Hold on to your (floppy) hats! SS15 is full of Seventies fashion throwbacks, plus covetable statement denim and warrior-worthy accessories. Will you go haute hippie à la Gucci, carry a stylish saddle bag, or spend the entire season flouncing around in a dreamy tulle confection by Christopher Kane? The decision is yours...
Seventies Show The crochet, the flares, the fringing! Dust off your lava lamps folks, for SS15 is going to be one big Seventies time warp. From Tommy Hilfiger’s retro fashion festival to Henry Holland’s groupie girl tribute, the references came in direct from the decade. Key spring 2015 trend pieces: A billowing boho dress, flared trousers, clashing florals.
(Above image: Saint Laurent, House Of Holland and Tommy Hilfiger spring 2015 fashion shows) Denim Delights Denim? A new trend? It might sound like we’re stating the obvious, but designers were determined to put their own stamp on everyman’s favourite fabric this season. Burberry worked it into cropped indigo mini-jackets, while Stella McCartney built her entire collection around a series of statement-topstitch separates. Tod’s even fashioned it into slick tailoring. Totally office-appropriate, right? Key spring 2015 trend pieces: Statement jeans, a denim tunic.
(Above image: Burberry, Stella McCartney and Gucci spring 2015 fashion shows)
Utility Chic Marc Jacobs dissected military uniforms, resulting in an explosion of patch pockets and eyelet detailing. Elsewhere, the humble parka was given a glittery makeover at Rodarte, and Ralph Lauren worked khaki into no fewer than 32 of his 50 show looks. Now that's the mark of a true pro. Key spring 2015 trend piece: A glammed-up parka covered in *really useful* patch pockets.
(Above image: Marc Jacobs spring 2015 fashion show)
Tulle Cool Usually reserved for couture confections, tulle made its mark on some (slightly) more practical pieces at the SS15 shows. Burberry belted its classic trench coats with bursts of sugary colour, while Christopher Kane executed ‘controlled explosions’ from the hips and shoulders of sleek dresses in a well-assessed balance of prettiness and polish. Key spring 2015 trend piece: A tulle skirt.
(Above image: Christopher Kane and Burberry spring 2015 fashion shows)
Sweet Suede As well as in more obvious Seventies stylings, suede appeared in some totally modern, even workwear-appropriate separates this season. ‘Suede is having a real moment – we have bought more for spring 2015 than ever before,’ Ben Matthews, buying manager at Net-a-Porter, tells us. ‘Key pieces include Loewe’s Harlequin bag, Theory’s culottes, Equipment’s shirting and Chloé’s belted trench.’ Choose pastel colours, super-fine weights and butter-soft finishes to make the fabric summer-ready. Key spring 2015 trend piece: Just take your pick with this one.
(Above image: Chloé, Derek Lam and Chanel spring 2015 fashion shows) Saddle Up We spotted the Seventies satchel du jour at Michael Kors, Jil Sander, Gucci and more. 'Saint Laurent used vegetable tanned leathers that develop a naturally with use, plus buckle, fringe and patchwork details,' says Natalie Kingham, buying director at Matchesfashion.com. 'Chloé was another great brand for this trend, using rich coloured suedes – yellow golds, rusts and plenty of nostalgic tan.' Say hello to your actually quite practical new It-bag. Key spring 2015 trend piece: A saddle bag.
(Above image: Gucci spring 2015 fashion show)
The Elongated Silhouette Our new voluminous skirts and full-flare trousers are kept under control by slim tunic tops, prompting a slick kick at the hemline. A little bit fishtail and a whole lot of flippy summer fun – this is the silhouette of the season. Key spring 2015 trend pieces: A sleek tunic teamed with a flouncy skirt or wide leg trousers.
(Above image: Kenzo, DKNY and Loewe spring 2015 fashion shows) The Disc Earring More Pattie Boyd than Pat Butcher, statement earrings made a comeback at Emporio Armani, Moschino and Roberto Cavalli for SS15, after a winter dominated by subtle studs. Circles are the shape of the season – Armani stuck to a single drop while Louis Vuitton's clusters were backed with chains for a hard rock edge. Key spring 2015 trend piece: A pair of disc earrings.
(Above image: Louis Vuitton spring 2015 fashion show)
Life Aquatic From seascape prints on frothy chiffons, to caught-up netting and barnacle beading; underwater adventures ruled at Valentino, Rodarte and more this season. Expect to spot these mermaid-worthy gowns again on the red carpet when awards season takes hold. Key spring 2015 trend pieces: A scaly sequin skirt, seascape print separates.
(Above image: Valentino and Rodarte spring 2015 fashion shows) Power Flowers Allow vivid floral prints to take over your entire look, right down to the accessories. Graphic bags reigned at Marni, Topshop Unique and Fendi, but the prize for best clash-off has to go to Valentino for those claret and cobalt combos. Key spring 2015 trend pieces: A bold floral print bag.
(Above image: Valentino, Marni and Fendi spring 2015 fashion shows) Disco Platforms Towering heels are back, say Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Victoria Beckham – and who are we to argue with those glam (rock) gods? Team with a cool crop jacket, head-banger hair and a whole lotta attitude before you storm the stage. Key spring 2015 trend pieces: A pair of mega platforms.
(Above image: Tom Ford spring 2015 fashion show)
The Off-Shoulder Dress Décolletage baring is in. Whether you go delicate and girly à la Topshop Unique or sleek and powerful as at Balenciaga, this is the zone to buff-up before the big reveal when the temperature rises again. Key spring 2015 trend pieces: An off-shoulder dress.
(Above image: Topshop Unique and Balenciaga spring 2015 fashion shows) All-Weather Leather Maybe it's a trend statement, maybe it's just that the boundaries of fashion seasons are becoming ever more blurred, but full leather ensembles were spotted in the collections of Prada, Louis Vuitton, Proenza Schouler and more for SS15. Jonathan Anderson even crafted his entire debut for mega-house Loewe from bright bolts of the stuff. Key spring 2015 trend pieces: Coloured leather separates.
(Above image: Loewe spring 2015 fashion show) Warrior Woman Grecian goddesses and kick-ass model tribes ruled the runways in an armour of draped dresses, plate belts and well-travelled prints. Givenchy’s spliced leather and lace dresses came complete with a blitz of iron nail embellishments and every look at Alexander McQueen was teamed with a pair of glam gladiators. Now that’s what we call fierce. Key spring 2015 trend pieces: Cage sandals, a statement plate belt.
(Above image: Chloé, DSquared2 and Alexander McQueen spring 2015 fashion shows)
