There were some memorable fashion moments in 2010 whereby ladies could embrace their curves and there was a move towards more timeless pieces that could transcend seasons. Whilst an element of 2010 continues to embrace that theme there are also some dramatic cuts and colors, which bring women’s fashion for 2011 into the moment.
Women's Fashion Colors for 2011
The year 2011 looks set to be one of the most colorful on the fashion front, where black is banished to the back of the wardrobe. Spring/summer 2011 is all about wearing complementary colors in a clever combination of warm and cool tones.
Honeysuckle is the color of the moment, a reddish-pinkish hue, which Pantone Colour Institute's Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman says “gets the adrenaline going.” Honeysuckle was prevalent in such spring/summer 2011 designer collections as Lanvin, Marni, Nina Ricci, Donna Karan, Erdem, Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs.
Pantone’s Color Report of the top 10 colors for spring/summer 2011 also includes shades of russet (a pinky-beige), silver, lavender and beeswax yellow. Blue looks set to give honeysuckle a run for its money in the color stakes with a teal-like Regatta Blue and Blue Curacao – a turquoise blue that evokes images of glistening Caribbean seas. The marriage of honeysuckle and vibrant blue means that spring 2011 could have one of the coolest and brightest color combinations in a long while.
Key Shapes in Women's Fashion for 2011
Expect to see some revolutionary new silhouettes, which gives women's fashion for 2011 a very distinctive look, especially around the hip area! Pear-drop shaped silhouettes and trapeze and conical cuts are not for the faint-hearted, alongside domed shoulders (as opposed to sharp Michael Jackson-esque shoulders courtesy of Balenciaga), and asymmetric hems and lapels for a mismatched look. According to the WGSN trend report (leading trend-analysis and research service for the retail sector) for spring/summer 2011 these are the new key shapes of the season.
However, those who invested in 2010's revival of midi-length skirts and maxi-length dresses may be relieved to know that these were not a one-season wonder. Floor grazing hemlines and calf-length midis are just as much in vogue for Spring 2011. Watch out for maxi dresses with deep front splits and sheer maxi skirts.
The peplum waist frill makes a welcome return too, adorning dresses, skirts and tops.
Key Fashion Designers for 2011
After the untimely death of Alexander McQueen, this eponymous label is one to watch in 2011. McQueen’s right-hand woman Sarah Burton is now at the helm of this British fashion house and under her creative control, the 2011 collection.
Victoria Beckham is fast becoming a designer to be reckoned with and for Spring 2011 she launches her first handbag line. Another designer to watch is Tom Ford (once at the helm of hallowed labels Gucci and YSL) after successfully launching his debut women's wear collection for spring 2011 at New York Fashion Week in September 2010, with his “real clothes for real women.”
Rumor has it that Marc Jacobs is set to launch a dedicated plus-size clothing line. If this comes to fruition in 2011 it will make an awful lot of women very happy.
Must-Have Pieces for 2011
Expect to see more of those unflattering harem pants and wide-leg culottes and trousers, alongside boiler-suit style jumpsuits. After fall winter 2010’s love affair with everything aviator – enter aviator trousers to complement the jacket of last season. Seventies-style flares, culottes and dungarees also make a comeback, key looks for 2011 from London Fashion Week.
As an antidote to some of the dramatic shapes, 70s-inspired peasant-style dresses and tops with ruffles aplenty enter the fashion area for 2011 and an oversized, relaxed fit Japanese blazer coat is set to be one of 2011's defining looks. A fishtailed pencil skirt is the perfect thing for the office, whilst maxi dresses are prevalent both for day and night. Pack away those leggings and wear your tunic dress over narrow trousers instead. These are only just some of the must-have pieces for spring 2011.
Whatever your taste in fashion, 2011 is likely to be an inspirational year. With new cuts and distinctive silhouettes, contrasting bright hues of reddish-pink and blue and fashion designers' continued love affair with the 70s and maxi-length dresses, 2011 is going to be a memorable year on the fashion radar.
Source:
"A fashionable preview of 2011" The Fashion Telegraph, December 31st, 2010.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
