The Style Section: Spring

This month we have seen a range of new designs displayed in beautiful settings – Spring and resort wear paraded in countries like Mexico, China, and France.

This October, Valentino dazzled Paris with an unapologetically feminine Spring collection featuring neutral tones – a stark divergence from last Spring’s collection where Valentino made it clear hot pink was the new ‘it’ colour. Piccioli included embroidery that wasn’t added as an accessory but was structured and became the fabric itself, making it his most ‘exposed’ collection to date. He captured Valentino’s past ideas and modernised them, creating the same elegant feel past Valentino collections exhibited. Reminders of springtime were incorporated into embroidery with flowers spotted in 19 out of the 65 designs, as well as birds and sea animals.

Now for Australia’s very own Zimmermann Spring 2024 collection featuring delicate springtime designs containing the new October essential of flowers. All of the designs were very light and seemed fitting for the hot temperatures that are expected particularly in Australia towards the end of the year. The 3D application of these flowers was essential in Nicky Zimmermann’s designs as she said, “we want it to feel that the girls are walking, and the flowers are just around them”.  The interesting layering of lace and sheer voile added ample texture and depth to the mostly simple designs (Look 27/49). Leading the road for all Australian designers, Zimmermann’s new collection is a true notable.

Vivienne Westwood showed their upcoming spring designs in London in late October. I believe Vivienne Westwood is one of the most easily recognisable brands with their tactile fabrics, interesting textile combinations, and colourful collaborations. This season, Vivienne Westwood remained on brand displaying 53 colourful punk looks, always finding a way to integrate the late Westwood’s designs into modern collections. This collection disrupted gender norms, featuring men dressed in dresses and tights, while females wore suit jackets and ties. The look-book was shot at Shakespeare’s Globe, an extended nod to the past with modern designs.

In other news, Kim Kardashian’s brand ‘Skims’ has launched a men’s collection, partnering with athletes like Neymar Jr, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nick Bosa. The collection dropped on October 26.

Another wonderful month of fashion awaits; I cannot wait to explore it in the next article!

Juliette J, Year 10