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
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
While lace isn’t traditionally a print trend per se, it would be remiss to overlook it as a potential goldmine when considering which Spring 2015 trends to design into. White was such an important color for this season, and quite honestly, one that we tend to overlook. But when designers find ways to embellish the simple white dress into such mesmerizingly beautiful frocks, we notice. Once again, there were so many examples to consider for this board that it was nearly impossible to narrow down our favorites! Be sure to review Marchesa, Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, and Julien Macdonald for more inspiration on this ornate trend.
Ermanno Scervino, Roberto Cavalli, Tibi all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
Tropical leaf prints have been steadily growing in popularity over the last year or so, and if you follow our Leafy pinterest board you will need no proof of this. And if the Spring runway shows have any sway, they won’t be going away anytime soon. In fact, this board was a little hard to make only because there were so many great runway designs to choose from, it was difficult to decide which to use! Check out the spring shows from Josie Natori, Tomas Maier, Nicole Miller and Matthew Williamson to get more ideas on how to approach this trend.
Osklen, Clover Canyon, Tracy Reese all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
