Whether you prefer the classics like the stripes or florals or more experimentative prints such as abstract and geometrics, the Spring/Summer 2017 print trends have a fresh approach to each one that invokes a sense of novelty and unconventionality.
Stripes are a definite yes as umpteen number of designers and exporters widely adopt this trend for the Spring/Summer 2017 season.
Florals took to a more abstractly soft, watercolour note with ink splashes following suit in a myriad of colours and shapes. The geometric brigade came out in full force with pinstripes, checkered prints which move ahead to encompass gingham and plaid again, focusing on colour play for the season.
Sloganary details are still in demand with major designers as the trend shifts to include pop art and the 2000’s inspired logos and monograms in full force!
Team AO presents a curated list of prints analysed for the approaching season with respect to international brand sand designers, complete with a heads up from the industry as to what buyers are asking for currently.
1) Watercolour Canvas
Art meets fashion this season with watercolour splashes in abstract motifs finding their way on to apparel this season.
Inspired by artistic works and styles of prominent artworks throughout history, water colour prints lend a whiff of romanticism and dreaminess to the garments. The combinations of patterns came pronounced on jackets, dresses, trousers or complete top-to-bottom looks which were presented by designers in many a varieties.
Giorgio Armani offered watercolour streaks that seemed to be trickling down fluid proportions, while a heavy dose of florals were in order at Celine who paired up these dainty prints with minimalist silhouettes. Femininity came alive in Christian Siriano’s orange-blue and monochromatic abstract florals and Haider Ackermann’s splashes of ink that took us back to schooldays.
2) Pinstripes
Initially reserved strictly for classic men’s suiting, these lithesome stripes made their presence felt on the runways of major designers as they played with varied thicknesses, and inverted colours over a multitude of fabric choices.
Aquilano.Rimondi presented the print over blazers, thigh high slit skirts, oversized knits and asymmetric silhouettes while Self Portrait introduced a feminine side to the classic pinstripes by using them over ruffled off-the-shoulder tops.
Lanvin mixed sizable proportions of the linear print mixed together with inverted colours, whereas Giambattista Valli included them into its draped silhouettes of silk and satin.
Roberto Cavalli juxtaposed pinstripes with his signature animal prints.
3) Optical Trance
Psychedelic trance takes over in the form of prints tilting towards optical illusions and kaleidoscopic imagery. Carrying forward from the last two seasons, these hallucinistic prints have made a major appearance on the runways this season.
Emillio Pucci did not hold back and sent out his models donned in optical inspired abstract graphics compiled in a complete head-to-toe look while Mary Katrantzou married ’70s irridiscent psychotropic swirls with classic Grecian prints creating a stir at fashion week, yet again.
Thom Browne Christian Siriano payed homage to the classic monochrome in black and white but it was Jeremy Scott who redefined the entire optical illusion trend in its true glory by unleashing a collection that played with perception. Using trompe l’oeil techniques and life-size paper doll tabs, the designer made the ostentatious garments come to life at the Moschino runway.
4) The Messenger
Typographic elements gain centre-stage as they pop up as printed slogans, logos, numbers and motifs this season. Inspired by the current obsession of streetwear with the trend, these wearable messages found their way in many a collection.
Dolce & Gabbana uses this trend as an undoubtable signature, complete with its ornate adornments, while Stella McCartney, Michael Kors and Haider Ackermann decided on using one or two phrases as an impactful message. Gucci decided to take the opportunity for their branding – all over or as slogans emblazoned across the chest, while statements like ‘We should all be feminists’ and ‘Let’s Breed Bella Hadid’ created quite a stir during Christian Dior and Henry Holland’s shows.
5) Second Skin
The trend that promises to stand out even though it is all about blending in… The military inspired camouflage print as well as the military green colour has seen resurgence for the coming season. Jackets, dresses, bags and backpacks and even shoes have been spotted as hints or all over placements on major designer runways this season, signalling an approaching trend!
Originally reserved for military personnel, the trend has redesigned itself to suit the women of today.
Arthur Arbesser took a modern day approach to make the concept stand out in its own regard by introducing the print in an altogether different colour palette than the classic olive green one while Marc Jacobs decided to send it down the ramp on a dress.
Lutz Huelle decided to invoke interest by introducing a stark, contrasting coloured piping that stood out from the classic print on a maxi jacket.
What the industry has to say…
“The prints have definitely become bolder as compared to the previous season; a lot of florals are in demand. Florals in the form of prints – screen and rotary, schiffli and texture over prints, and applique are trending. Pop art and logos are gaining attention.
Variation in stripes, thicker and bolder stripes are also trending, the main focus shifts from fine prints to bolder ones this season.” Anshu Saxena, Mossanite Apparels
“Solid prints in the form of safari and colonial prints take on a bolder approach with both all over and placement techniques.
Subtle tribal and animal prints, striped with varying thicknesses, yarn dyed, tie & dye and batik prints are also in demand. All over enzyme wash, sand wash and distressed look prints are trending and the popular method remains block and screen as digital is very expensive currently.” Prateek Gupta,
Srm Enterprises
“A lot of rainbow coloured prints, altogether are in demand. Stripes, watercolour and inked effects are pronounced as both for all over placements as well as concentrating on specific areas. For all over prints, rotary and tables are being used, otherwise it is mostly screen printing.” Rajesh Khosla, Dhruv Global
