// PUMP UP THE VOLUME
BIG SLEEVES, BOWS, BILLOWING DRESSES—THE RUNWAYS WERE FILLED WITH SUMMER ROMANCE, SAYS CHIC BOUTIQUE OWNER MARLENE HU.
Big sleeves, bows, billowing dresses—the runways were filled with summer romance, says chic boutique owner Marlene Hu.
What does romantic fashion for summer look like? “It’s a lot of prints, nature-driven prints with leaves, flowers. Volume in sleeves, lots of bows. Silhouettes tend to be a little more relaxed. Maxi length has been popular.” What designers have nailed this look? “Roksanda’s silhouettes and prints are romantic. The colors are retro. Sies Marjan, he does romance in his own way. His choice of fabrics [satin and silk] and colors—a pale pink dress and edgier neon yellow—are all very beautiful. Fendi’s runway theme was Marie Antoinette. It’s very ephemeral, so innocent. Yigal Azrouël uses embroidery and lace in his designs.” Speaking of lace, is it sticking around? “It’s been such a huge thing. Lace is such a feminine classic, I don’t really see it going anywhere.” Where can a Washingtonian wear this trend? “The look is great for a luncheon, tea party, or wedding.” And how are people wearing it? “In separates—blouses with a lot of volume worn with ripped jeans, shorts, or maxi skirts.” What about the romance look for work? “A great blouse with amazing volume in the sleeves [can be worn] tucked into a pencil skirt or a high-waist pant.” What other trends are you loving for summer? “Prints in general and a lot of texture.” Hu’s Wear is located at 2906 M St. NW, 202-3422020; husonline.com
“SILHOUETTES TEND TO BE A LITTLE MORE RELAXED. MAXI LENGTH HAS BEEN VERY POPULAR. THIS LOOK IS GREAT FOR A LUNCHEON, TEA PARTY, OR WEDDING.” —MARLENE HU