Etro

There seems to be something invariably more masculine about Fall prints than in the Springtime. This patchwork mash-up of traditional menswear motifs is the perfect example of that notion. Staying within a limited color palette and keeping your print elements small will allow for maximum harmony in this mixed print trend.

Joseph, Thakoon Addition, Etro all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West

Clean geometric shapes are carefully arranged and layered in these densely packed stripes for Fall 2015. While it may sound a little generic at first, we find it to be quite a versatile trend. Throw a few Moroccan or African elements in for a tribal feel, or take a more optical approach for a Memphis vibe. You could even have it merchandise with your 70’s group by adding in a simple and clean daisy shape to one of rows in your stripe.

Temperley London, Arthur Arbesser, Etro 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

Oh hi, Monday, how did you get here so fast? Here’s a tasty little jewel-laden color story to munch on for the remainder of your week. Yes, I said munch. Also, if you’re not totally creeped out by the gorgeous beetle below, you need to wander over to see the entire insect series by Christopher Marley. Mother Nature is truly the ultimate artist.

Beetle Brooch: Monday Color Mood via Aaryn West

(more…)

Among the print trends from the Spring 2012 runway shows, the use of ombre´ colors, or gradients, was one of my favorites. There were far too many to picture below, so I focused on a few examples that I thought were especially innovative. It’s great to see how designers are utilizing this colorful technique in such diverse ways, too, ranging from subtle and simple (Saunders, Wauchob) to bold and complex (Etro). A little something for everyone.

Jonathan Saunders Spring 2012 ombres
Band Of Outsiders Spring 2012 ombres
Jen Kao Spring 2012 ombre
Sharon Wauchob Spring 2012 ombre
Sonia Rykiel Spring 2012 Ombre
Etro Spring 2012 ombre

(more…)