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The Latest Fashion Trends from New York, London, Paris and Milan
I know, I know. We all spent our spring quarantined at home, but the trends below would have definitely been some of the spring season’s highlights. So, let’s add them to our bucket list for when we can show them off next spring.
Polka Dot Design by Carolina Herrera. © Carolina Herrera
In New York, London, Paris and Milan, the world’s best designers sent their Spring collections down runways as fashion-forward consumers kept a watchful eye. More than 100 shows gave journalists, retailers and the fashion elite (and those paying close attention on social media and the internet) a glimpse at the hottest looks for Spring 2020, since they will not be too seen.
So, what will we be wearing when quarantine is over and spring rolls around again? Overall, the Spring 2020 Fashion Month shows exhibited diversity, with looks that ranged from preppy to grunge, relaxed to formal and even demure to kinky. Diversity also extended into model selection, as we saw more racially diverse catwalks and plus sized models included in major runway shows like Simone Rocha, Marni and Alexander McQueen, amongst others.
With so much range, it’s hard to narrow down our favorite trends, but below we pick our top five trends for Spring 2020.
Joyful Polka Dots: Carolina Herrera
Polka Dot Design by Caroline Herrera. © Carolina Herrera
Polka dots have been a fashion staple for a long time: think of the unforgettable images of Marilyn Monroe in a two piece bikini or how often global fashion icon Diana, Princess of Wales wore the print. In the spring 2020 runways, polka dots were featured in a multitude of shows but Wes Gordon’s version for Carolina Herrera use of polka dots stood out. While other designers kept their dots to smaller proportions, Gordon went for oversized polka dots. With spotted bouncy mini dresses and with velvet dots over fluffed tulle, the Carolina Herrera collection exuded joy—the kind we usually associate with springtime. After a couple of seasons of wearing animal patterns (in every color palette imaginable) we welcome a change to polka dots with open arms.
Relaxed Denim: Givenchy and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
Relaxed denim design by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini © Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
Drawing inspiration from different decades, high-end designers looked to denim as a quintessential staple in their spring collections. Paired with blazers and dressier tops, denim bottoms provided relaxed looks that were still fashion-forward and put together. For Givenchy’s show, Claire Wright Keller used upcycled denim to create distressed shorts and jeans with a 90s attitude. A favorite from her collection: a V-neck dress made of two different denim washes that was a cool upgrade from the denim jumpsuit we’ve been seeing everywhere. While Givenchy looked to the 90s for style inspiration, the Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini collection dug back a little further and was reminiscent of the 80s. The designer featured denim mini-dresses with oversized shoulders, ruffles and thick belts and layered a cool denim corset over a simple white tee.
Skin is in: Gucci & Brandon Maxwell
Bella Hadid wearing Brandon Maxwell © Brandon Maxwell
Some designers opted for drop waists, maxi lengths and shapes that flowed away from the body for Spring 2020, but Gucci and Brandon Maxwell embraced sexier silhouettes. The collections were radically different: Gucci expressed in your face sexuality while Brandon Maxwell’s collection displayed more restraint. Designer Alessandro Michele stayed true to Gucci’s eccentric aesthetic but used lace and other sheer fabrics, cutouts, plunging necklines and slits for this racy Spring collection. There were also allusions to S&M as Michele sent models down the runway with leather whips and chokers. Brandon Maxwell ventured from the evening gowns we have grown accustomed to expect from him and instead created a relaxed, but sexy collection. Maxwell’s models showed off toned legs wearing hot pants, miniskirts and short dresses but kept the overall aesthetic classic. Maxwell’s evening looks hugged the body and, like Michele for Gucci, he used slits and cutaways for added effect.
The 70s Suit: Victoria Beckham
70s suit design by Victoria Beckham. © Victoria Beckham
We can always count on Victoria Beckham to create timeless pieces. For her Spring 2020 collection, Beckman created a collection of flowy dresses and suits in rich tones and attention-grabbing patterns. We were particularly impressed with her take on the suit (a season must have according to many runway shows). 1970s inspired, complete with a pointed collar and impeccably tailored flare trousers, Beckham’s suits were not overtly feminine or masculine but met perfectly somewhere down the middle. Her final look was the strongest: an ivory tuxedo with a black flower corsage.
Welcome to the Jungle: Versace
A piece from Versace’s jungle collection. © Versace
The moment that Jennifer Lopez stepped out on the Versace runway to close Donatella Versace’s Spring 2020 show, social media practically erupted. It was a highlight moment of the Spring Fashion Week shows, as Lopez braced the catwalk in an updated version of the famed dress that she wore in 2000. Versace planned for this moment well, and leading up to it, she showcased a collection that featured the recognizable print—in its original green and in a new orange version– in an array of pieces including dresses, skirts, suits and jackets. Florals and foliage are a staple at Spring shows, but it’s hard to deny the staying power, and fun, of Versace’s most known print. ■
