Trends 2013: spring crops

This spring the skirts are getting longer and longer while the trousers seem to be doing exactly the opposite. The exposed ankle was seen on many runways this season making cropped trousers the Trend hero of Spring/Summer 2013.

They may be desirable and a must-have, but the crops should definitely come with a caution on the label because some can be unforgiving, emphasising on what we’d rather hide and making 98% of us look shorter.

The good news is that we are no longer limited to cigarette style trousers a la Parisienne (the look I personally adore the most), but any shape imaginable, so it’s easy to find the perfect pair.

Go for higher waisted versions in order to lengthen the legs, wide and boy’ish to create a straight line and visually change the silhouette, or boot-cut without side pockets – to balance the wider hips. Be careful with tapered trousers and remember to wear heels, the fashion’s simplest trick to longer-looking pins.

Here I will be sticking with my trusted long-term friends – Patrizia Pepe wide straight black and white Gingham pair that may be a hundred years old, but is just lovely (and very much loved) and recently bought Whistles tailored black cigarettes for colder days.

What about you?

Alberta Ferretti. Cacharel, Phillip Lim, Philosophy Spring/Summer 2013

Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Rachel Zoe, Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2013

Paola Frani, Daks, Etro, Fendi Spring/Summer 2013

Tracey Reese, 1A Classe Alviero Martini, Tibi, Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2013

Vanessa Bruno, Carven, Saint Laurent, Chloe Spring/Summer 2013

 

Photo source: Vogue US May 2011, elle.com

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Natalia Vodianova in Harper’s Bazaar 2003

And so today Natalia is back on the blog wearing Fendi, Jil Sander, Prada, Cavalli, Dolce&Gabbana, Etro, Armani, Ferre and MaxMara photographed by Glen Luchford for the December 2003 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar US December 2003

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Milan fashion week favourites

Here I am, a Russian Brit, sitting in an empty house somewhere in the South East of England, drinking a cup of Mexican coffee, picking on a soft as a down pillow slice of French brioche and gathering my thoughts on Milan fashion week. “Everything was in confusion in the Oblonskys’ house” as Tolstoy would say…

Milan overindulged me. There was a lot of beauty and plenty of white, enough to send me into my happy place where dreams are real. There was also a lot of transparency cleverly covered with either layers of fabric or frosted illusions of lace and embroidery. There were splashes of colour, mostly of a floral nature that screamed summer and joy.

Milan was definitely a good place to be…

Bottega Veneta, as always, was about quiet quality and craftsmanship that you feel but can’t explain. It was a beautiful collection, head to toe. In fact, one of my favourite in Bottega’s history. The most interesting thing is that the more I look at those dresses the more I fall in love with them.

Vietnam-inspired Pucci collection was like a breath of fresh air, particularly, “the white part” that I loved the most. This and the carved shoes that go up there to join McQueens and earlier Prada and Miu Miu’s. If only I could have them all. Make-up was very natural, yet again, so it looks like “the no make-up make-up” will be among Spring 2013 beauty trends again. And why not? It’s so beautiful.

More of the Orient-inspired designs sprinkled with a signature paisley print and cinched with an obi at Etro. Such a gorgeous collection that made me think of paradise, fantasy, comfortable elegance and summer. A burst of joy!

And more white courtesy of Ports 1961 that made one fall into a trance intensified by layers and layers of transparent silks and lace to be suddenly awakened and surprised by the pops of brightest colours.

Photo source: elle.com, vogue.com

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