Stepping into summer
International trend agency Promostyl recently presented its fashion forecasts for Summer 07. Samantha Docherty
:UNITY
WOMEN
A luxurious minimalism which is not as cold as the mid '90s soft shapes and circular lines brings reference to retro modern '60s shapes - but is more subtle. A neat, simple look, surface structure and tailoring details are key with the rhythm and movement of fabrications utilized through striped jacquards and flowing jerseys. Slouchy trousers, shapeless dresses, Bermuda shorts and low scooped neck waistcoats carry on from last summer as do tanks with gathered, pleated or knotted strap details and low necklines. Blue is the key colour with a light to dark range of shades between the sky and the sea. Teamed with white and natural tones, deep plum is a nice alternative to navy.
MEN
Men's styles are clean with softened casual shirting. Basic and elegant is a must while lightweight fabrics continue from the preppy look of winter 05. Checks and stripes mix in mustard and brown.
TEENS
Think Miami! Baggy detailed jeans with seams running around the leg are teamed with slogan tees for the guys. Following from last summer draped, layered tanks for the girls are teamed with denim miniskirts.
KIDS
The look is nautical but not too literal. Big buttons, slouchy stripes, epaulettes, voluminous bottoms in chambray, jeans with a round yoke and layered wrap skirts.
:PASSION
WOMEN
Lace used to accentuate curves adds to '40s elements - such as a yoke on the bottom of a high-waist skirt. A floaty short-sleeved blouse billows out from sleek high-waist trousers pulled in with a kimono-style belt or corset. A shrug jacket is layered over a short-sleeved blouse with knee-length trousers in deep burgundy or olive while knits take on the appearance of lace. Ornamental detailing in rich Mexican pottery monochromes of bright red, orange and electric blue have a handcrafted look with raised textures and patterns. Flamboyance and luxury is translated into an all-white slim suit. Think Bianca Jagger with a '40s edge.
MEN
Cuban is the inspiration for men in deep colours with printed shirts and vests. Clean-line denim and blazers are teamed with statement-making Latino style shirts. Heavy, tightly-woven plain weaves worn by the likes of Mexican farmers and muted-tone oversized jackets are mixed with graphic tees. Dandy guys also get a look-in with slouchy trousers and trilbies.
TEENS
Detail is the key with prints and embroidery on jeans and decorative highlights on track pants. The '70s folk spirit is alive and well but with a modern twist. Skulls and flowers adorn wrap skirts and drawstring pants.
KIDS
Patchwork, gingham, poco-dots and appliqué in pink and red lead the way. Loose short-sleeved button-up tops, a-line jackets and large overhang pockets on loose shorts for boys and embroidered Harem pants for girls are teamed with layered tops.
:EDEN
WOMEN
A bright bouquet of flowers - green, pink, yellow and light blue - take hold of the colourful Botanical theme using fibrous textures and organic motifs. Following on from the tulip skirt seen last winter, plant and flower shapes have a strong influence on dresses and skirts. Trench coats, Bermuda shorts, shirt-dresses and floaty tops in all shades of green have a '60s shape.
MENS
Floral shirts with slogan tees are teamed with dark denim and natural colour bottoms. Check shirts, striped jumpers and block-colour trousers and tops all mix in bright hues. For a more sophisticated look try a soft, casual loungesuit.
TEENS
Graphic patches and all-over prints are dominated by fruit. Large cherries are the hot favourite teamed with bright-coloured denim. The look is layered and bright. Hand-drawn or painted character-orientated graphics are printed onto denim separates and canvas shoes.
KIDS
Baggy overalls with tabs on the legs, lots of pockets and simple shaped tops are all covered in floral. Pink and green mix together different prints from the garden and birds flutter down from last season's womenwear to kids on layered dresses over jeans or graphic tees over vintage-look floral shirts.
:ANTI-MODERN
WOMENS
Simple shapes sit loose on the body in faded, dull recycled earthy colours. Large scale abstract prints in brown and beige use florals in a graphic, modern way on natural fabrics. Country girls with a look reminiscent of '70s Charlie's Angels wear elbow-length shirts.
MENS
Mixing variants of checks, a racing-style vintage jacket has a check stripe that runs down the sleeve and onto the body of the jacket with a more traditional check shirt worn underneath. Red and navy is updated with slim trousers, check shirts and stylish blazers.
TEENS
Whether embroidered, appliquéd, patchwork, painted or detailed with a faded print, all embellishments have a done-at-home feel. Vintage and thrift-store styles in subtle colours have an upmarket look.
KIDS
A faded red print sits on the hem of a white linen dress. Mixing stripes and florals in orange, purple and olive, men's '70s-inspired shirts are shrunk for a younger customer. Basic sweatshirt fabric styles in bright colours are designed with oversized armholes and lower crotches.