Style Report

May 2012

Gals

Trends

Slouchy, loose-fitting pants are one of the key items this spring. A primary sportswear item, they're shown most often with an elasticized or drawstring waistband, frequently in white or soft pastel colors.

Op art prints rise to prominence as we move forward. Think checkerboard and abstract checks in black and white playing up a distinctly '80s vibe. A great contrast to this season's neons.

Pin pleats and engineered pleats continue to be one of the most utilized fabric styling details for this season, shown in a wide array of colors from brights to pastels. Look for this on skirts and dresses, often with a two-tone effect.

Tomato and shades of orange-red emerge as one of this season's most utilized colors, popular on everything from dresses to jackets to blouses, with such diverse fabrics as cotton, leather, or nylon.

Accessories

Crescent-shaped bags emerge as one of the most important handbag shapes this spring, shown in a variety of different styles such as the hobo or tote. Frequently used colors range from browns to orange to hunter green.

Cat's eye sunglasses move to the forefront for this season's accessories. Shown in everything from white to black to clear Lucite, the shape complements this season's '50s themes. Look for exaggerated, fun shapes.

Lucite heels are one of the most popular directions for footwear, shown as an update to the traditional sandals and pumps. Look for them in a wide multitude of colors from yellows to clear.

On the beauty scene, orange and coral shades of lipstick move to the forefront.

Guys

Trends

New necklines for knits remain a must-have item for spring dressing, the key area of focus. Shown most frequently in pastel colors such as beige, blues, or white.

Burnt orange remains prominent for the season, utilized primarily on coats and knits. Popular fabrications include cotton, suede, jersey, and canvas.

For fabrics, lightweight leather moves to the forefront this season, presented in colors such as tan or other pale neutrals. Prominent for casual shirts and shirt jackets or outerwear.

Over-dyed effects for denim remain popular for spring, shown in a variety of different colors and washes. Utilized mostly for jackets and tops.

Accessories

Across-body bags are one of this spring's most popular accessories. Shown most often as the classic messenger bag, they're in a variety of different colors and materials such as suede and canvas.

Espadrilles move to the forefront for this season's footwear, shown in an assortment of colors, but mostly in shades of black or tan and updated for the season with lace-up or slingback styles.

Leather bracelets return to prominence this spring, popular predominantly in basic black in refined, cuff-shaped styles as opposed to braided or ethnic variations.

Interior Design

Interior

Modern furniture designs are informed by the natural beauty of wood, with swirls and raw edges.

An industrial metal and wood collage aesthetic is trending for furniture design.

Irregular lines and tactile surfaces influence the latest ceramics for tabletop and accents.