With Spring/Summer 2022 focusing more on the renewal of classical prints, florals emerge as the must-have pattern with a steady 17 per cent yearly growth rate across the latest fashion showcases.
The design vision is clear: more expressive than ever to lift the mood.
In this regard, the whimsical energy of updated floral prints clearly reflects the positive consumer mindsets of the moment.
A sense of expressiveness and glamour are injected via sparkling sequins that have evolved this season to transition from day to night.
Denim serves as the perfect canvas for designers and brands to experiment with and head-to-toe prints strike a statement.
Accessories, on the other hand, echo the key messages of the season in designs that are thoughtful yet playful. Incorporating traditional crafting techniques and premium quality fabrications whilst remaining functional or comfortable to wear, this new generation of styles are made to be treasured and designed with versatility and longevity in mind.
Designed with comfort in mind, Spring/Summer 2022 bags focus on lighter weights, softer silhouettes and compact forms. Ease of use and practicality is key, with even the most forward styles made to last a lifetime.
Below, we have rounded up the top silhouette and detail trends for Spring/Summer 2022. Read on to discover:
SPARKLY SEQUINS
Spotted across both S/S ’22 runways and viral trends on social media, the sequin dress has taken on the role of a staple celebration look, in sync with the ongoing transition from lockdown life to the ‘new normal’.
As restrictions slowly ease and consumers start going out, sequin dresses pose as a safe yet fun option for both special occasions or just a regular weekend out.
Its wide occurrence throughout a multitude of designer runways for S/S ’22 showed its continued importance in the coming year, as we stray away from jogging bottoms and look for something to celebrate the return of ‘normal’.
Partywear emerged as a top theme on Spring/Summer 2022 runways, with many brands opting for over-the-top sparkles in their collections. Versace sent a host of models (and even Dua Lipa) down its ramp sporting miniature sequin dresses reminiscent of a night out in the ’60s.
Loewe presented a reconstructed version of the style as a loose-fitted cami dress, complete with an exaggerated leg slit lined with contrasting sequins, whilst Louis Vuitton took the trend in a whole different direction, in the form of Marie Antoinette-like dresses that drew influences from antique fashion.
Valentino and Chanel, on the other hand, kept it toned down, with head-to-toe sequins adorning fitted gowns and classic silhouettes like the one-shoulder.
ARTISANAL TECHNIQUES
The growing trend for artisanal crafting techniques develops with a playful sensibility as brands and designers present handmade accessories rendered in fun, youthful colourways and vibrant patterns.
Crochet, knitting, knotting and weaving emerge as key techniques and are used to construct miniature handheld bags or oversized statement jewellery.
A play on proportion further adds to the whimsical, light-hearted feel.
TROPICANA
Full of summer energies and vacation vibes, tropical and exotic florals are injecting the upcoming Spring/Summer 2022 season with a lust for travel.
Vibrant colour choices and dynamic designs dare to tap into almost psychedelic visuals that recreate the sensation of an long overdue intense summer trip.
Exploring florals in such a vibrant way seems to reference the pulsating feel of the entire season. While exotic and tropical looks have begun to emerge throughout the previous season, consumers continue to delve into vacation dreamscapes as a means to escape.
DENIM COATS
The denim coat is a versatile item that can transition as both a statement piece and a daily wear item of clothing.
Not only that, given the durability and versatility of the product, it serves as the perfect canvas for designers and brands to experiment and restructure, making it an item that transcends seasons and continues to evolve over time.
Rejina Pyo presented a head-to-toe denim look during her Spring/Summer 2022 show, featuring a ’70s style, fitted denim coat, belted and structured in a form-fitting manner. Loewe, on the other hand, presented the coat in an oversized, deconstructed frame fashioned using an acid wash effect.
The alternative look differed from that of GmbH’s offering, with the luxury house exhibiting a typical trench style, complete with oversized lapels, as part of an all-denim menswear look.
SLOUCHY BAGS
Slouchy bags that present both functional and practical characteristics are the ‘it’ bags of the season. Providing ample space to store a plethora of things, as well as the ease of carrying by comfortably tucking it under one’s shoulder, the slouch bag is a hit both on the runways and the streets.
The Global Slouch fuses a multitude of trends together to give birth to a strong statement that blends together multicultural references, eco materials and artisanal crafting techniques.
Recycled and DIY elements, along with tactile textures, are applied to relaxed, slouchy silhouettes that are lightweight, packable and travel ready, with an easy-carry appeal.
NEO PUNK COLLECTIVE
One of the themes that emerged on Spring/Summer 2022 runways is the Neo Punk collective.
The visual and anti-conformal spirit of the trend is closely linked to liberating feelings that come along with the new-found freedom in the new normal as the world crawls out of lockdowns.
People today are itching to express themselves and bring about radical change by seeking to reform and transform the world. To create real change and make an impact, loud and rebellious voices seem essential in order to shake up rigid thought patterns.
Consequently, previous non-conformist groups, such as punks, are used as a frequent design reference to establish the change-maker spirit.
In this aspect, materials such as denim, leather, metal pins and chains as well as messages emblazoned across pieces, are now showing higher frequencies. Rough hems, experimental layering and unfinished styling further translate the edgy neo-punk look.
ALL PATTERNED OUT
Designers and high fashion labels are adopting the maximalist approach when it comes to print patterns and are bidding adieu to the year’s sombre wardrobe to inject a head-to-toe print mashup for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2022 season.
Head-to-toe patterns featuring identical print placements, or mix and match variations were spotted across fashion capitals to strike a statement.
Lanvin and Isabel Marant went for print-on-print floral iterations, whilst Versace and Brandon Maxwell channelled linear and geometric patterns. Jason Wu was inspired by watercolour renditions, whilst Altuzarra brought tie and dye patterns to the fore.
Annakiki and Anrealage presented psychedelic patterns, whilst Ayni kept it fresh by impressing us with a thought provoking crochet on crochet textured concept.
CLEAN, MINIMAL BAGS
Clean lines and minimalist aesthetics retain a focus on comfort as formal fashion and city styles are scaled down to practical, lighter-weight, more compact proportions.
These bags offer silhouettes that feature a softened geometry with curved and rounded edges whilst supple, almost padded leathers.
Additionally, napped suede textures are designed to be gentle on hands or snugly envelope the wrist.
