A SPARKLY SUMMER

This retro redux is not for shrinking violets, says KATIE WRIGHT

WALLFLOWERS, be warned: There’s one current catwalk trend that’s bolder, brasher and a helluva lot more fun than all the others combined – so if your idea of the perfect summer involves wafting around in kaftans and espadrilles, look away now.

At the SS18 shows, some of the coolest designers on the planet decided to plunder the Eighties for inspiration, delivering a fashion-forward take on the decade of excess.

Leading the pack was Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent, who flipped the classic puffball party dress on its head, with voluminous one-shoulder tops and bodycon skirts.

Asymmetry was also key at Halpern Studio, where structural dresses in jewel tones and the label’s trademark sequins sent the front row wild – and have subsequently been seen on a host of red carpet beauties, like Adwoa Aboah and Lupita Nyong’o.

Now the high street has caught up, and the high summer collections are peppered with stand-out sparkly pieces that are just dying for a whirl on the dance floor.

That’s right, this is definitely an after-dark trend: A sequin or metallic dress, or statement top should be the focus of your look (bonus points if it’s asymmetrical), teamed with vintage-style stiletto heels.

A pair of dangly earrings completes the look, and that’s all you need for this modern retro homage.

Ready to shop the trend? Here’s our pick of Eighties high-street heroes...