Top Trends @ The Clothes Show

Lights down, smart phones ready, cue music, it’s the start of Alcatel Onetouch Fashion Theatre at The Clothes Show 2015. Sitting FROW, it’s hard not to be drawn into the excitement and anticipation of seeing this season’s trends showcased with dramatic effect. For it’s not often you see a fashion show akin to a West End musical, where the models actually smile with what looks like enjoyment.

Earlier in the day I’d been interviewed by Big Centre TV and asked what I was most looking forward to at The Clothes Show, and in a heartbeat I said the Fashion Theatre. Why? Because despite pretending I’m uber London cool, a show of this magnitude, with all the singers, dancers and models is my guilty pleasure. Taking inspiration from, what can only be, Game of Thrones, we were presented with The Empire. Ignoring the topless male models and screaming teenagers, here’s your hit of fashion inspiration.

Dark

Think 80’s Madonna, collaborates with Jean Paul Gaultier. Boots are over the knee and heels are dangerously high. Leather is glossy, embossed and in every medium imaginable. The only colour permissible is black. Silhouettes are structured to exaggerate the female form, huge skirts emphasise tiny waists and cupped bras draw attention to the bust. The look is softened by the use of netting, fur and feathers. And if this is all a bit OTT for you, try wearing black nail varnish to give an edge to everyday dressing, or just wear a simple black polo neck. Easy.

Underwater

The sea often influences Spring Summer looks, but here not a Breton Stripe was in sight. Instead, think beautiful shimmering aquatic colours in simple shapes, this is a look that will easily see us into 2016. Denim is still around in abundance and has been exalted above the humble jean. Shirts, jackets, shorts and dungarees still firmly hold their place in the wardrobe. It is proper, lived in denim, with rips and fraying. Fabrics are textured and feature sequins and metallic. Graduated colours are still important, but in new forms; see the dip dye effect on the beaded dress above.

Red

Helen George, and partner Aljaz Skorjanec, may have been booted off Strictly Come Dancing with their pasodoble, but there is no escaping this trend. With a Spanish bullring as the background for these looks, passion was running high. The white shirt and black pussy bow combo, was a key feature and easily translatable to every day dressing. As was the colour red, a true bright, London red. Trousers were tapered and tailored, in a multitude of fabrics but most notably satin adding a touch of 80s glam. Skirts were, as expected, ruffled, shoes caged and feathers added texture. But, don’t forget the most important accessory, a tuxedo dressed man with a red rose. Take note Dr Husband.

Pure

Not a year goes by without an all white look for Spring Summer, and the Clothes Show appropriately titled it, Pure. Though the colour remains constant, it’s the details that change. Here the sheer trend really came to the fore, tops combined iridescent leather with sheer fabric, and flared trousers were completely see through. A sport lux feel dominated the look, with cuffed trousers, puffer jackets and even a leotard style polo. Does the idea of sheer fabric make you nervous? Well it clearly didn’t for Myleene Klass; she was photographed at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards in sheer black lace trousers. Personally I’ll stick to the trend on my top half, with a cami underneath.

Thanks to The Clothes Show, Alcatel Onetouch and Capital FM for yet again producing a show to remember.

All Photos by Rod Leon