Fashion trends suggest that less saturated sophisticated colouration is
gaining ground this Spring of 2006. The shimmer of
gold will be subtle, but compelling. Fabrics coruscate with dazzling, glimmer, shimmer, radiance and luminosity. White, golden tones and flesh tones are especially important.
Spring/Summer 2006 is weighty with metallic and paper-thin fabrics. The rustling sounds of taffeta give a Gone With The Wind touch. Movies such as
Memoirs
of a Geisha will show individuals just how sumptuous and prized rich fabrics can be. Fabrics in imitation of these brocades and silks will filter into mainstream fashion trends in garments,
accessories and interiors.
Despite an abundance of rainbow colours, fashion trendsetters will already have noticed the new trend toward more subtle, softer fashion colours and whisper soft faded half-tones.
Metallics have been fighting for
their place for 3 years and now they will be dominant with shimmering
metallic leather and suede washed-out fabrics. Bags in
particular, take on a golden glow by day whatever the setting. Invest
in a moderate amount of rich luminous shimmer which will be seen in
fall fashions too.
These shimmering bags move from palest gold through copper to bronze and
gunmetal grey effects. Tan leather bags, white leather
bags and deep dyed straw or raffia bags are also in the line-up for summer fashion trendsetters.
These
more natural tones, include the flesh range of whisper barely there colours
of the creamy blushing buffs, with faded washed out cameo pinks, flesh tone
soft dusty pinks, rose blush right through cappuccino to cocoa pink and
chocolate blush pink.
These
spring fashion colours of flesh pink often
look very expensive when combined with black, but flesh tones can be
difficult for fair blondes to wear and suit those with Mediterranean
colouring better.
Blush neutral tones, often overlaid with black, are one the most important colour stories for summer.
Click thumbnails.
Greens
move through a clear emerald and soft sea green to pale almond green
with zinging fresh clear greens. This season we see lily green, which looks exciting set against creamy vanillas, earth tones, warm taupe and red. We are already seeing some of next seasons
olive greens in many collections.
Expect a multitude of the rich colours of sun dried fruits with golden tones
....colours pass from the palest vanilla, creamy sand, melon, honeyed
sultana, to rich clove and raisin....... Earth tones found in the sun
baked Sahara range from yellow lemon, pepper yellow, rich burnt ochre,
gold-dust and curry.
Apricot, sienna and cool orange move through the range of tomato red, watermelon, coral, crimson, raspberry and fuchsia
pink....... Burnt orange and ginger tones are a strong
statement in 2006. Some colours like pink get even hotter. Funky, clear, vibrant, candy pop colours will please those who dislike the murky dusty understated tones.
Cooler tones include
lilac, amethyst, viola, lavender, deep rich
ultramarine, indigo. Then there are the blues, skyway, cobalt blue and the beautiful tone of turquoise, which is sometimes set against burnt oranges or fresh greens.
White is interesting in its own right as a fashion theme. The look that white recreates is reminiscent of Edwardian lingerie dresses.
Think of the finest muslins, batistes and lawns, contrasted against rich
textured lace. Alternatively, think of a surface decoration of ribbons and soutache, pique, crochet
and tucks.
White standing alone is important. Also white is effective with the glimmer of gold
shimmer and moonbeam silver, all in barely there almost dusted over tones.
Topshop for example, who lead this fashion trend in the high street, have an
iridescent Mac and also a metallic dress. White works well when made up in
delicate lace light voiles, broderie anglaise and lush rich expensive silk
organza. Sunny weather really makes this look work as a fashion theme.
White is also used against understated tones of soft greys or against the
subtle play of oyster shell tones. Mother-of-pearl fastenings add
white/grey/oyster shimmer as zany fashion embellishments.
White will be a spring summer fashion mainstay of fashion wardrobes and so
look for traditional summer fabrics of the 1950s in crisp white cotton
piques or cloque materials, 60s Op Art or just pure white materials.
Other naturals such as ecru and neutral beiges with rustic grained texture
from see through barely there loose thread weaves to coarser bolder slubby
weaves. Contrast all this with shirting stripes and romantic silky
soft faded fabrics that are delicate and wispy.
Linens and suede in old gold
and ochre are coming into fashion, as is lace enhanced with beaten dull gold sequins.
Often, white is juxtaposed against a fine black trim to highlight the line.
Mix and match black jackets over white dresses or trousers, alternatively, wear white
jackets over black ensembles.
Zig zag and geometric oval and octagonal
patterns, checks, industrial city graphics and repeat graphic prints are
perfect for a black and white translation. Oriental designs
of blossoms can be striking when in just black and white.
One of the most important textures of 2006 spring summer fashion
trends is that of broderie anglaise, not just in white or cream, but also in
many other colours especially the blush and creamy antique tones. There are
also the dark tones of black, brown and navy indigo.
There is a huge change in the fashion print cycle
moving towards retro print imagery on materials. Now we see art deco,
geometric 60s and bold 70s wallpaper motifs. These fashion textile prints are bold and make a strong
confident statement compared to some wispy pastel prints of the past
seasons.
With prints it's also clear that computer designed fashion prints are giving
way to the nuances of the strokes of more bold painterly, almost naive
effects. The latter enhance the linear graphic qualities of movement
within a design, flowing around the body and often with the body's contours.
The lively feel to 2006 summer fashion trends can be seen in prints of all types, from retro 50s to oversized 60s geometrics. The
traditional old favourites of spots, small and large, spaced/clustered
stripes and ginghams all feature in summer dresses and blouses.
Long-established woven patterns with simple or bolder checks make a
reappearance in casual looks of cowgirl and cowboy trends in fashion.
Striped fabrics abound as soft, lightweight, loosely woven cotton or worsted
fabrics. Exotic print jersey fashion fabrics also gain in popularity as mass retailers produce wrap dresses that can be combined with jeans or leggings for a current fashion look.
A directional trend in print is also moving toward all things
oriental.
Thick duchesse satin and shantung silk give that true fifties fashion look.
Look too for satin trims as bindings on pants. There are satin bow trimmings on clutch
bags and shoes as well as tipping bands on clothing. Necklaces also
get the satin or velvet bow treatment. Satin is the ideal
material for wrap style obi belts and even boxer shorts. Satin of the
correct weight is also perfect for deeper draped cowl necklines and for
kimono styles.
Richer materials also encompass impressive gold brocades or consist of fabrics
made of dull and beaten gold
pailettes.
Whisper light translucent shimmering Organza moiré, silk gazaar, silk jersey and rustling taffeta
stand out against heavier materials.
Opulent brocades move through
Tapestry looks and toile prints all capable of imbuing clothing with a feel
of belonging to a Georgian milkmaid scene. Traditional floral
sprigged country prints, spots, stripes and tiny zig-zags are all in
fashion.
Denims figure in summer 2006 fashion. Denim is dyed deeply and
is barely washed out. Many denims have a finer surface and the
darkness of denim is paired with the softness of the finest white voiles,
batiste and dotted Swiss materials.
Denim's close natural rival, linen, is now available in more
colours, especially soft blue, soft pink, soft lime, grey, red and burnt
orange.
Spring continues to see lightweight airy tweed fabrics, but now more
frequently lightened with the sparkle of golden metallic threads. Chiffons of the same ilk, with the glimmer of golden lamé, contest with golden
threaded denim.
Grosgrain ribbon and Russia soutache braids add contrast to fabrics that are dull
or shimmering and glimmering.
Yarns are becoming finer and more fluid, making for lacier knits. This
useful and fashionable navy blue crochet cardigan bolero right is from
John Lewis
UK and costs just £40.
Tweed
textures move into knitwear. Bags have knit and crochet panels. Skirts
are made of lacy and textured knit panels often using cut and sew
techniques.
Fabrics are frequently lighter in construction and it follows that airy
fabrics sit side by side with Laser cut-outs, lace and crochet lace.
Gossamer-fine lace and dotted Swiss all have their place in fabrics of 2006.
Notice how lace panels are mounted on other materials. Dior for
example, used lace application in an opaque or block way. At other times
Dior show the sheer lace patterning beauty of a particular lace as well as encrusting with passementerie. Dior have put black lace over flesh
pink and created looks of underwear to outerwear - ideal for clubbing.
Earthen Effects
The mystique of traditional earthy Africa and the Incas is revealed in
batik and ethnic inspired motifs. Earthen effects are highlighted by natural trims such as sisal
macramé, fringed belts and braids. Back to the farmyard madras checks and patchwork are worked into quirky trim effects as zany buttons,
pendants, buckles or bags. This lovely printed JL Tribal Flower
Print Summer Dress at £85 image right, is available from
John Lewis UK
Fashion-Era.com looks at women's costume and fashion history and analyses the mood of an era. Changes in technology, leisure, work, cultural and moral values. Homelife and politics also
contribute to lifestyle trends, which in turn influence the clothes we wear. These are the changes that make any era of society special in relation to the study of the costume of a period.
Fashion-Era.com can take no responsibility for any information on the site which may cause you error, loss or costs incurred from use of the information and links either directly or
indirectly. This site is owned, designed, written and developed by Pauline Weston Thomas and Guy Thomas. This site is designed to be viewed in 1024 X 768 or higher.
Before you write to me for costume/fashion help or information please, please consult the extensive sitemap which lists all our pages. If you still cannot find the answer after searching the site, then before you email me, please consider if you are prepared to make a donation to the website.
Donations Reader's donations help this site flourish, in particular donations encourage me to write more articles on fashion history as well as current trends. PayPal
allows anyone with a credit card to donate easily and securely. You may donate any sum you feel appropriate.
If you have any comments, or if you see any broken links, then please email with
details of the page url or problem