It is spring 2015 and we finally look up, blinking and disorientated, from our screens. We suddenly realise what we have been missing out on in our digital life and really need to do – and that’s travel! Each of the six MarediModa fashion trends for 2015, put together by David Shah and the View Team, takes us to a place, real or imagined, past or future.
HOLLYWOOD POOL (beach and swimwear)
The look is ultra-feminine and seductive with the body corseted and remodelled to optimise shape. Drape and gathering combine to accentuate glamour as outfits are layered with pin-up style cover-ups. A luxury palette of gold and silver or empowering black and white; Schiaparelli pinks combine with iridescent or shiny, pale blues and opalescent lime. Polished satin in golden and metallic iridescent shades or shiny jacquard woven designs are embellished with rhinestones, sequins or metallic sparkle; jacquards, brocades and shot-silk fabrics glow in jewel-rich shades; laser cut scalloping and holographic glitter.
Glamorous patterns, vintage floral designs and wildlife zebra and tiger stripes are used alongside oriental kitsch and sparkling stars. Gradient colouring, holographic and iridescent finishing effects bring all these motifs up to the moment.
ART COLONY (beach and swimwear)
This is a young look that takes swimwear forward by pushing the boundaries of shape and colour. An exploding rainbow of fully saturated shades with unreal fluorescence and phosphorescent brights, luminous white or black as a backdrop, while Fabrics are technical and sporty, surfaces compact and matt, an effective base for 3D printing effects. Moulding and heat-set relief effects add 3D qualities and garment shaping, while laser cutting, plissés and pleats add femininity. Contrasting these fabrics, there are giant meshes and translucent, cellophane-like veils, all very futuristic and eye-catching.
The pattern story plays with geometric Op Art designs, often in black and white, tessellated, layered or super-sized allowing the fabric, once cut, to produce unique architectural, sculptural and streamlined garments. Experimental tailoring is used to create a more covered look, while geometric design plays a key role.
VINTAGE BEACH (beach and swimwear)
Sicily, with it’s sunburned colours, brightly painted fishing boats, folk traditions and crafts is a constant source of inspiration for this trend. Traditional ceramics, vintage fabrics and heritage crafts all celebrate the climate and lifestyle and, as we gear up for the wild fiesta of the Brazilian 2016 Olympics, the passion and colour of Latin America calls!
Fabrics respect the vintage feel with fresh, dry cotton looks or scarf-like, flowing silk. Space dyed or pre-faded yarns are used for Missoni-style knits or macramé effects. Faded denim or broderie anglaise fabrics have naïve embroidery, fringing and child-like appliqué to accentuate their craft-like appeal. Patterns are loud and proud; colour-woven, ethnic designs and motifs from vintage dresses serve as the base for hand-crafted embellishment. Beach resort scenes, cravat designs and the use of flowers in menswear suggest a gentle, tongue-in-cheek irony.
The dance rhythms of the samba and tarantella are celebrated in the silhouettes full of gathers, ruffles, flouncy frocks and circle skirts. What visitors to Sicily in the 1950s wore now inspires us: high-waisted briefs, knotted bandeaux tops, corsets and patterned shorts, all unashamedly feminine. Swimwear is matched with fresh cotton shirts for women and men alike.
ATLANTIS (beach and swimwear)
This is swimwear for a mermaid princess: second skin, body hugging, dramatically simple forms that include long-sleeved leotards and leggings. Imagine evening-wear for an underwater ball featuring sensual pareos and veils that create regal impact. Featherweight fabrics drape around the body like seaweed; transparent voiles and refined mesh add depth to the water; lace is as coarse as fishing nets or as delicate as coral, with underwater, shimmering shades of oceanic blue. The cool pearl and sparkling silver of fish scales contrast with pale gold, warm reflections of sunshine.
Fabric patterns mimic the dazzling reflections of dancing light on the sea’s surface with foils and metallic sheen, or dive deep to re-create underwater worlds of corals and anemones using fringes and blurred prints. Organic lace prints and designs of fish scales and scallops form the underwater landscape, while soft water reflections are created with sequins, patchwork and tattoo-like prints.
FANTASIA (lingerie)
A surreal, futuristic imaginary world, where all we know of traditional allure is present but altered, fantastical and shadowy. Hi-tech meets passion and the collision brings forth fabrics that glow with rich colour depth and resonance; amongst them are metallic polished satins, plush velours and flocks. Lively marls and shot-silk effects add depth to the fabric surface. Decorations and trims are the seducer’s secret weapon: embroidery, lace, beads and sequins all add richness and uniqueness. Transparency, too, has its allure.
Sophisticated digital prints add exotic mystery, transporting the wearer to other worlds and times. Prints of surreal scenes, fantasy landscapes, ‘hand-tinted’ effects and rich colour gradients all combine to create a new, ravishing muse.
MONTMARTRE (lingerie)
Lingerie is romantic, pretty and lavish, a nostalgic tribute to the luxury of the French court. Nostalgic fabrics require traditional-look fibres such as soft cotton, cream-touch, knitted viscose and kimono silk. Industrial skills are celebrated in the openwork raschel lace, tulle and jacquard silk touch weaves. The elegant top note to this heady perfume is the attention given to refined finishings, trims and buttons.
Embroidery, cross-stitch and carefully placed flower patterns hark back to the belle-époque and work with traditional cotton shirting prints and weave effects. The spirit of the age is celebrated with toile de Jouy lace, Gobelin motifs and dobby effects. Texture is also woven into the fabrics in plissé and pin-tuck designs.
A whirl of dancer’s skirts inspires ruching, pleating and gathering; corsetry, bustiers and camisoles in silk and satin are combined with cotton slip dresses and skirts, in the oil and pastel retro palette of Lautrec, with softened mauves and rose pink pairing up with powdery, cosmetic skin tones and hot coral.
