Spring Lines
Above: Brighten up your spring with some scarlet!
As you read this, maybe huddled by a roaring fire, the coming of spring probably seems a million light years away. But before you know it, spring will be here, and you’ll get pleasure from not only seeing our lovely Dorset countryside and Jurassic Coast bursting with renewed life and energy, but by the fact that the towns’ fashion shops will be showing off their new season’s arrivals.
So what can we expect to see, and will we be spoiled for choice? Will you go for the slouchy tailoring of preppy pants, go rustic in ‘New Boho’, fall in love with chalky pastels or shine in glossy eveningwear? Will your eye be caught by simplistic utility styling, the spring’s bold floral and fern prints or the latest subtleties in metallics?
Preppy draws in laundered white and washed-out blues, schoolgirl stripes, bib front and pin-tuck collarless shirts in a style that requires or adds height.
Romantic rustic is soft and girly, inspired by broderie fabrics, matt-cotton lace insets, crochet, and folklore embroidery. This is a wearable interpretation of rustic in both shapes and looks, less grungy than past versions, more country girl than flouncy gypsy. White is the queen of colours for this theme, often layered and textured, set off with quiet greens and pinks to continue the pretty-pretty look.
Sporty utilitarian contrasts with every other trend for spring, standing out by mixing utter simplicity and a touch of clutter – either in slick, sharply-coloured and close-fitting shapes or much looser cuts in muted tones, all dressed up with drawstrings and zips, in some cases for a multitude of pockets. Fabrics are either truly technical or have great finishes to add to their high-fashion appeal. The parka gets a makeover, blousons never were so hot, and pants are pipe-cleaner slim.
Gloss, mostly for evening but creeping smartly into other areas of fashion, is an interesting story. Not PVC shine. Not shimmer that relies on catching the light. Gloss just like the goo you slick on your lips, making the colour beneath leap into life. Designs tend to be party perfect, short with big skirts, maybe ruffles and a glam neckline, especially modern with a halter strap.
Dresses continue their endless march into 2008 in many new and interesting guises, not a one overshadow by the glitziness of the shiny brigade. Prints, florals and geometrics especially, and crochet, have a distinctive appeal, and the most important focus is around the waist – sashes are fixed or wrapped, belts are narrow and neat. Smocks are back but cut more carefully, empire lines are straighter but never rigid.
Colours will be debated from day one this season. Yellows, from primrose to neon, greens as cool as the sea and sharp as acidic lime, and the brightest, most electric blues will make the headlines. Metallics continue in the truest silvers and new pewter, along with rosier golds and bronze. Chalky neutrals, especially at the lighter end of the spectrum, will be huge, and often tinged with pink. These will contrast with shimmering greys and pearlised colours, not forgetting spring’s new rosy red, tangerine, topaz and smart navy.
Sometimes you might wonder, but the fashion industry, especially the collections stocked by individual boutiques around Dorset, has been watching and listening to real women. Spring 2008 represents a great mix of newness and re-working of favourites – in colours and shapes that are fresh and clearly defined. It’s what these clothes are ITALS not END that is most important. Not fast fashion, not cheap (or relentlessly cheerful), not mass market, not a shameless copy from the catwalk. What they are is designed for you.
Stuck for stockists? Please note this editorial is a preview of the spring season and we cannot guarantee what is pictured will be in specific stores immediately. All collections featured are stocked in or around Dorset. Need more information? Write to Fashion Editor Jane Garner, PO Box 608, Shrewsbury SY1 IWQ, call her on 01743 271615 or email dorsetmagazine@janegarner.co.uk