blocks and panelling slice up garments into bold Mondrian-inspired shapes. Proportions are altered: hemlines hover around the knee and footwear favours the new mid-height heel. Care must be taken to ensure that these simple shapes are never too plain and therefore boring, which is where texture comes in. Quality grains, traditional embosses and classic reptile elevates the simple into something special, Clariant says.
At the same time, it says galactic styles have lifted off already. Technical innovation and clean lines are harnessed together in this space-aged look. Body-aware contours and padded shapes with volume create impact. Accessories including padded moon boots, high-heeled platforms and fantasy clutch bags are no less dramatic.
Colours for autumn-winter 2012–2013 range from an optimistic and timeless palette of warm reds over neutral winter shades to cool and icy polar tones.
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