Some might say that every print tells a story. While that might make an adequate metaphor in most cases, this particular trend displays a more literal interpretation. We found a noteworthy number of typographic prints parading down the runway in the Spring 2015 shows. This can be a tricky trend to tackle as every typeface and recognizable word will conjure a different feeling in your audience – much more so than a paisley or floral element. Our advice is to either distort your overall design just enough to prevent your written words from being fully discernible, or pick a simple word or short phrase to repeat that you think will be universally likable.
Zoë Jordan, Donna Karan, Whit all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
With all of the psychedelic flower power found blooming in the Spring ’15 runway shows, we had to wonder just how many designers were drinking from the same well of acid-laced Kool-Aid? (Um.. and where can we get some?!) This may just be the trend we are most excited to see emerging from the newest shows. With dizzying and playful motifs, and colors that nearly surpass louder-than-life status, these vintage florals are sure to be the life of the Spring print party.
Kate Spade New York, Jeremy Scott, House of Holland all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
Novelty prints are having a major moment right meow. So much so that it was a little difficult deciding which ones to report on. From common favorites like birds and butterflies, to the still-going-strong selection of tropical fruits (pineapples and bananas, anyone?), conversationals are a hot commodity for Spring 2015. Cats make for a relevantly quirky choice because they satisfy not only the ‘cute animal’ category, but can also merchandise well with the tropical themes that will no doubt dominate the season. Here Kitty, Kitty!
Giles, Alice + Olivia, Libertine all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
The bohemian look has been going strong for a several seasons now, and from what we are seeing on the runway this spring it won’t be fading away anytime soon. With influences from all over the globe and a penchant for mixing various dense and ornate motifs, the bohemian babe is no wall flower. For additional research on how to master the mixed boho trend, also see the new collections from print-mixing pros Duro Olowu and Anna Sui.
Etro, Preen Line, Just Cavalli all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
While not all of your clients are likely to jive with this trend, we were quite eager to cover it. There were even several examples of it in the Resort 2015 shows, so we weren’t entirely surprised to see it pop up again for Spring, especially among the Italian designers. We are loving the variety of approaches used in presenting such iconographic imagery – from traditional black and white to modern color blocking, and even digital glitch. I could easily see this trend working well in combination with floral elements, or even as a simple novelty. For more takes on this trend also see Marios Schwab and Fausto Puglisi.
Versace, Neil Barrett, KTZ all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
