WGSN

 
Denim trends
 
Ximon Lee is a new designer that has recently been noticed by the fashion press because of his Spring/Summer 2014 collection that explores the layering of synthetic and organic materials like denim and neoprene. The inspiration for the collection was the styles of street children near suburban Moscow and because of this, he deconstructed and re-made garments from the Salvation army. The collection includes oversized silhouettes with some pieces looking like sandwich boards that cover you below the knee and the main colours are whites contrasted with indigo and blue. Some of the surfaces and textures on the clothing represent rubbish bags and cardboard boxes to convey the theme of homelessness. After the success he received from this collection, he is currently working on his next one.
 
Here are some of the pieces that feature in the collection:

 The Japanese denim craftsman Kapital have released the 8th edition to their 'Indigo' collection that includes a series of purple denims. The brand are known for their use of indigo shades but for Autumn/Winter 2014, they have introduced a new, vibrant shade. This range follows on from the Century Denim collection that was released a few years ago and it is called No.8 Beniimo Denim. The collection features deep purple denims in slim, straight and tapered fits and are available in both raw and pre-wash. The jeans are crafted in the home to Kapital, Kojima, Japans denim sanctuary.

Here are some examples of the pieces that feature in the collection:



Although both Ximon and Kapitals' collections both include and focus around denim, they are very different because Ximons' use of metallic materials and rough surfaces create a strong, powerful look and it gives the collection an edge. Whereas I think that Kapiatls' use of deep and vibrant purples create a soft, gentle look for everyday, casual wear. The two collections are similar though because denim is the main focus and base of them and then the designers have taken this popular material in the way that they have been inspired to do.


Catwalks

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2015

This collection appears more grown up than previous Vuitton collections and has a strong 70's influence showing throughout. The collection is made up of 70's inspired zip front, mini dresses, velvet trousers, trouser suits, lace and crochet dresses, fur lined coats and a split front midi skirt. The prints and patterns used throughout the collection are renaissance florals and household appliances and the main colour palette consist of black, purple, olive, beige, red and white. The accessories and footwear also show a strong influence from the 70's with monogrammed bags and boots, box bags, totes, textured tights and colourful heels featuring on the runway.
 
Here are some examples of the pieces that feature in the collection:




 Miuccia Prada Spring/Summer 2015
 
 This collection has been inspired by the 1974 film, Female Trouble by John Waters. This shows the story of Dawn Davenport who was a waitress, go-go dancer, prostitute and thief and has inspired this collection to have a rebellious edge. Made up of silk, cropped trousers, structured house coats, ruffle neck blouses, printed pencil skirts and plunge neck tops, the inspiration is clearly shown throughout the range. The use of leopard print, leather, floral jacquard and tartan all closely link to the rebellious 70's influence of the range as well and it is also carried through to the footwear which includes patent boots and platform sandals.

Here are some examples of the pieces that feature in the collection:



The Spring/Summer 2014 collections for Louis Vuitton and Miuccia Prada have both been influenced by the 1970's but I think that they are very different from each other. This is because Louis Vuitton's' collection includes more classic styles from the 70's and some pieces appear to be quite cute and girly. However, Miuccia Prada's' collection has been inspired by the rebellious side to the 70's so the use of leather, dark colours and revealing neck lines makes the collection appear a lot more strong and daring. The similarities between the two collections are that they both include bold patterns that were popular in the 70's like florals and stripes and the collections seem to have similar colour palettes.