Summer Fashion
“The summer wind came blowin’ in; From across the sea; It lingered there to touch your hair; And walk with me All summer long; We sang a song; And then we strolled that golden sand; Two sweethearts and the summer wind”…
This 1965 song reflecting the fashion of the day was recorded in 1968 by the legendary Frank Sinatra and written by songwriters Johnny Mercer, Henry Mayer and Hans Bradtke will surely take you on a nostalgic trip, no matter what age you are. If you want to listen and step back in time - go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9wNfAheqnA
Social change, music and fashion go hand in hand throughout history – for example the years following World
War II saw the resurgence of haute couture, which was the nemesis of the austere war years that saw the square shoulders, short skirts which used the minimum of materials and were practical for wartime duties. Indeed, luxurious fabrics such as wool and silk were highly regulated. During the war years, items of clothing were made out of anything that could be found in the home as illustrated by the book ‘Make Do and Mend’ (published by the Ministry of Information in 1943), which had a large section on ‘new life for old woollies’.
After the war, when the years of austerity were over, Christian Dior produced the ‘New Look’ that
showcased sweeping long skirts and fitted waists. This was followed in the 1950’s with the arrival of sportswear for men and women and for the first time teenagers became a focus on the fashion scene. New synthetic fabrics – ‘drip dry’ nylon, Orlon and Dacron where quickly followed by acrylic and polyester and my own pet hate – crimplene!
During the 1950’s and 1960’s skirt hemlines rose and fell, batwing sweaters gave way to turtleneck sweaters; during the 1970’s and 1980’s fashion became glitzy and punk; more powerful or ‘yuppie’. The 1990’s saw fashion become simpler yet sexy. Whatever your age or era look at the music, the economic climate and you will see how fashion is guided by it.
If you would like to know more about fashion in knitting – check out ‘Knitting: Fashion, Industry, Craft’ by Sandy Black which will be published in September 2012. (ISBN: 9781851775590) This great little book charts the development of knitting from hand knitting to computer controlled textile production. The book contains some stunning photos, many from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Some fashions remain ‘classic’ and stand the test of time such as the little black dress (LBD), whilst others tend to be fashion ‘fads’ and end up in the back of the wardrobe or given to the charity shop!
So what has the ‘Summer Wind’ blown in for this season’s fashion?
The latest from flat knitting machine manufacturer ‘Stoll’ - “What’s faux, what’s real? ” collection includes traditional weaving patterns, jersey and Fair Isle styles incorporating cord, pinstripe, boucle and voile.
New on the knitting fashion scene is ‘Wool and The Gang’ (Lisa Sabrier and Carolyn Main) who specialise in designing pieces that are easy to wear
and easy to knit. Take a look at the website at: www.woolandthegang.com for some simple yet stylish ideas.
Using black and white materials or yarns is another fashion that defies time and is tipped to be big in 2012. So – yes you can use an item from any season in black or white then add an up-to-date designed piece or one of the seasons vivid colours or soft neutrals to complete the outfit. The other colours around to work with for the new seasons knitting include: orange, creamy neutrals, red, greens and almost any shade of blue.
Lacy cardigans and lightweight sweaters or tunic dresses are on the
fashion board and for a bit of fun – stripes, vivid prints, geometric shapes along with a more tailored and classic look. Nautical navy influenced and 1970’s glam is back.
Stripes, stripes and yet more stripes meet the ‘summer wind blowin’ across the sea’ with a very nautical look for us to knit this season. Navy and white stripes are easy to knit whether you make a sweater, cardigan or an accessory. The main thing is to:“Honor your craft. Wear what you knit”-- Sally Mellvile
Crochet is also a feature this season, particularly crocheted vests that go well with the return to high waisted trousers and jeans. This means that the ‘muffin tops’ will disappear! What a relief!
‘Off the shoulder’ is a summer style along with the Katherine Hepburn influence of tailored blazers and cute fitted cardigans. Ruffles are still in vogue and can be an accessory or the collar of a cardigan. Check out ‘Elle ruffled cardigan at Kohl’s’ website.
Fashion Designer Derek Lam has some gorgeous items in his collection including a number of simple, yet flattering lightweight sweaters, knitted skirts and knitted accessories including knitted shoes – well actually they were beaded yet they certainly looked knitted!
According to Fashion Access (http://www.fashionaccess.aplf.com) there will be four main fashion trends this season:1. Casual elegance - escapist
2. Urban glamour - daring
3. Romantic future - imaginative
4. Travel memory – inventive As always, fashion houses give these types of descriptions to get our imaginations going – basically they mean that the trends in colours and textures this season will be more eclectic and encompass a wide range of styles,
effects, materials and colours. It comes down to your choice and personality.
For example you may choose the tender colours of the palest of pastels which pair with vintage and sexy, whilst the more earthy colours of ochre, orange and copper lead us to those that have a passion for nature. Earth hues are enhanced with laces and hand dyed yarns or materials. Remembering that blue is the top colour for the season. Read more: http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/ fashion_events/interfiliere/Interfiliere-Fashion-and-ColorTrends-Summer-2012.html#ixzz1ch51dNmI
To get a feel for some gorgeous new yarns take a look at:http://www.straw.com/cpy/yarns/yarn_cards.html or http://www.universalyarn.com/seasons_and_collections. php?season=25 or here in Australia - http://www. auspinners.com.au/
Finally, before we find we are catching that ‘summer wind blowin from across the sea’ take a look at the website of a wool and craft shop in the old English town of Nailsworth, Gloucestershire in England. Named ‘Mother Goose’ - it not only keeps up with the trends in yarn, tools and classes, but also puts out a wonderful email newsletter on a regular basis that covers much more than yarn and craft. They can even personalise knitting needles. Check it out at: www.mothergooseonline.co.uk
Closer to home – Knitting designer Nikki Gabriel has some great new designs. This New Zealander always comes up with some unusual slants and this collection showcases some of them. Check her out at: http:// nikkigabriel.com/ for some inspiration.
So if the ‘summer wind’ is ‘blowin’ around your beach, take out the knitting needles or crochet hook and get stuck in to your next project – with stripes of course!