Get into the groove
This won’t be the first year that 70s and 80s styles have made a comeback. in fact, you could get whiplash jumping between the various fashion throwbacks thrust upon us each year. But fashion gurus say there’s method behind the madness of this year’s fads.
some critics have claimed that fashion is becoming increasingly arbitrary. in fact, it’s really more that the latest trends offer something for everyone. That, at least, is the impression given by the new collections for spring and summer.
“The new fashion is certainly not arbitrary. But there are fewer and fewer rules,” says hamburg stylist Maria hans. “This allows everyone to develop their own style. so that the focus is all on individuality.”
But at the same time there are still discernible trends. One of those this season is batik. The indonesian style of coloured patterns is back in fashion – and this time without the hippie image.
Even top designers like Dior, Prada or stella McCartney have sent models onto the runway wearing the pattern.
“Today’s batik pieces are as cool as they are urban, they combine casualness with dignified chic,” says hans. in fact the major designers are taking a fashion journey through time this season and it’s not just back to the 70s.
“They’re also inspired by the 80s,” says hans. “This can be seen, for example, in the oversized blazers that are in demand again. But there are also the strong colours and overalls that hark back to this decade.”
Also back in fashion: animal prints. “The leopard print look in particular is causing a stir again,” fashion consultant Ritchie Karkowski from Timmendorfer strand explains. “Actually, this pattern can already be described as a classic.”
But in the spring and summer of 2019, leopard print isn’t just available in the black and golden brown colour combination typical of actual leopards. The pattern is also popular in a combination of black and white as well as in pastel shades. speaking of pastels: these remain fashionable, but strong colours are also making an appearance. “These include raspberry red, pink and orange.” These colours are either “mixed altogether or worn tone-in-tone,” he adds. And clothes for the office in particular will reflect this trend: “This is particularly evident in trouser suits, which will be offered in many clear, strong colours in the coming season.”
The patterns can be combined in a similarly high-contrast way. “stripes together with flower patterns in a garment is one example of this trend,” explains Maria hans. Alternatively, different patterns are combined in separate pieces – such as a skirt with a floral design worn with a striped blouse. Culottes will be one of the on-trend items of clothing this season. These short trousers with a wide leg have been fashionable for the past few years. “They are available in denim or leather, in lengths from midi to maxi,” explains shopping consultant Andrea Lakeberg. in addition, classic, narrow-cut trousers are also popular. “it’s important that they have a high waist,” says Karkowski. Another 80s throwback are cycling shorts. in big cities, fashioniare stas already wearing them but combined with a blazer for everyday use. Now they are expected to enter the mass market.
Overalls with a casual, wide cut also remain popular. The same applies to cargo pants. “They were already in fashion back in the 80s and are characterized by a wide cut and many pockets,” hans explains. – dpa