Tuesday, April 26, 2011

A Warm, Wearable Wonderland

Summer fashion is always inspired by energized colors, simplistic combinations, and embellished details.  This summer expect nothing less, in fact, anticipate much more.  Taking a stroll across the world wide web,  many upcoming styles resemble collections introduced by Matthew Williamson.  Now, not to give a history lesson in a fashion-focused blog, but if anyone has not heard of Matthew Williamson or seen any of his collections, consider this information long overdue.  Becoming familiar with his inspirations and designs will help the understanding of how radiant the Summer 2011 collection will be, no matter where shopping is done.

   Williamson drew much of his inspiration from his travels to India, Guatemala, and Mexico.  Right away it is evident the reason Summer fashion initiates thoughts of his past collections.  The bright color combinations alone create enough energy to develop a "simple silhouette into a wearable wonderland" (Rizzoli, 2010).  This, beyond creative, designer creates a mirage of dramatic colors from hummingbirds and rich sunsets.  Deep ocean blue, radiant ruby red, sun soaked orange, and loud lemon drop yellow are simply introductions to the vivacious colors that drench Williamson's fabric choices.  There is a tropical "flower child" vibe encompassed by his collections as a whole.  He uses "fantastical motifs, rich embellishments and a crazy riot of colors" (Rizzoli, 2010) to bring such an enormous amount of energy to an outfit.  Incorporating his ideal of fashion and color into this summer's wardrobe stirs an entirely different outlook on the clothes chosen for even a typical day.  A woman becomes fun, sexy and confident.  Finally, dressing in the morning is an event which is both playful and purposeful; It's fun!

   Perhaps, all the colors are mixing in your head and you are thinking, I'm going to look like a rainbow gone berserk!  Williamson frequently incorporates a neutral piece into garments splashed with several bright colors.  This technique is genius.  A perfect neutral option is nudel beige.  Whether the piece is a skirt, a vest, or a pair of strappy wedges, anything to break up the bold color scheme will work perfectly.  However, it is critical that the piece is one neutral color and very simple.

   There is a certain mystical ambience surrounding the pieces created by Matthew Williamson.  His inclusion of tassels, beads, and sequins brings a glamourous touch to the seams of several of his garments.  This charismatic look may cost a few extra dollars, but is not hard to find in summer collections coming to retailers.  Even the use of several different colors of threading on necklines (American Eagle Outfitters) create an energy around a simple piece, and bring in the bright colors of summer.  The overall look is bohemian, tropical, and vintage all at once.



   Draw inspiration from an amazing designer this summer while shopping.  Even though it may not be in the budget to spend over two thousand dollars on a sequin skirt and bright colored top, it is possible to get the same kind of style from less expensive retailers.  Summer is about being free and fun.  Take advice from Matthew Williamson and "marry femininity and modernity" (Rizzoli, 2010), and most important bring together bright organized chaos by incorporating energized colors into the wardrobe.  Be   free, be feminine, be embellished!
(For additional outfits see my article on examiner.com)