It's MLK weekend! Let's take a moment to thank Martin for the extra day off. For me, the "three day weekend" concept equates to hours of quenching my thirst for an interest that I may have set on the back burner. This weekend, that interest has been keeping up with today's definition of style. I'm not a huge fan of the latest trends, mainly because they inhibit my ability to push my style limitations. But on occasions, there is one trend that takes a necessary risk to introduce a new approach to style, and for this reason, it's important to observe trends and take note of when and how they may surpass a season.
In the January issue, ELLE listed "Mexican Riviera" as an up-and-coming trend that will be prevalent in spring and summer fashion. Among the pieces in this trend were incredible prints that skillfully blended color, pattern and texture into a gorgeous silhouette. Brilliant print overload isn't just found in "Mexican Riviera"-inspired pieces, though. And the style that should be noted is not the very specific idea of what is Mexican. That will come and go. Let's pay closer attention to prints and pattern, and how to couple them with solid color.
When flipping through the Spring/Summer collections for 2011, I concluded that the Milan shows kept it real. From Etro's ethnic to Missoni's mayhem to Moschino's Americana (featured in this post)-- each designer draws from a traditional notion of identity and transforms it into a slightly more accessible piece of modern fashion. Milan inspires and challenges what is considered "timeless style" by looking to very specific inspirations and coloring outside the lines with them. And while lot of people have complained about some of Milan's costume-like attire and mind-boggling pattern usage, there is enough variety for every individual to appreciate at least one look that opens him or her up to new horizons.
Milan's spring shows represent a sort of punk scene in the fashion industry, but certainly not in the cliched "dark and angry anarchist" way. Today, Milan's outfit stands out, it questions us and keeps us curious for more. And because CAKE BATTER is oh-so-hardcore, we're dedicating a series of posts to who we think are Italy's best designers and the brilliance that they have showcased in their spring/summer lines. MILAN KNOWS PRINT will feature the aforementioned designers' use of print and pattern, along with Pucci, Fendi, and a couple other innovative Italian lines.
For now, here is a closer look at Moschino:
[Sourced images from elle.com and fashiongonerogue.com.]
