It’s fair to say the world is a bit gloomy and doomy right now, although who knows? Perhaps between my filing of this story and its publication, everything will have turned from topsy-turvy to right-way-up again.
Thank goodness for fashion, then, which at least is attempting to cheer things up for Spring/Summer 2017 with bright hues, floral prints, disco-inspired looks, and flirty little kitten heels.
Colour pop
Springtime always brings colour, but this time the focus is on uplifting yellow and fuchsia, which were seen at top brands like Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Celine. Most brands showed entire ensembles in bright daffodil or pink – fabulous and bold, but intimidating for many women, and perhaps not fitting for Vancouver’s sometimes sun-deprived scenery. Instead of doing colour top to toe, add accents: a yellow bag or accessory, or white pants with a cerise print, paired with a simple white tee.
Flower power
Karl Lagerfeld once said, “Florals are for middle-aged women with weight problems.” We beg to differ. This season they’re everywhere, in every form, from ’70s-style blossoms at Michael Kors Collection and Stella McCartney to oversized sunflowers (in yellow, natch) at Dolce & Gabbana. We’ve fallen in love with Balenciaga’s floaty, kaftan-esque green dress.
Disco fever
Everything got a bit Studio 54 chez Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and Kenzo: The former did spandex, while the latter two did lamé and sequins, respectively. Chanel kept things subtler, with silvery threads running through classic tweed suits.
What’s new, pussycat?
Loewe, Dior and every fashion insider’s favourite label, Vetements, went gaga for kitten heels – something designers try to bring back every few seasons, albeit with minimal success because of their dowdy reputation. What’s good about them? They’re fun and flirty, comfier than skyscraper heels, dressier than flats, and daintier than flatforms or platforms. We like them with midi-length skirts or cropped pants.
Jump to it
Boilersuits are the exact opposite of this joie de vivre theme: a bit 1984, a bit Brave New World, in step with the world’s all-around sombre mood. Hermès did it best with its ’80s-influenced number.
Best of the high street
As always, the major high-street stores produced their collections with one eye on the runways, so there are plenty of brights, florals and metallics to choose from. We have our eye on Banana Republic’s Fit and Flare Sweater Dress in Lemon Drop ($170), which has a really flattering shape and a not-too-intimidating colour that would look great against a (fake) tan. Express’s Long Sleeve Chevron Stripe Skort Romper ($79.90) has the ’70s style, à la Michael Kors, and can be worn with over-knee boots in spring and boho-style sandals in summer. And Topshop’s Metallic Jersey Skirt ($70) carries through one of our favourite winter trends – more pleats, please! – but freshens it up in gold.
The loveliest makeup launch for spring
The whole of Lancôme’s spring collection, Absolutely Rose, is stunning. It’s pink, Paris-inspired, and so, so pretty. The standout is La Rose a Poudrer, a highlighting powder made to look like a rose. It comes inside a jewel case and is brushed onto the forehead, nose bridge, cheekbones, chin and decollete – any areas where light would naturally hit. Though, honestly, we don’t think many people will use this at all: It’s far too beautiful to waste on your face.
