Hyper prints and show stopping trains are taking over this spring and summer season, bringing some well needed drama and fun back into our wardrobes.
Brown Thomas launched its SS22 womenswear collections on Wednesday with a cinematic preview presentation online.
And whilst the launch remained virtual, the luxury fashion retailer’s new season screamed euphoria and freedom, as it hinted at a brighter, and bolder fashion season ahead as life returns to normal.
Commenting on the launch, Brown Thomas’ Fashion Buying Director, Shelly Corkery, said: “Spring Summer 2022 presents a refreshing, colourful and diverse season.
“Colour, brightness and a euphoric mood reigns supreme this season in hyper prints and vibrant dyes.”
Breaking down their new trends, she went on: “Designers are embracing bright summer tones with ‘Colour Me Happy’.
“There is a return of 1960s femininity with the iconic ‘Skirt set’.
“Always a perennial staple for spring summer, energetic prints in a myriad of colours bring a bohemian vibe with ‘Psychedelic Summer’. Adding holiday chic to the summer season is ‘Retro Resort’ where designers bring a 1970s vibe in playful prints and pretty florals.
Say goodbye to the slouchy loungewear, and hello to show stopping glamour this summer as events and weddings are due to dominate the social calendar.
She explained: “Stunning evening wear makes an impact with ‘Tails and Trains’, duchesse satin miniskirts
with trailing trains donned the catwalks with the back of garments making a bold statement.
“Feeling nostalgic for the noughties? ‘Drop it Low’ is a nod to the early 2000s with designers dropping the waistlines on miniskirts and trousers.
The well known fashion director explained: “‘Modern Occasion’ wear in the form of romantic dresses are given a masculine edge for Spring Summer 2022.
“‘Twilight Tropics’ brings a return of 90s glamour to the collections with decorative ensembles in the form of sequins, metallics and ruffles.”
“Responsible ethical sourcing continues to be at the heart of many designer’s collections," she added.
“‘Deconstructed craft’ focuses on sustainable fabrics and bohemian aesthetics, bringing a free-spirited vibe to this season’s collections.”
Within the new trends and collections, Brown Thomas welcomed a mix of new labels such as Alessandra Rich, Etro, Gabriela Hearst, CO, Aje, Alemais, By Malene Birger, Cecilie Bahnsen, CeliaB, Jonathan Simkhai, Lug von Siga, Rachel Gilbert, Self-Portrait and Wardrobe NYC.
Here’s the key trends for the season
Skirt Sets
A perfect balance between masculine and feminine, SS22 showcased elegant skirts styled with tailored jackets. A move from the more prominent strong shoulder from seasons past, designers are feminising the tailored jacket into a more wearable silhouette. Dior perfectly embodied this trend with tailored skirts sets in bold orange.
Colour Me Happy
Colour, explosive and euphoric prints along with vibrant dyes were hugely popular for SS22 with vibrant tones seen across all the collections. Zesty lime was seen in cut-out shapes at Stella McCartney while modern tailoring in vivid pink appeared at Alexander McQueen. Demna Gvasalia injected the runway with bold tones of blue and pink at Balenciaga while lightweight taffeta tailoring and mini dresses in vivid colours were shown at Valentino.
Twilight Tropics
Designers have pulled out all the style stops for SS22 catapulting all things sequined and risqué into our eye-line with sequined and ruffled ensembles at Loewe to daring embellished tops at Dolce & Gabbana and Stella McCartney. Sequins were given a beachy edge at Coperni where full length embellished skirts and flared trousers were paired with bralettes.
Psychedelic Summer
Hyper prints in vibrant colours were best seen at Dries Van Noten for this summer season. Tie-dye looks in energetic pinks and blues were balanced perfectly with impeccable tailoring in vivid greens and yellows. Alexander McQueen presented an exuberant show featuring voluminous dresses with a sky colour themed tie-dye, perfect for summer occasion wear.
70s Retro Resort
Playful prints and pretty florals were seen across the collections for SS22 adding exquisite holiday chic to the summer season. New brand Etro reworked 1970s style hyper prints in bohemian colours. At Erdem, a wallpaper floral embroidery appeared on the runway in beautiful fabrics with stunning craftsmanship. From crystal embroideries to patchworks, the collection exuded a beautiful world of the delicate mixed with the bold.
Tails & Trains
Swap making an entrance with making an exit! For maximum drama, designers made the back of designs a key detail in their collections. At Prada, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons added trailing trains to skirts. Elegant capes appeared on the runway at new brand Gabriela Hearst adding a minimalist tone to this trend. Vibrant pleated capes draped over fluid silk shirts at Valentino. Keeping in tone with this trend, Loewe and Alaïa showcased trains in separates across white cotton poplin shirts and fine knitwear.
Drop It Low
A nod to the early 2000s, Drop It Low saw designers dropping waistlines on their
miniskirts and trousers. Miu showcased low-slung waist miniskirts while Dolce &
Gabbana presented hip-sitting embellished minis. There is no escaping the nineties and noughties nostalgia this season!
Modern Occasion
Occasion wear this season was presented in the form of romantic dresses but with a masculine edge. Feminine silhouettes were exaggerated with volume and ruffles best seen at Alexander McQueen, Erdem and Alaïa. Short-length dresses in pretty tones with intricate embroidery appeared at Valentino and Miu Miu. Magnified polka dots were given a modern twist at Balenciaga while cotton shirting was reworked at Alaïa, offering a diverse take on occasion dressing.
Deconstructed Craft
Designers showcased Deconstructed Craft with summer holiday kaftans and lace dresses which brought a free-spirited feel to the runway. Sustainable fabrics with responsible ethical sourcing were at the heart of many designer’s collections. Chloé encapsulated this trend perfectly keeping in tone with its bohemian roots.
