Review: Class of 06

Part One: Trends of 2006

Its a new year, full of promise, and anticipation as to what kind of creations will be wandering down the catwalk.

but... lets not forget the mass pretty lovely-ness of last year's designs.
Some of the collections were spectacular, and I don't want to forget them.
I've compiled a list of last years trends that I think had most success, and were spotted frequently on the catwalk. From Miu Miu's bejewelled brocade minidresses to Marc Jacob's grungey layers, here is your review of 2006. Part one...

Trend One: Grey

So much grey, so little time. Grey was everywhere over the winter catwalks, from brocade bottoms and rich tones in the SS06 collection Balenciaga to chunky knits at Stella M. Grey was officially crowned the "New Black".

seen below: Stella McCartney, Chloe, Giles



Trend Two: Layering

While MJ went down the RIP Kurt route, Missoni incorporated a revamped seventie's chic vibe with floral wraps and glamorous furs, while the pastel ribbed tights echoed nostalgia of M & S schoolgirl days.

seen below: Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Missoni



Trend Three: Brocade

Opulence and Extravagance were themes heavily featured in Winter 06. Something to do with the release of the cake-rich Marie Antionette.
Miuccia Prada embraced this trend in her collection at Miu Miu with cornice-style wedges that looked like they'd been sculpted from a venetian building, rich raspberries and khakis and the minidresses that became a staple of the season, being featured in numerous editorials.

seen below: Dolce and Gabanna, Miu Miu, Dries Van Noten



Trend Four: Dresses

Something triggered the past memory of the dress being every girl's favourite item of clothing. You just had to dig deep and remember the fun of hitching up your summer dress on the beach as a kid to feel encouraged to play dress up again. The dress was definetly my favourite buy from last year, I bought five, paired with chucky socks, leggings and cardys? Perfect for winter, and they'll still be around Spring 07, just check out Lanvin's beauties.
And is it hard to realise what the trigger was? Look at these babies!

seen below, clockwise from top left: PPQ, Luella, Miu Miu, Chloe



Trend Five: Leopard Print

No longer tainted by Pat Butcher and Kat Slater (Well, it is, but thats all part of the fun) animal print well and truly ruled. Louis Vuitton revamped and released cherry red scarfs printed with the spots, which were hawwt. Remember that Gucci dress spotted on Kate Bosworth? (Excuse the pun) After it was all over the catwalk, cue the high street shops to cover anything they could get their clever hands on. Ballet Slippers, Bags, Socks you name it...

ps, does Freja look especially good in the stuff or something?...

Seen Below: Anna Sui, Luella, Alessandro Dell'Acqua



Trend Six: Platform Shoes

Man, I wouldn't wear these but they're damn pleasing to the eye! These wooden creations from Chloe look like something you'd find in a dusty corner of an old costume museam. No wonder Stam was head over heels (ahem..)



Let me know what you think... Part Two coming soon, dawlls...