Spring / Summer 2019 Fashion Feature – Part II

In our last fashion feature, we took you on a journey across the haute couture brands as they celebrate the emergence of spring with a seemingly endless array of divine designs. In this feature, we bring some more Spring / Summer 2019 fashion collections, all replete with dazzling hues, arresting patterns and bold prints. 

Loewe

“It’s free; it’s sensual; it’s satin; it’s a mass of textures.” So expounded creative director Jonathan Anderson, as he introduced Loewe’s latest Spring / Summer line-up. And, indeed, even the most cursory of glances at his couture offerings reveals an almost overwhelming amalgam of styles, patterns and influences, from voluminous balloon skirts and sheer kaftans to shocking orange and green tie-dye motifs and a smorgasbord of bags – Loewe’s primary forte. By ignoring what fashion ‘should be’ and, instead, focusing on what it ‘could be’, Anderson has crafted a true testament to the multifaceted persona of today’s modern woman, or, in his own words, “a celebration of being beautiful”.

Louis Vuitton

The past and future seemed to collide in dramatic fashion on Louis Vuitton’s Spring/ Summer catwalk as ’70s-era geometric designs and ’80s-style padded jackets vied with shimmering mesh shoulders and molded rubber space suits for dominance. Encapsulating creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s exploration of the blurred lines between virtual reality and real life, asymmetrical lines and non-conformist layering of clashing patterns dominate throughout. As a final flourish, Ghesquière has revamped the brand’s iconic Petite Malles cubist handbags into eye-catching space capsule-esque accessories, and has even thrown in an egg-shaped style to heighten the otherworldly undertone of this New Age-meets-Space Age fashion extravaganza.

Max Mara

Diving deep into ancient Greek mythology, Max Mara reinterprets those same stories from a female perspective in its Spring/Summer 2019 collection. Instead of the men, it’s the fairer sex that are the heroes in this alternate world, with models proudly donning toga-style tops, bonded trench coats, strong-shouldered jackets and pea coats. The colour palette never gets too experimental, dwelling amid a range of brown, navy, black and white, but creative director Ian Griffiths surprises once in a while with a bold splash of canary yellow. The true experimentation, however, comes through a masterful use of layering – a refreshing take on how women can wear essential pieces in innumerable ways.

Michael Kors

Travel was admittedly on creative director Michael Kors’ mind as he set about creating the Spring / Summer 2019 collection for his eponymous label. Confesses the designer: “I wanted the show to feel like a global getaway. I find travel to be the ultimate inspiration and this collection takes a little bit from all of my favourite destinations around the world.” What resulted was a joyous celebration of globe trotting, as models sashayed down the catwalk in carefree, colourful creations that evoked all things warm and sunny. Surf shirts, cotton dresses, flowing skirts ruled the runway in a plethora of bright colours and eye-catching prints, all coaxing you to book the flight to your dream getaway right now.

Prada

Throwing all fashion textbooks out of the window, creative director Miuccia Prada seemed to revel in the fine art of imperfection at Prada’s Spring / Summer 2019 runway show. Situated firmly at the juncture of modernity and tradition, the collection uses classic materials like chiffon, satin, cashmere, leather and jersey-knit fabric in sombre hues of beige, black, white and gold to create an ultra-modern, uber-chic line that boasts everything from slim-fit satin Bermudas to haute couture T-shirt dresses. But while being decidedly contradictory, confused it is not, for Prada has a clear vision – to snatch as much freedom as possible from a world that is becoming increasingly more conservative.

Valentino

 

In a world defined by rules, it’s easy to understand why Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli decided to celebrate escapism in his Spring / Summer 2019 collection. Thus, his models strutted down the aisle in voluminous, free-flowing dresses that rejoice in shape rather than size. Black, white and the timeless combination of the duo dominated the runway, whether in cotton off-shoulder dresses or in tuxedos with fine tulle. But Piccioli turned out to be equally adept at playing with colours, from pink taffeta suits with balloon sleeves to peasant dresses with multicoloured floral prints, each testifying to the full range of the designer’s vision.

Versace

Versace’s Spring / Summer collection tips its hat to the modern woman in all her diverse glory. True to Donatella Versace’s own philosophy, there’s something for everyone under the Versace sun. Through a riot of colours and patterns, the attires depict a confident modern madame who’s not afraid to embrace her unique identity. To that effect, the silhouettes are deliberately form-fitted and slinky, while patterns overlap patterns, creating a colourful canvas that’s dazzling and delightful in its exuberance. The accessories – be it the Conglobo bag inspired by travel trunks or the Chain Reaction open sandals – enhance the spirit of adventure that runs through the collection.