With each Fall season we inevitably see a resurgence of plaid parading down the catwalk, often within the clean and crisp domain of menswear. This season we are seeing a more feminine, perhaps even free spirited, approach to plaid. Plaids are being juxtaposed against whimsical paisleys, sweetly naive florals, and in the case of Stella Jean’s brilliant collection, ornately detailed folkloric illustrations of animals. Think about inserting a does of grunge into your next bohemain collection, by way of the simple punky plaid.
Red Valentino, Stella Jean, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
Textured prints take a turn for the lighter side in this nature-driven trend. Some examples resemble cracked ice, some look more like striations found in marble, others even take on the swirling formations found in radar images of weather systems. What they all have in common are their intricate, organic details and simple, limited color palette.
The example we used in our background was made with watercolor paints, but manipulating photographs of tree bark or experimenting with paints designed for a crackle effect would be great places to start when you’re ready to make your own Cracked Ice print.
Jonathan Simkhai, J. Mendel, Tory Burch all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
Baby, it’s cold outside. And several fashion designers must be predicting next Fall will be no different, because the colorful ski-style Fair Isle sweater is making a come back. Chevron stripes combined with clean, geometric elements in bright, youthful color combinations make this a great trend to start with when designing your A/W 2016 print collection.
Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Stella Jean, Sibling all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
Models may still be chasséing down the runway for the Fall 2015 season, but several color stories have already been carved out quite clearly. Despite all the controversy it has caused, Pantone’s color of 2015, Marsala, was quite popular this season and can be found across multiple palettes, both in starring and supporting roles. Aside from the Flamenco color story, this season’s palettes echo a decidedly earthy tone, which lends itself quite well to the romantically bohemian prints in which many designers have invested.
Jonathan Simkhai, Zimmerman, Rachel Comey, Red Valentino, Tomas Maier, Zimmerman, Rachel Comey, BCBG Max Azria
Jill Sander Navy, Nicole Miller, Suno, Monique Lhuillier, Suno, Nicole Miller, Suno, Zoe Jordan
Diane von Furstenberg, Milly, Juicy Couture, Trina Turk, Zimmerman, Kate Spade New York, Rebecca Taylor, Pam & Gela
Lyn Devon, Cynthia Rowley, Wes Gordon, Jill Stuart, Pedro del Hierro Madrid, Jill Sander Navy, Cynthia Rowley, Mara Hoffman
Tocca, See by Chloé, Rachel Antonoff, Suno, Creatures of the Wind, Rebecca Taylor, Timo Weiland, Tanya Taylor
Suno, Misha Nonoo, Alice + Olivia, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Delpozo, Adam Lippes, Thakoon
Gypsy Rust: Joie, Zimmerman, Tory Burch, Ulla Johnson, Giulietta, Thakoon, Red Valentino, Custo Barcelona
All images via Style.com
