Designer Hats

Many designers have produced beautiful hats.  For example, Gucci designs wide-brimmed fedoras.  Wearing such an item is sure to add a touch of seventies glamour to your outfit.  For a forties feel, try Marc Jacobs.  Here you will find chin-strapped pillbox caps.  If you are after sixties, then it has got to be a beret designed by Burberry.

Hats on the Catwalk

On this season’s catwalk, you can see John Rocha models displaying large hats, giving a slight appearance that they might just fall over from the weight!  Lanvin’s models were wearing low hanging black sheriff hats that practically covered their eyes.

Hats in your Wardrobe

If you want to work a hat into your own wardrobe, then the best thing to do is buy a knitted beanie from Missoni.  A beanie is chic, but does not compromise practicality.

Hats

Keep an eye out on the high street with Republic clothing, for the first signs of spring. These will be spring time prints in tonal shades for spring such as the pastel palette with hits of clashing brights. As we head into summer and just in time for our holidays we will see plenty of bright tropical prints moving in mainly thanks to directional designers like Thakoon Panichgul who is a fashion favourite of Anna Wintour’s, so you know its going to be a hit.

You don’t need to worry about co-ordinating your prints, for the past few season it’s been all about clashing and this season is no different, the more prints you have the better, the bigger they are the better and the brighter they are the better.  On the catwalks designers such as Mary Katrantzou, Holly Fulton and Duro Olowu opted to show case both floral prints and animal prints which always work in perfect harmony.

To keep up with this trend look for bold print dresses, blouses, skirts and trousers and if you aren’t extrovert enough to go for clashing prints then team with simple crisp white items for summer. If you want to mix your prints then why not add a leopard print scarf to a fun floral dress or vice versa, accessories are the easiest way to work these trends so keep an eye out for print shoes and bags.

Prints

Biography

Prior to becoming interested in fashion, Gabrielle was born to a mother who worked in a poorhouse, dying when Gabrielle was only six years old.  Her father was left to raise her along with five other children.  He abandoned them all to relatives to care for them. 

Gabrielle became known as Coco when she used to sing in cafes between 1905 and 1908.  She later became the mistress of a successful military officer and then an English industrialist.  It was the resources of these two men that Coco drew on in order to be able to start up her millinery shop that started in Paris, and then spread to Deauville and Biarritz. 

Coco Chanel became a premier fashion designer in Paris, starting with the opening of her first millinery shop in 1912.  She became famous for losing the corset in favour of comfort and casual elegance.  Her designs included suits, trousers, dresses and perfumes.

Clothing

Coco began working in couture, and she became famous for the fashion trend which gave women a little boy look.  This was in deep contrast to the corset fashion that was popular at the time.  Coco enjoyed wearing her own fashions.

Coco’s signature cardigan jacket design was introduced in 1925, followed by the little black dress in 1926.  The fashion Coco created did not tend to develop and change very much, and are still popular in the modern world.

Perfume

Chanel No. 5 perfume came about in 1922.  This perfume is still popular today.  Coco found a partner in Pierre Wertheimer for her perfume business in 1924, and he owned 70% of the business against Coco’s 10%, with her friend Bader taking 20%.  The perfume business is still controlled by Wertheimer today.

Leading man Robert Pattinson, who plays sultry and misunderstood young vampire Edward Cullen in the movie, wore a smart suit by Gucci in charcoal, teamed with this season’s essential skinny black tie.

Co-star Kellan Lutz, who plays Edward’s adoptive brother Emmett Cullen, cut a fine figure in a black suit and tie.  Man-of-the-moment, Taylor Lautner, who plays werewolf Jacob Black in the film, scored high in the style stakes, wearing a navy blue suit accompanied by a tie in dark red.  Jackson Rathbone, who plays Jasper Cullen, did not follow the crowd with the sharp tailored look, opting instead for a red velvet suit by celebrity favourite Dolce and Gabanna, worn with a black vest top and accessories.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Premier Los Angeles

Stripes are back this winter, and stripy shirts are everywhere as well as stylish stripy jumpers. Winter accessories as well have been focusing on this trend too and there is also a huge range of striped scarves available. Broader stripes are easiest to wear on a cardigan or sweater, and stripy socks are a fun and subtle way to incorporate bold stripes into an everyday outfit. Striped pyjamas are definitely back in fashion, and with high street packed with winter warmers ready for the festive season, there is plenty of choice out there.

Bold prints are making a comeback in stores once again. A cotton print shirt is a good way to take up the trend, and can work well with jeans or chinos. You don’t want to add too many accessories when wearing print so keep everything else simple and jumpers or jackets in a similar colour.

Rucksacks are also right back on trend.  As well as looking good, rucksacks are a practical way to carry belongings around as they keep both arms free.  So make sure you add this onto your Christmas wish list.

Roll-neck sweaters are back for the autumn/winter season.  They remain popular for their versatility, working well with jeans and trainers, or even with trousers and a blazer. There is a vast array of colours available, and a pure wool or wool-rich fabric will be warm and comfortable to wear.  If you’re looking for the added luxury why not check out some more luxury brands on Designerwear who stock a wide range of designer brands.

Changing Proportions

Phoebe Philo and several other designers have chosen to alter the proportions of several elements of their clothing lines including jacket sleeves, frills, waistlines and shoulders, emphasising the garment as an extension of a person’s aura amid the brightness of spring.

Undersea Aqua

From Chanel’s grand undersea backdrop where their spring 2012 collection was introduced to Versace’s ‘Aqua’ theme, the spirit of the sea and water underlines the choice of fabrics this season.  While cerulean and aquamarine are not in vogue, colours such as deep teal, quarry and cedar that counterpoint the undersea theme have been seen on the catwalks of Rome, Paris, Milan, London and New York.

Androgyny

Androgynous clothing for women is a major trend through the 2011-2012 season, in keeping with a revival of themes from the 1960s.  The military jacket and high-waisted sailor pants from Designer Marc Jacobs’ collection are being paired with fur capes for the perfect androgynous look.

The Environmental Fashionista

More and more designers are beginning to choose socially responsible and ecologically balanced themes in their clothing.  One of the key themes among designers is responsible clothes made from sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics.  Many of today’s top models and celebrities endorse responsible designers who care for the world around us.  This spring, several designers including Gucci and Armani have introduced eco-friendly fabrics into their collections.  So when you refurbish your wardrobe this year, think responsibly and do your part for the world in which we live.

The Opposites

The season reverberates with the ‘yin-yang’ philosophy.  From the hardcore gothic designs to the simplicity and elegance of a sixties revival, the season has no single focus but flourishes in the abundance of diversity.  Make your wardrobe reflect the diversity and clarity that togetherness and symbiosis brings.

The trends for spring and summer 2012 are sure to bring a breath of fresh air to your collection.

Trends from Phoebe Philo at Celine, Chanel spring summer collection and trends from Marc Jacobs

In 2005, Simons was offered the role of creative director for Jil Sander, a label then owned by the Prada Group.  His first collection for the label, designed with autumn/winter 2006 in mind, sold well.  In 2006, Simons launched his menswear line, Raf by Raf Simons.  His autumn/winter collection was recognised among the most impressive lines of that season. 

Simons’ autumn/winter 2007 collection for Jil Sander was acclaimed as being appropriate for the high-powered, career-centric female.  During the showing of his autumn/winter 2008 collection in Paris, Simons was hailed for his designs inspired by the stark contrast between human softness and futuristic robotics.  In 2008, Simons collaborated with Fred Perry to produce a 12-piece collection of polo shirts and knitwear. 

Simons’ collections are indirectly influenced by youth culture.  His clothing combines strongly cut classic design with loose cut items heavily swayed by streetwear.  Simons has been hailed as an innovator by global fashion critics. 

Simons, who still lives and works out of his home country, presents new collections twice per year, typically on the catwalks of Paris.  During his first few years as the creative director at his own label, Simons’ exhibited unconventional catwalk shows, consisting of models running down makeshift streets and walking around photographers’ studios.  Fans of Simons’ work for Jil Sander include Ellen DeGeneres and Ashley Olsen.

Raf Simons

This range transitions easily from day to night wear and features luxurious fabrics from all over Europe, delicate beadwork with Middle Eastern inspiration on vibrantly coloured backgrounds that capture the spirit of the Orient.  The collection is a favourite among celebrities and fashionistas all over the world.

Jewellery

The Aamaya by Priyanka couture line is best complimented by their own range of exquisite handmade jewellery, which comprises of fashion statements made of rose quartz, turquoise and citrine.  A signature aspect of their jewellery is the three-stone ring, which is made of three different semi-precious stones set in a textured gold fitting.  The popularity of the fashion culture created by Priyanka Lugiani is evident from the fact that her collections have already been featured in Vogue and Marie Claire (Germany).  In London, the line is stocked at the cult boutique Trilogy, among various other upmarket stores across Europe.

Aamaya by Priyanka

Prada’s 1950s Car Print collection definitely tops the list and is available in clutches and totes.

For some undersea elegance, try out the pearl-embellished seashell bag from Chanel.

For those who still prefer a shoulder bag, the any-hued envelope bag by Phoebe Philo will be a great choice.

Looking for practicality and the ‘fab’ factor?   The Louis Vuitton patent leather bag, shaped like a shopping basket will give you both.

Philip Lim still creates bags that are simple, uncomplicated and to die for.

For those fashionable evenings, sling on a patchwork snakeskin shoulder bag by Derek Lam, which carries his signature Ram’s head clasp.

The gigantic orange tote by Victoria Beckham is sure to turn heads for its minimalist design and practical size.

Chic purses by Marc Jacobs that feature block colours and top handles will give you a big entrance at any occasion.

These bags are highly anticipated on the fashion circuit and should be in stores soon.

Ralph Lauren

American fashion designer Ralph Lauren is best known for his signature Polo Ralph Lauren clothing brand.  Throughout his school years, he was known for selling ties to fellow students.  Upon graduating from high school in 1957, Lauren stated in his yearbook that his desire was to become a millionaire. Lauren attended Baruch College in America where he enrolled on a business studies course.  He remained at the college for two years before dropping out of his course.

After a short stint in the United States Army, Lauren found employment as a salesman in a clothes shop.  Lauren never received formal fashion school training but, in 1967, with the financial support of Norman Hilton, a clothing manufacturer based in Manhattan, Lauren launched a necktie shop in which he sold ties he had designed himself.  He sold these garments under the label, Polo.  His collection of ties grew into an entire collection which truly redefined American style.  Lauren’s commitment to producing high quality products that encouraged consumers to participate in an active lifestyle without boundaries was the key to his success.

Lauren was awarded the COTY Award for his menswear line in 1970.  He followed this by releasing a line of womenswear – a collection consisting of tailored suits in a classic men’s style.  He embellished these suits with his signature Polo emblem.  Lauren released Polo’s infamous short sleeve mesh shirt in 1972.  Each garment featured the distinctive Polo logo and was made in 24 different colours.  Just over a decade later, a Polo Ralph Lauren flagship store was launched.  By 2007, Lauren owned 35 boutiques across the USA.

In addition to his passion for fashion, Lauren is a well-known automobile enthusiast.  Lauren’s estate in New York is home to a large portion of his 70 automobiles.  His cars, many of which are rare, have won awards at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show.

In 2011, Forbes estimated Lauren’s wealth at $5.8 billion dollars.  This would make Lauren the world’s 173rd richest person.