Key trends at New York Fashion Week spring/summer 2013

Dominating the catwalks at the fashionable Lincoln Centre this season were chic monochrome clad models as designers showcased slick black and white smart separates and body-con dresses for spring/summer 2013.

Monochrome

At Helmut Lang and Jason Wu, models dressed in black sleek cigarette trousers matched with white tailored tops and vice versa set the trends for next summer’s working wardrobe. Similarly, at Alexander Wang and Diesel Black Gold crisp white shirts were contrasted with black slit leather shorts and hot pants.

Helmut Lang, Jason Wu and Victoria Beckham Monochrome trend SS13

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While at DKNY and at Victoria Beckham, who sadly didn’t reveal her new optics range (not that the models needed it this time as they paraded the catwalks in comfortable flats), the black and white monochrome trend was given a softer edge in the form of floaty skirts present at the former and dainty mini skirts seen at the latter.

In true marvellous monochrome fashion, both Herve Leger and Lacoste produced statement body-con panel style dresses, the all-time celeb favourite.

Checks and stripes

Carrying autumn/winter 2012 trends forward into the next season, designers experimented with checks and stripes for spring/summer 2013. 

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 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam check and stripes trend SS13

3.1 Phillip Lim’s spring/summer 2013 collection was filled with check ensembles and frocks as was Derek Lam’s who contrasted matching check trouser suits with textured leather pieces. At Alexandre Herchcovitch, an element of tartan appeared here and there, the stand out, quirky tartan sunshine yellow puff sleeved dress complete with red oversized tartan heart design and matching trilby.

Block vertical stripes also took over from last season’s nautical stripes at both Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hillfiger, who showcased a fabulous array of colourful pin striped designs. This red and navy linen pinstriped trouser and blazer, complete with matching crisp shirt is the notable favourite.

Safari

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Edun, Nicholas K and Belstaff safari trend SS13
Also re-surfacing for spring/summer is safari style chic, except for 2013 utility also comes into play as designers in the Big Apple fused khaki military with luxe ready-to-wear. Both Belstaff and Edun, as if telepathic created almost identical khaki utility dresses, the only slight difference (as far as we can tell!) is that the former added a military style belt while the latter introduced utility zip detailing.

At Nicholas K, safari style shone through in more traditional fashion, with sandy beige jersey and hooded multi-pocket jackets appearing on bronzed models.

Bold and bright colour

Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang bold colour trend SS13
In terms of colour, soft shades contrasted with bright bold hues. At Diane von Furstenberg, colourful citrus and turquoises shone through while at Michael Kors and at Rag & Bone, next season’s pantone, pea green added a refreshing touch to the spring/summer palette.

Equally at Vera Wang vivid purple cocktail dresses made from beautiful crepe silk were prominent highlights. While at Jill Stuart, Oscar de la Renta and Donna Karan, softer tone collections in shimmering sea greens, salmon, blush and delicate peach had us dreaming of sunshine and warm summer days.