After a fall season focused on sleek lines and neutral colors, designers ditched the minimalism and dove back into the neon hues and loud patterns that first began to pop up in the form of accents and accessories during the Spring 2010 runways. From Aquilano.Rimondi and Burberry Prorsum to Christopher Kane and Versace, the Spring 2011 collections packed plenty of power.

Christian Dior threw his audience into a Betty Page-inspired tropical fantasy filled with silk, chiffon and crocheted garments of neon yellow, blue, green, purple and orange. Miu Miu unveiled dresses of bright green, yellow and pink with star-like accents that mirrored comic book illustrations. Even Alber Elbaz of Lanvin threw in pops of bright pink and green to his collection’s mostly muted color palette.

Incorporated with the neon shades, the designs featured an array of unique patterns, most of which the runways haven’t seen in a few seasons. Blumarine paired different patterns of animal motifs in the form of minidresses and flared pants. Amid their line of solid-colored ensembles, Cacharel showed floral-like designs reportedly inspired by the watercolor paintings of Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon. Models for the eccentric Jean Paul Gaultier rocked Joan Jett hairstyles while donning prints like Victorian floral, growing palms and galactic jumpsuits.

Prada, whose mix of primary colors, bold stripes and jungle-esque patterns that included bunches of bananas and cartoonish monkeys enveloped in cherub designs, dominated the Spring 2011 collections. Add in the line’s striped sombreros and electric fur shrugs, and you’re left with a line whose elegant silhouettes and bright atheistic formed a type of modern baroque style that created a trend all in itself. ‘It’s time to be bold,’ Miuccia Prada said to Style.com. It is a statement that echoes that of the Spring 2010 season, when designers rebelled with collections of leather, studs and shirts with intricately placed rips and tears. 

Unsurprisingly, designers are often most daring with their spring collections, aiming to squeeze the last bit of summer inspiration before the slush and snow hit the streets of Manhattan. Listen to the professionals and get a little adventurous with your spring wardrobe. Jean shorts and tank tops are cute for a country concert, but if you’re looking to turn heads, you’re better off trying something a little more, well, bold.

 

Photo 1: Cheetah pants/red blouse/brown belt

Pants: Some Girls, $56

Blouse: Some Girls, $66

Belt: Some Girls, $21

Most people shy away from mixing patterns. However, if the colors go together, chances are the patterns will complement each other as well. Add a neutral-colored accessory, such as a belt or purse, to break up the patterns. Just don’t experiment with polka dots and stripes — that combination will never work out.

 

Photo 2: Maxi dress/mesh long sleeve

Dress: Ellie Mia, $88

Mesh top: Some Girls, $56

The maxi dress is back in style this season, and layering it has proven to be the most popular trend. Try it with a netted shirt, long cotton blouse or knitted sweater.

 

Photo 3: Studded dress/crochet top

Dress: Some Girls, $59

Top: Some Girls, $42

Adding a crochet top or loose long-sleeved shirt to a tight or short dress relaxes it, making it more suitable for the daytime.

 

Photo 4: Floral dress/studded belt

Dress: Some Girls, $92

Belt: Some Girls, $24

To downplay the femininity of a floral outfit, add a studded belt or a pair of black boots.

 

Photo 5: Blue skirt/tank top/plaid blouse

Skirt: Ellie Mia, $48

Tank top: Ellie Mia, $58

Blouse: Ellie Mia, $48

Polka dots and stripes will most likely never be a good match. But plaid and stripes will work as long as the stripes are horizontal for a couple of reasons: Horizontal stripes create a better disconnect between the two pieces, and vertical-striped bottoms should never be worn.

letousig@syr.edu

Published on March 8, 2011 at 12:00 pm