Trends
In the mix
A popular trend this season is the use of patterns and mosaic prints endlessly mixed and is matched. Influences range from African and Indian to geometrics and nature
Marni; Cacharel; Max Mara; Missoni; Dolce & Gabbana; Miu Miu; Blumarine; Burberry; Just Cavalli Etro; Barbara Bui; Costume National; Jonathan Saunders
Sheer effect
See-through fabrics such as voile, crochet and lace are making a strong statement on the international runways. Each designer puts an individual spin on these materials, but the end results are always dramatic, sophisticated and sexy
Stella McCartney; Alexander McQueen; Versace; Maurizio Pecoraro; John Richmond; Alessandro Dell'Acqua; Dolce & Gabbana; Chanel; Roberto Cavalli; Louis Vuitton; Barbara Bui
Speaking volumes
Designers display their superb skills in the use of pleats, folds and dramatic layering over body-hugging silhouettes. The trend is a synthesis of fabric technology, fine craftsmanship and a wealth of imagination
Just Cavalli; Christian Dior; Alexander McQueen; Emanuel Ungaro; Comme des Garcons; Sophia Kokosalaki; Yohji Yamamoto; Jil Sander; John Galliano; Julien MacDonald; Alberta Ferretti; Marcel Marongiu
Colour craze
Designers exploit their palettes to the fullest this summer. Pretty pinks, lemons, limes, strawberries and mints are worked into psychedelic patterns in an exhilarating mix
Fendi; Christian Lacroix; Costume National; Nicole Farhi; BCBG Max Azria; Emilio Pucci; Christian Dior; Alberta Ferretti; Marni; A.F. Vandervorst; Moschino Cheap and Chic; Celine; Louis Vuitton
Fringe benefits
The seductive movement of fringes makes a strong statement this season. Whether on a stole flung over the shoulders or weaved into a skirt or dress, tassels create an eclectic effect
Andrew Gn; Dolce & Gabbana; Giorgio Armani; Benjamin Cho; Ann Demeulemeester; Chanel; Louis Vuitton; Veronique Branquinho; Issey Miyake; Moschino Cheap and Chic; Missoni; Paco Rabanne
Soft focus
Chiffon, tulle, silk and satin are tucked, flounced and frilled for a romantic, ethereal look. These flowing fabrics are cut to the curves of the body in elegant shapes that exude feminine confidence
Anna Molinari; Michael Kors; Vera Wang; Emilio Pucci; Emanuel Ungaro; Fendi; Bill Blass; Christian Lacroix; Ralph Lauren; Carlos Miele; Antonio Marras; Donna Karan; Naciso Rodriguez
Sneak peek
In a statement of femininity, delicate lingerie and come-hither tops dominate the runways. Silhouettes range from form-fitted corsets to revealing necklines and open blouses
Marc Jacobs; Moschino Cheap and Chic; Baby Phat; Gaspard Yurkievich; Alessandro Dell'Acqua; Jean Paul Gaultier; Dolce & Gabbana; Jill Stuart; Nicole Miller; Rochas; Narciso Rodriguez; Antonio Berardi; Custo Barcelona
Bohemian chic
Hippy, gypsy and ethnic describe this season's take on the Bohemian rhapsody. Influences from Africa and India, with lots of details in earthy tones, are worked into ensembles fit for an urban tribal princess
Miguel Adrover; Barbara Bui; Jean Paul Gaultier; Lanvin; Just Cavalli; D Squared; Hermes; Emporio Armani; Anna Sui; Dries Van Noten; Sportmax ; Kenzo; Clements Ribeiro