Designers Mine the Seas for Spring 2012
Designers are going deep sea diving for Spring 2012, mining coral reefs and iridescent pearl shells, while swimming through azure waves with new buoyancy. From Karl Lagerfeld’s sea faring collection at Chanel to Sarah Burton’s coral encrusted looks at Alexander McQueen to water tones at Narciso Rodriguez, the undersea world from surf to sand has been a starting point for designers this season. From structured ‘60s shapes – trapezes in printed coral, sea colors at Alexander McQueen to coral and shell prints shown throughout the collections, Spring fashion is rife with undersea references. Sand whites, shell pinks and watery blues reign. Iridescent and pearlized finishes touch fabrics, leathers and jewelry.
Elements
18K Gold, Blue Topaz & Amethyst Necklace by Vancox
Issa Coral Print Caftan Spring 2012
Shape
From structured ’60 and six to light as air sheer one shoulder gowns.
Blue Moonstone & Iolite Silver Earrings by Michou
Colorations
The colors of the sea, in all it’s ramifications; matte, glossy and pearlized blues from azure to lagoon, to ocean, to navy to mint, blue green and turquoise balance against sailor white and white sand.
Fabrications
All manner of fabrications from sturdy sailor cottons to floaty fabrications, lightweight airy voiles, iridescent and pearlized finishes crepe de chine, cellophane organza, and opalescent fabrics.
Alexander McQueen Spring 2012
Patterns
The patterns of the seas: waves, coral, shells, seahorses, jellyfish and nautical and awning stripes, as allover patterns or borders.
Details
Embellishment: pearls, coral chunks and beads; pleats, ruffles, ribbons, sea charms.
18K Yellow Gold & Pearl Earrings by Caroline Ballou
18K Yellow Gold, Blue Topaz Earrings by Vancox
Jewelry
Coral, turquoise, pearls, pale blue and green gemstones alone or in combination, sterling silver and karat gold. Pendants, drop and hoop earrings, bangle bracelets, rings, chain link necklaces and earrings.
Chanel Clutch Spring 2012
Handbags
Sturdy fabric totes, clutches and drawstring pouches in white, shades of watery blue in patent or pearlized patent leather, straw totes in natural, white or blue, often encrusted with shells, coral or pearls.
Belts
Webbing, rope, soutache and chain belts. Skinny and wider shaped belts in smooth leather, patent and pearlized patent.
Chanel Sandal Spring 2012
Chanel Bootie Spring 2012
Footwear
Blues, white and coral leathers, patent and iridescent finished leathers, silver and gold metallics in strappy high heeled sandals, cut out pumps, sling backs and ballet flats and wedge espadrilles.
