FASHION UPDATE FOR SPRING / SUMMER 2011

RAINBOW

Back

Click here for pictures and essential details

Dramatic & Dramatic Classic

For a colourful, striking version of this look, focus on sleek structured separates, bold tailored pieces and voluminous designs with defined outlines.  Combine colourful blazers, lean shell tops and simple tunics with immaculate wide leg trousers, skinny narrow pants, strict pencil skirts and flowing maxi skirts; while sleek body conscious dresses will also work well.  Look out for interesting seam details, sculptural pleat effects, asymmetric lines, geometric cut outs, angular panels and linear necklines, along with bold colour block combinations, contrast panels, lapels and edgings. Keep fabrics smooth, sheeny and shiny, adding wide stripes, bold zigzag effects, colourful geometric patterns, zingy fruit prints and photographic digital prints – all in large scale.  Complete your look with retro sunglasses, chunky sculptural jewellery and stunning large scale accessories, including sleek narrow belts, structured bags and platform sandals with shiny metal trims.

Natural Dramatic & Dramatic Natural

For a relaxed, yet dramatic version of this look focus on sleek, tailored separates and voluminous unstructured styles with extreme silhouettes. Combine colourful sporty parkas, fluid long line coats, exaggerated boyfriend blazers, lean shell tops, oversized T-shirts and billowing tunics with skinny narrow pants, wide leg trousers, figure hugging pencil skirts and flowing maxi skirts; while long slim line dresses and  body conscious styles will also work well. Look out for interesting seam details, sculptural pleat effects, asymmetric lines, geometric cut outs, angular panels and linear necklines, along with bold colour block combinations, contrast panels, lapels and edgings.  Achieve a subtle mix of textures with washed linens, crunchy cottons, slubby silks, bark weaves, mesh and stretchy cotton/lycra, adding bold fruit prints, tropical florals/leaves, eye catching animal prints, zigzag designs, geometric patterns and colourful digital prints – all in large scale.  Complete your look with funky retro sunglasses, dramatic sculptural jewellery and stunning large scale accessories, including sleek cinching belts, structured bags and platform sandals, in a mix of suede and textured leathers with brushed metal trims.

Classic

For a sophisticated version of this look, focus on sleek tailored styles, simple pared-down separates and understated minimalist designs.  Combine sleek colourful blazers, crisp shirts, shell tops and simple tunics with immaculate wide leg trousers, narrow pants, slim pencil skirts and long line maxi skirts; while elegant shift dresses will also work well.  Look out for sculptural pleat effects, controlled draping and linear necklines, along with refined colour block combinations, contrast panels, lapels and edgings.  Keep fabrics smooth, sheeny, matt and high quality, adding colourful geometric patterns, tasteful fruit prints and tropical florals – all in medium scale.  Complete your look with elegant sunglasses, simple jewellery and stunning medium scale accessories in quality leathers, including sleek narrow belts, structured bags and strappy sandals with shiny metal trims.

Natural Classic

For an elegant, upmarket version of this look focus on simple tailored separates and fluid casual styles with plenty of ease and movement.  Combine colourful boyfriend blazers, relaxed shirts, drapy shell tops and floppy tunics with simple wide leg trousers, narrow pants, slim pencil skirts and fluid long line skirts; while elegant shift dresses and gathered halter neck dresses will also work well.  Look out for interesting pleat effects, controlled draping, gathers and ruching, along with tonal colour block combinations, panels, lapels and edgings.  Achieve a subtle mix of textures with quality linens, crunchy cottons, slubby silks, bark weaves, silky crêpe de chines, crinkle finishes and stretchy cotton/lycra, adding tasteful fruit prints, splashy florals, tropical leaves and colourful digital prints – all in medium/large scale.  Complete your look with elegant sunglasses, simple sculptural jewellery and stunning medium scale accessories, in an mix of suede and textured leathers, including sleek narrow belts, structured bags and strappy sandals with brushed metal trims.

Natural

For a fresh, relaxed version of this look focus on simple, unstructured styles  and easy, sinuous, separates and with plenty of ease and movement.  Combine sporty parkas, relaxed boyfriend blazers, drapy shell tops and oversized T-shirts with cropped narrow pants, floppy wide leg trousers and floaty long line skirts; while sinuous tunics and gathered halter neck dresses will also work well.  Look out for dropped shoulders, twin-needled seams, sporty pockets, sculptural pleats, controlled draping, gathers, folds and ruching, along with tonal colour block combinations, panels, lapels and edgings.  Achieve a mix of natural textures with suede, washed linens, crunchy cottons, slubby silks, bark weaves, silky crêpe de chines, crinkle effects, mesh and stretchy cotton/lycra, adding colourful fruit prints, splashy florals, tropical leaves and photographic digital prints – all in medium scale.  Complete your look with medium scale jewellery with a natural organic feel, and accessories in a mix of textures with brushed metal trims.

Dramatic Gamine & Gamine Dramatic

For a chic, striking version of this look, focus on sleek, tailored pieces, simple snappy separates and minimal styles with bold, defined silhouettes.  Combine colourful cropped jackets, cute boyfriend blazers, crisp shirts and sleek shell tops with cropped skinny trousers, precise pencil skirts and tailored shorts; while sculptural tunics and lean vest dresses will also work well.  Look out for sculptural pleat effects, asymmetric lines, geometric cut outs, angular panels and linear necklines, along with bold colour block combinations, contrast panels, lapels and edgings.  Keep fabrics smooth, sheeny, shiny and stretchy, adding bold zigzag stripes, colourful geometric patterns, funky fruit prints and dramatic digital prints – all in small/large scale.  Complete your look with kitsch retro sunglasses, sculptural  jewellery and colourful accessories with shiny metal trims, including skinny belts, cute clutch bags and strappy sandals.

Gamine & Classic Gamine

For a chic, fun version of this look focus on cute tailored pieces and sleek snappy separates with neat defined silhouettes.  Combine colourful boyfriend blazers, cute cropped jackets, crisp shirts and sleek shell tops with cropped skinny trousers, slim pencil skirts and tailored shorts; while pared down tunics and lean vest dresses will also work well.  Look out for neat pleat effects, origami folds, decorative ‘hole punch’ designs and linear necklines, along with funky colour block combinations, contrast lapels, panels, bindings and dainty edgings.  Keep fabrics smooth, sheeny, matt and excellent quality, adding colourful geometric patterns, zingy fruit prints, dinky tropical florals and photographic prints – all in small scale.  Complete your look with fun retro sunglasses, small scale modernist jewellery and colourful accessories with shiny metal trims, including skinny belts, cute clutch bags and strappy sandals.

Natural Gamine

For a fresh, sporty version of this look focus on neat, tailored pieces, snappy separates and relaxed, casual styles.  Combine colourful sporty parkas, natty boyfriend blazers, cute cropped jackets, crisp shirts and sleek T-shirts with skinny jeans, cropped narrow trousers, slim pencil skirts and tailored shorts; while pared down tunics and neat halter neck dresses will also work well.  Look out for twin-needled seams, neat pleat effects, origami folds, controlled draping and decorative ‘hole punch’ designs, along with tonal colour block combinations, contrast lapels, panels and edgings.   Achieve a mix of natural textures with suede, fine linens, washed cottons, slubby silks, bark weaves, silky crêpe de chines, crinkle effects, mesh and stretchy cotton/lycra, adding colourful geometric prints, zingy fruit prints, tropical flowers/leaves and photographic digital prints – all in small/medium scale.  Complete your look with funky retro sunglasses, small scale natural jewellery and cute, colourful accessories in a mix of textured leather and suede, with brushed metal trims, including skinny belts, cute clutch bags and strappy sandals.

Ingénue Gamine

For a chic, pretty version of this look focus on neat tailored styles, snappy separates and feminine pieces with dainty details.  Combine colourful boyfriend blazers, fitted puff sleeve jackets, drapy shell tops and delicate pin-tucked blouses with slim cropped trousers, pencil skirts, stiff gathered skirts and cute shorts; while chic shift dresses and sweet halter neck dresses will also work well.  Keep fabrics smooth, crisp and light with pretty weaves, delicate embroidered fabrics and crisp coloured lace, creating surface interest, adding colourful fruit patterns, tropical florals and photographic rosebuds – all in small scale.  Look out for contrast panels, lapels, bindings and dainty edgings, along with pretty details, chiffon/lace inserts, crisp pin tucks, pleated frills, dainty ruffles, lacy ‘hole punch’ details and delicate ruching, draping and gathers. Complete your look with retro sunglasses, small scale jewellery and jaunty colourful accessories, including floral corsages, skinny belts, cute clutch bags and strappy sandals, with an essential touch of sparkle.

Ingénue & Classic Ingénue

For a chic, pretty version of this look focus on dainty feminine styles and floaty designs with delicate details.  Combine colourful puff sleeve jackets, drapy shell tops, fine lace knits and dainty pin-tucked blouses with slim cropped trousers, curvy pencil skirts and stiff gathered skirts; while sweet halter neck dresses, lace dresses and floaty tea dresses will also work well.  Keep fabrics smooth, pretty and light with dainty weaves, delicate embroidered fabrics, crisp coloured lace and frothy chiffons, adding jaunty fruit prints, tropical florals, crisp petal patterns and photographic rosebuds – all in small scale. Look out for controlled ruching, draping, gathers and sunray pleats, along with flimsy shoestring straps, fine satin edgings, dainty lace trims, chiffon/lace inserts, delicate frills and intricate beading.  Complete your look with small scale jewellery and dainty structured accessories in toning colours, including, floral corsages, narrow cinching belts, cute clutch bags and strappy sandals with an essential touch of sparkle.

Natural Ingénue & Ingénue Natural

For a pretty, carefree version of this look focus on dainty feminine styles and relaxed sporty pieces with delicate details.  Combine puff sleeve jackets, drapy shell tops, dainty pin-tucked blouses, fine lace knits and crochet styles with colourful jeans, fluid drawstring trousers, tulip skirts and floaty gathered skirts; while ethereal tea dresses, pretty halter necks and ruffled sundresses will also work well.  Achieve a pretty mix of textures with fine linens, crunchy cottons, slubby silks, silky crêpe de chines, crinkle effects, colourful Broderie Anglasie and delicate embroidered fabrics, adding jaunty fruit prints, tropical florals, splashy petal patterns and photographic rosebuds – all in small scale.  Also look out for controlled draping, gathers and ruching, along with delicate satin edgings, flimsy shoestring straps, lace trims, dainty frills and chiffon/lace inserts.  Complete your look with small scale jewellery, floral corsages and accessories in toning colours (and mix of textures) including floral corsages, narrow cinching belts, cute clutch bags and strappy sandals with an essential touch of sparkle.

Ingénue Romantic

For a pretty, yet glamorous summer look, combine curvy puffed sleeve jackets, colourful drapy tunics, ruched wrap-over tops, frilly blouses and dainty lace knits with rounded tulip skirts, floaty gathered skirts and fluid silky trousers; while gauzy halter neck dresses and ethereal tea dresses will also work well.  Keep fabrics sheeny, drapy, frothy and light with restrained satins, silky crêpe de chines, silk jersey, ethereal lace, embroidered fabrics and floaty chiffon layers; adding dainty tropical florals, abstract petal prints and photographic rosebud designs - all in small/medium scale. Look out for ruching, draping, gathers and sunray pleats, along with delicate satin edgings, dainty ruffles, fluid waterfall frills, floaty chiffon layers and frothy feather trims.  Complete your look with small scale jewellery, floral corsages and dainty accessories in toning colours, including floral corsages, narrow cinching belts, structured clutch bags and high heel strappy sandals with a touch of sparkle.

Romantic Classic

For an elegant, yet glamorous version of this look combine feminine tailored jackets, colourful drapy tunics, wrap-over tops, fluid frilled blouses and lace knits with rounded tulip skirts, floaty gathered skirts and silky trousers; while gauzy halter neck dresses, sinuous drapy dresses and floaty tea dresses will also work well. Keep fabrics sheeny, shiny and smooth with restrained satins, silky crêpe de chines, fluid viscose jerseys, discreet lace designs and floaty chiffon layers; adding tasteful fruit prints, chintzy roses, tropical florals, gauzy abstract blooms and photographic roses – all in medium scale. Look out for controlled ruching, draping, gathers and sunray pleats, along with delicate satin edgings, fluid waterfall frills, pretty ruffles, chiffon/lace inserts, frothy feather trims and sequined touches.  Complete your look with upmarket jewellery, floral corsages and medium scale accessories in toning colours, including wide cinching belts, structured clutch bags and strappy sandals with a touch of sparkle and shine.

Romantic

For a glamorous, summery look, combine colourful curvaceous jackets, drapy tunics, ruched wrap-over tops, relaxed ruffled blouses and crocheted knits with rounded tulip skirts, floaty gathered skirts and fluid silky trousers; while sinuous drapy dresses and floaty tea dresses will also work well.  Keep fabrics sheeny, shiny and slinky with luxurious satins, silky crêpe de chines, silk jerseys, floppy viscoses, heavy lace and floaty chiffon layers; adding colourful fruit prints, tropical florals, splashy abstract blooms and fabulous photographic roses – all in large scale.  Look out for ruching, draping, gathers and sunray pleats, along with plunging necklines, waterfall frills, opulent ruffles, chiffon layers, frothy feather trims and sequined touches.  Complete your look with glamorous jewellery, floral corsages and sheeny accessories in toning colours, including wide cinching belts, structured clutch bags and high heel strappy sandals with plenty of sparkle and shine.

Romantic Natural

For a sexy, glamorous version of this look combine colourful curvaceous jackets, drapy tunics, ruched wrap-over tops and opulent ruffled blouses with rounded tulip skirts, floaty gathered skirts, colourful jeans, sleek skinny trousers and fluid silky pants; while gathered halter neck styles, sinuous drapy dresses and floaty maxi dresses will work well.  Achieve a luxurious mix of textures with slippery satins, fine linens, slubby silks, bark weaves, crinkle effects, silky crêpe de chines, floaty chiffon layers, heavy lace and ornate beaded/embroidered fabrics; adding colourful fruit prints, tropical florals/leaves, splashy abstract blooms and fabulous photographic roses – all in large scale.  Look out for sensuous ruching, draping, gathers and sunray pleats, along with plunging necklines, waterfall frills, opulent ruffles, chiffon layers, frothy feather trims and sequined touches.  Complete your look with glamorous jewellery, frothy floral corsages and luxurious accessories in toning colours (and mix of textures) with plenty of sparkle and shine.

Natural Romantic

For a naturally glamorous version of this look combine colourful curvaceous jackets, drapy tunics, ruched wrap-over tops, ruffled peasant blouses and crocheted styles with rounded tulip skirts, floaty gathered skirts, colourful jeans and fluid silky pants; while gathered smock dresses, sinuous drapy dresses and floaty maxi dresses will work well.  Achieve a luxurious mix of textures with fluid satins, crunchy linens, slubby silks, bark weaves, crinkle effects, silky crêpe de chines, floaty chiffon layers, crocheted lace and beaded/embroidered fabrics; adding colourful fruit prints, tropical florals/leaves, splashy abstract blooms and photographic roses – all in medium scale.  Look out for ruching, draping, gathers and sunray pleats, along with plunging necklines, waterfall frills, ruffles, chiffon layers, frothy feather trims and sequined touches. Complete your look with glamorous jewellery, frothy floral corsages and luxurious accessories in toning colours (and mix of textures) with plenty of sparkle and shine.

RAINBOW - Likely Stockists include:

Betty Barclay, L.K. Bennett, Blugirl, Boden, Gabriele Colangelo, Jasper Conran,  Christian Dior, Costume National, Escada, Episode, John Galliano, Gucci, Hobbs, Jaeger, Joseph, Just Cavalli, Mary Katrantzou, Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, Max Mara, Moschino, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Miu Miu, Paul & Joe, Phase Eight, Prada, Emilio Pucci, Aquilano Rimondi, Jil Sander, Mila Schön, Sportmax,  Versace, Giambattista Valli, Whistles and Zara, along with stylish boutiques and all good department stores.

Back