Trends at RAFW 2011

Boho/ 70s

The 70s are back with a vengeance! Borrowing from the decade that brought us Fleetwood Mac, The Godfather, and Grease, designers at RAFW have incorporated wide legged pants, crotchet, and tassels into their collections. Talulah’s bohemian vibe coupled with an effortless prairie aesthetic was just far too graceful, feminine and harmonious to belong to the year 2011.

Street style: check out if you were snapped!

Leather and Suede

Using leather and suede to make remarkable fashion garments is not exactly revolutionary. But, this year at RAFW, Therese Rawstorne, Little Joe and Kirrily Johnston have re-invented this favoured fabric by abandoning bikie chic and opting for more mustards, greys and red pigments. Hot for next summer – literally and figuratively.

Fashion snapshot: Latest from RAFW
RAFW 2011: Camilla and Marc
RAFW 2011: Miss Unkon

Earth Tones

Consider the sandy, rustic tones formerly reserved for, well, sand and rust, the new neutrals. Tributes to these shades of vermillion have been seen at Shakuhachi, Kirrily Johnston and Morrison.

Perspex

What was once a material reserved for furniture design, CDs and even contact lenses, Perspex is quickly securing its title as the must-have material for this coming summer! Making appearances in the form of face visors, jewelry and garment embellishments, the oft-used alternative for glass is not only aesthetically transfixing, but also highly durable. Being stuck in a sandstorm will be absolutely no drama, as long as you’re equipped with your new dress by up –and-coming designer, Leah Hibbert.

RAFW 2011: Shakuhachi
Royal Hotties Love a Bargain!

Brights

While ‘bright colours’ may conjure memories of the horrific highlighter shades that dominated the 2007 palette, RAFW 2011 has brought us collections which bring nothing but excitement for a colourful upcoming season. Striking shades of citrus by Karla Spetic are particularly vibrant. Watch out for colour blocking, the sister trend.

Sheer

Consider the almost-translucent fabric choices by Manning Cartell and Lover fashion’s Newtown’s Law – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. While solid brights are back for the forthcoming season, designers at RAFW have incorporated floaty, gliding materials synthesized with thigh-high hems into their latest pieces.

Lace

Not that it was ever ‘out’, but this season lace is most certainly in. Designers including Zimmerman, Lover and Arnsorf have revolutionized this timeless classic and incorporated it in geometric, contemporary, colour-blocked and vintage-style pieces.

Other trends this RAFW include high-waisted garments, the maxi skirt, vintage, sharply tailored suits, flirty and feminine prints, and embellishments.

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RAFW 2011: Rachel Gilbert
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