Courtney Dootson
Graphic Design Student
2018 Trends
For the 2018, the spring and summer collection shows that the 90's trend is back in fashion, but also pastel colours and the clothing is inspired by the eighties inspired garb.
Spring 2018
In the spring collection, things are coming back in style from the 90s and some may already be out, but things you wouldn't expect are apparently coming back.
The stretch comb
Stretch combs are black, brown or clear plastic circular hair band, which is has flexible comb teeth. Some people position it along their hairline and slid it straight back, which can move loose hair out of the way or because it was and is the trend again.
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During New York Fashion Week, models walked down the runway at Prabal Gurung wearing the stretch comb headband. It was even paired with that spiky undone bun that was worn back in the day.
The claw clips
A lot of women still wear the claw clip as an accessory, but people who are my age, 17 - 25 don't really wear them for style. They are literally just like a clip that is a shape of a claw. Twenty years ago, women everywhere kept a claw clip in her bathroom, car, desk, everywhere only because it was the 'thing' and it was useful for anything from here, there and again everywhere.
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The claw clip made its return at New York Fashion Week with an update in a silver metallic finish. Alexander Wang is making a convincing case for the '90s hair accessory.
Layered spaghetti straps
To be honest, I like this trend because you layer a tank top over a t-shirt and it's just simple as that, but I think it shows difference in clothing. I think the style will always come back; something simple can become big.
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In fashion week, Phillip Lim recreated that '90s look by layering knitted spaghetti strap tank tops over menswear-inspired dress shirts. In the 90's it was just for a casual look, but maybe this time around it could be used for smart casual or even going out. Tank tops could be layered over a mesh 'Going out' top or even a smart shirt with black trousers or skirt. The 90's are coming back and this century will take it to a new level.
Thick head bands
Apparently, thick head bands are coming back from the dead, but to be honest I wouldn't be going that far with the 90's trend. It's okay to use one for relaxing etc, but I wouldn't feel comfortable going out in one that takes up half of my head and face.
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Tom Ford brought it back last Thursday and gave it an updated twist; a cut of leather. Some say it could look good on a night out, but it looks too much for me. Of course others may think differently, but I don't want to produce something that a lot of people may not like.
Spring/ Summer 2018
In the spring/ summer collection, instead of going back to just the 90's, it's also the 80's too with a pastel colour like theme to brighten the summer with style.
Pastel colours
These colours are not exactly from the eighties, but they start the summer vibe and starts to brighten up clothes from the cold winter.
On the runway, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi demonstrated just how to nail the saccharine trend without sacrificing on power, with one-shouldered dresses and drapery in shades of pink and green. Some clothing items represent the colours of ice-cream, which represents summer, but it comes in a range of sugary shades that look good on everything from tiers of ruffles to sharp tailoring.
Checkered patterns
In my opinion, checkered clothing has always been 'in'. I like wearing checkered shirts through the day and when I go to sleep. There are some checkered designs that look like a table cloth and in the 80's, they were an Autumn/winter hit.
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Designers like Sonia Rykiel and Mary Katrantzou opted for beautifully bright gingham and shopper-bag like checks, while British brand Burberry kept its classic check print on everything from rain coats to baseball caps, which is probably more beneficial for sales as I wouldn't really buy over the top checkered wear.
Vivid colours
Of course bright colours are nothing new, but this years trend kind sticks with primary shades or red, green, blue and the Pantone 2018 colour, ultraviolet.
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On the runway at Christopher Kane, Roksanda Ilincic, Balenciaga and Marni, this is a trend that needs to be worn with confidence as a dress is layered over a long-sleeve top with a show-stopping pair of shoes or statement earrings. Depending on how you feel about this trend, you can't go wrong. And to be honest, I wouldn't mind adding a bit more colour in my clothes.
Puffy sleeves
Now this trend is defiantly a blast from the past from the 80's. To be fair, you wouldn't expect something so puffy come back to fashion. I have noticed a few clothing shops selling clothes like these, but I thought it wasn't a big deal. I would prefer to wear things like this when going out with friends, but not for a family gathering or a meal. It shows that some designers are having a soft spit for the eighties whether they have grown up with that style or not, but clearly it was something to bring back.
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Designers like Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Off-White embraced the decade with everything from Working Girl-worthy prints, puff sleeved jackets, slouchy boots and boxy blouses.
