Glimpses of the sun earlier this month have given us a hint of the s u m m e r s e a s o n t h a t i s f a s t approaching and that only calls for one thing, a wardrobe overall. Out with the A/W11 and in with S/S12. This season the catwalks were awash with new twists on familiar trends and showed how to utilise classic looks in a new and innovative way. The four key trends for this season are Floral Fire, Paisley Power, Purity and Game On.Let’s face it, it wouldn’t be Spring/Summer without a few florals thrown into the mix but do not fear this doesn’t mean simply a floral cardigan and matching bag, actually anything but! Florals this season were brought back into bloom with the help of top designers Mary Katrantzou and Christopher Kane. The designers take on the floral trend saw the explosion of the natural and imploding of the manmade. The key to nailing the floral trend this season is to thing clash, clash and oh just a little more clash. Katrantzoua and Kane showed that f lorals aren’t just about appearing pretty but instead have to ability to make a striking statement at the same time as channelling a classic trend. The high street stores showing the best of the ‘florals on acid’ trend are Topshop and ASOS from their sharp floral trouser suits to intricate dresses.The second trend to captivate audiences at the S/S12 catwalks was Paisley Power. Paisley is the print of the season with the likes of Jil Sanders and Stella McCartney topping the fashion tables for the use of this trend. Sanders refigured the use of the paisley print by using it on demure, tailored garments, whilst McCartney chose to utilise the pattern in a colour palette of jewel tones. For all things paisley head to Zara or Jaegar who have a fantastic selection of paisley inspired print garments from dresses to tailored trousers. Even if you don’t fancy rocking the Paisley look all over, pick

up a paisley scarf from Zara which will keep you in trend for S/S12.Next in the line-up of this season’s trends is Purity, and by this I mean white! Many designers chose white as their colour of choice, taking inspiration from the use of white in traditional wedding setting to create ornate collections. Louis Vuitton and Chanel showered catwalks with beautiful white garments with accents of candy colours. Vuitton’s collection saw an array of broderie anglaise dresses hit the catwalk, looking ever so sweet and precious. Sophisticated yet cute this trend isn’t for the fashion girl looking to be cutting edge but rather the girl looking to be quintessentially British. With the Queen’s Jubilee fast approaching the white trend is perfect for all the summer parties that are due to take place. Just don’t forget to add some

quirky jewellery to complete the Purity trend. High street big hitters such as River Island and Miss Selfridge are lapping up the trend and already have a selection of purity inspired garments in store in preparation for the summer sun.The final major trend of the season is Game On. New York S/S12 catwalks saw sport emerge as a must-do look,

from Alexander Wang’s mesh bombers to chic track pants from Rag and Bone. While sports maybe in, you must remember we aren’t talking literal track and field outfits so go don’t putting on your gym kit and heading out for the day thinking you are hitting the trend out of the park. Oh no, Game On is all about mixing

key elements of sportswear with luxurious fabrics and shapes from couture fashion. Head to Mango or H&M to pick up a piece of sports luxe clothing, preferable a pair of track inspired trousers or a bomber jacket, two garments that have already been seen gracing many backs of the fashion elite.It won’t be long until the sun is upon us and the A/W11 clothes need to be banished to the back of the wardrobe. Remember to stick to what works best for you, manipulating the key trends to suit your own style and body; this is what will make you look like a true fashion trend setter rather than a fashion follower. Spring/ Summer 12 appears to be a great j u x t a p o s i t i o n o f t r e n d s a n d inspirations so even if they aren’t all for you there will definitely be one trend that’s right up you.

Every outfi t needs that l i t t le something to finish it off, and for most of us that means a cute necklace, a quirky ring or an unusual bracelet. The latest find in quirky jewellery is a company called Little Peche set up by Maxine Turnock in her hometown of Staffordshire. Little Peche is a jewellery collection with the mission to create ‘handmade, design-led jewellery and accessories inspired by woodland, vintage and nostalgia.’ With the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee coming up, this year is all about celebrating everything British and what’s more British than a string of bunting in the style of a necklace.

Not only are the Little Peche wooden bunting necklace a jewellery winner but also the cute button shaped rings with woodland scenes and cross stitch designs are definitely a firm favourite with the LSMedia fashion team. Little Peche is available to buy from their website www.littlepeche.com but if you fancy having a peak at the unusual jewellery collection before you purchase, head to the local shop Landbaby located at The Bluecoat on School Lane. Landbaby is one of Liverpool’s hidden gems stocking a wide variety of unique and handmade jewellery as well as homeware gifts. Other jewellery collections available at Landbaby include Magasin, Clare Bates and Layla Amber. To find out more about Little Peche and the shop Landbaby head to Landbaby.co.uk

THE SPHINX 17

Fashion

Manchester based company The Fashion Network is a specialist communications service which brings together all aspects of the fashion industry. March sees the c o m p a n y l a u n c h i t s F u t u r e Genera t ion Ser ies , which i s designed to guide, inspire and inform students who are trying to break into the fashion industry. The series involves six “Making It” seminars which will cover all aspects of the fashion industry from merchandising to marketing.Industry experts from the North West and London have been enlisted to give students the inside scoop on how to make it in their chosen field. Each session also involves a live Q+A, so if you have any burning questions you would like answering, you have the opportunity to ask an expert in the know.MD of The Fashion Network, Dick Hicks comments that “TFN have decided to create this series of events to inform students and graduates of the skills required of them when stepping into the industry.” The series is wrapped up with a Student Recruitment Day, which takes place on 11th May. This gives students and graduates the chance to liaise with potential employers; you are encouraged to bring along your CV and a portfolio of your work to this event.Each seminar will take place in Revolution on Manchester’s Oxford Street. Tickets are priced at £6.00 each with a valid student card; you can book a place on the company’s website.For a full list of seminars or more i n f o r m a t i o n o n T h e F u t u r e Generation Series, go to

The Fashion Network - Future generation seriesAmy Davies

Jessica Holt

Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion trends and styles

Jessica HoltHidden Gems: Handmade

Jewellery by Little Pech available at

LandBaby at Bluecoat Art

Gallery

S/S2012

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