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• September 28, 2009
• Trend Spotting

9 Trends That Prove London's Still Got It

By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

Given NYC is our home turf, New York Fashion Week always takes it out of us. But then, there's London right on its heels, promising a jolt of energy and fun, not unlike the perfect Red Bull martini. And while we've definitely seen wackier seasons, this past delivery for spring/summer 2010 still offered a respectable shock of craft and vibrancy. London has it all: The colors, the talent, the audacity, the wink, but in reviewing the shows, we found our favorite themes ran a simpler, possibly more sophisticated route. We loved the techy splash of acid yellow and the head-to-toe pastels, which it seems only a London designer can make feel totally edgy. And what of the futuristic tapestries and slinky satin pants? Well, London really has a style all its own.


1. Luxe Lame



Oh, panels of flowing gold, how we love thee! Jaeger, Richard Nicoll, and other assorted designers gave us not just splashes of metallic but big waves of it. And we say, bring it on.

Above, from left: Jaeger London; Richard Nicoll; Roksanda Ilincic; Richard Nicoll.


2. Power Pastel



Generally, pastel shades put us into a coma, but not London's brand of Easter chic. Suited up in sharp jackets and trim trousers and with a touch of black contrasting, Burberry and Jonathan Saunders both managed to give soft shades some serious volume.

Above, from left: Burberry Prorsum; Jonathan Saunders; Roksanda Ilincic; Unique.


3. Peek-A-Boo Blouses



Sheer tops were definitely a favorite here in NYC, and it seems the English are in agreement: Marios Schwab and Matthew Williamson were among the designers to make see-through tops a totally transparent idea.

Above, from left: Marios Schwab; Matthew Williamson; Jonathan Saunders; Marios Schwab.

4. Slinky Satin Pants



These days, who is not a sucker for perfectly tailored, slightly slouchy trousers? And add to that now, perfectly tailored, slightly slouchy trousers in satin or shimmery silk…well, wow! It's not the holy grail of innovation, but it's so simple and elegant, it still dazzles us.

Above, from left: Burberry Prorsum; Richard Nicoll; Antonio Berardi; Heikki Salonen.


5. Acid Yellow



In the popularity contest of shades, Yellow (and maybe Blue) really lead the charge. This season, we can thank a few forward-thinking designers for turning this lemony hue into electric lemonade.

Above, from left: Pringle of Scotland; Jonathan Saunders; Matthew Williamson; Pringle of Scotland.

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