Maximalist, minimalism, bold or timid? Some may argue that Fashion had become a little too minimal last season, but Jil Sanders spring 2011 definitely brought genius and elegance back to the catwalk. None other than the Master of Minimalism swept Milan leaving people mesmerised as they watched a casual couture combination blind them. Traditional but yet so modern it was said that Raf simons the avant garde designer described it as a mìmile-feuielle of colour leaving very simple silhouettes welcomed for magnificent sharp crayon tones to leave you shocked, there were also longer hem lines, full length dresses with graphic floral patterns with amazing bold horizontal stripes and some pieces of beautiful trench jackets which was said reminded viewers of the YSLs interests in English people who threw their coats over ball gowns and thats exactly what this spring collection emulated.
Raf Simons who joined teams with Jil 2005 taking the position as creative director, still holds the brand in his hands and truly understands what it is to be a Jil Sander woman. The models carried off my favourite look with a deep violet trench coat and a matt finished grey draw string bag, if the bag doesnt grab your attention then Im sure the unique framed black bug eyed glasses will, its as if a new trend has emerged taken over the mix between a simple tailored T-shirt paired or sewn onto draped cloth instantly names the Jil Sander woman as the Demi Gods Raf Simons has truly created what it seems to be a new Fashion revolution.
Going back to lasts seasons collection, spring 2010 we can still see the correlation between the sharp simple shapes that he has created now. The Sander Woman appeared to be more of a power hungry conservative business woman, no colour just a bold silhouette. Tim Blanks recalls it to be a Lara Croft meets Anna Wintour. It seems as though the 2011 collection marks one of the keys off my list, maybe comfort over restricted clothing is coming back, and its also shown throughout the season of Fashion pieces as shown in the Jil Sander collection which is absolutely gorgeous, I've always dreamed of one day wearing a tailored cigarette sport pant.
jil sanderWhich also brings me to Marni's Spring collection shown at Fashion Week Paris were there was a very high element to Consulo Coastiglionis design as she brought down memorable amazing surreal, abstract combination of an athletic structured short not to mention the unforgettable leather cheese grated jacket (that had the audience stunned) really brought great to the clothes, hair and makeup very simple but simple worked in this case. As the collection drew further I could begin to see where and what Consulo may have been inspired by some great sporting outfits as the cycling shorts and tops that could pass for the couture sports top in the athletic world of sports.
MarniThe colour palette used in this collection were absolutely divine this mixture of milk tea and those different shades of toasts browns really showed that Marni could be heading in a new direction in terms of what the Marni Women stands for. Im beginning to feel as though she has become but has stuck to the elements of coupled colours of marriage that just go together so brilliantly. Dating back to last seasons collection wasnt their strongest ,Spring 2010 collection was very much relaxed house girl although I feel as though, there were silky fabrics and other throws which again were very relaxed but I still get that same impression from Marni in this collection too.
It seems as though the typical Marni Women would be comfortable as well as wearing very high tailored clothing that you could put on and mix and match with anything whether it be a dinner party or just to collect the children from school the Marni woman to me is an everyday woman, a working woman or even just a simple housewife.
Predictions of the key Fashion trends his season I can say we will be reverting back to more floral prints only this time it will be a lot bolder/graphic than last seasons. Look out for natural ice cream, tea stained or pastel colours, looking comfortable mixing comfort with luxury will be in and also great for everyone that effortless clean look is coming back.
Light easy fabrics like mesh and thin leather will be a must have next year also loose shapes, shapeless shirts dresses will be a winner. Footwear as seen in the Marni collection a form of slippers will be jaw dropping unforgettable must have. Viewing these two collections has really opened my eyes to simple and effective minimalism can be; just by mixing the slight element of athleticism or casual couture can have such a huge effect on Fashion.
Marni backstageIt really seems as if Minimal power is slowly creeping making its way forward to the centre of what Fashion could be about those simple things with a little touch of character that make things seem surreal. I do truly believe that oversized, minimal and athletic combo's will definitely be hitting high street stores very soon this season. Power to the less I say, if our London High street stores manage to pick up on the slightest touches that Marni and Jil Sander have created then I will take my hat off to grovel at Top shops knees!. Marni and Jil Sander, collections both were beautifully well thought of and executed. The true beauty was the element of the experimental mixing of luxury and comfort which is a fine expression between what both of these designers are about.
Written by Demae Chioma Wodu