THE 12 BIGGEST

SPRING/SUMMER FASHION
2021 TRENDS

- SHWETA
You could be forgiven for thinking that
the spring/summer 2021 collections –
and the subsequent raft of
spring/summer 2021 trends – were
something of a damp squib. Certainly,
thanks to the ongoing pandemic, it was a
season like no other. 
The four fashion capitals, New York and London opted for predominantly digital
showcases, with the odd designer hosting Covid-secure presentations for small
numbers of press and buyers; while Milan and Paris held rict social distancing
measures in place from some of its biggest brands. Others still opted to try
something different. “Different” manifested variously as: showing off-schedule, 
showing via film and in virtual reality, or sending a replacement for a catwalk
experience out to press and buyers in a box. All enjoyed varying degrees of
success. 
If you are one of millions seeking a guaranteed mood-booster? There
will always be sequins – and designers were determined to outfit locked
down customers in looks that will make a living room disco feel lively.
Yes, you’re over video conferencing and voice notes. You want to go
outside in those frivolous woven Bottega Veneta dresses, swinging
those delectable chain-strung micro pouches from the Chanel catwalk
and trotting down the street in those fabulous Miu Miu beaded mules
Monochrome Magic
In a world with no simple answers or even straightforward questions, designers showed a predilection for black and white –
most often, together. At Dolce & Gabbana, chequerboard patchwork dresses utilised archive rolls of fabrics from previous
collections, while at Chanel, crisp layering semaphored a new mood of restraint. Meanwhile, at Ports 1961 and Gabriela Hearst,
black and white dresses looked just the kind of elegant, no-fuss eveningwear we’ve been longing for.
Lady, With A Twist
If you’ve fallen in love with hoodies, and can’t see how you will ever
transition out of their marshmallowy cotton embraces, look to the catwalks of
Prada, Hermès, Chanel and Celine for pointers on how to keep things low-
key but nonetheless luxe when (if) we emerge from this pandemic. Hoodies
and pleated skirts (not to mention practical rucksacks) were frequent
pairings at Prada, while luscious leather bomber jackets and smart skirts
made appearances at Max Mara and Hermès.

Between The Lines

Is there anything more energising than stripes? The bigger, the ballsier,
the better, was the message on the spring runways, everywhere from
Burberry to Christopher Kane and Kenneth Ize (something of a stripe
specialist). Look to Molly Goddard for inspo on reviving an old stripy
style: paired with neon, they suddenly feel fresh again.