Fashion trends for 2012

If you are as baffled as I am as to how it is already 2012 (where did last year go?), I have a piece of advice for you: instead of wasting time pondering about what you have or have not done in the past year, start looking forward to this new one. And there is much to look forward to, at least where fashion is concerned. For Spring/Summer 2012, the designers sent out an abundance of light, bright and pretty trends that pay tribute to the spirit of the warmer months. Luckily for us in sunny Singapore, there is no need to wait until April to start trying them out. From pastel shades to animal prints, here are my top five picks of the latest trends to come off the runways for keeping you at the very forefront of fashion.

Candy Pastels

Candy-toned dessert colours are the palette du jour this season. Charming and feminine, these delicious pastels bring to mind indulgent sweet treats to be eaten on dreamy summer days. Henry Holland toughened up this girlie trend with plenty of punk-inspired street edge, Christopher Kane gives it a futuristic sheen while Phillip Lim kept it simple and sleek. To keep this look from becoming sickeningly sweet, keep the silhouettes clean and modern. Mix and layer different soft pastel shades for a fresh take on colour-blocking or pair it with crisp white to keep it looking classy. Add a touch of bold colour with your accessories for an interesting contrast.

Designer Inspiration: Louis Vuitton, Jonathan Saunders, Prada.

Where to Buy: If you are looking to invest, luxury retailer Luisa Via Roma (http://www.luisaviaroma.com/) has already started stocking pieces from 3.1 Phillip Lim S/S12 collection. For something more affordable, pick out a pastel sweater or two from ASOS such as the Aran jumper or the pink sweater from Topshop.

Head To Toe Prints

It is time to go a little wild with prints and do not worry about matching them – they are not supposed to. This may sound daunting at first but do not let that scare you off. Top to bottom clashing prints may sound like one of those trends that only works on the runway, but with some spunk and a devil-may-care attitude, it can be pulled off with style. The easiest way to do this is to mix pieces with the same type of print (i.e. floral) but of different size and colours. If you are going to wear just one print, make it a loud, colourful one.

Designer Inspiration: Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto, DKNY.

Where to Buy: Give Asian designers a try and check out Shopthemag.com. This fun and spunky peplum dress from Thai label Second Issue and the whimsical printed pieces from Manish Arora are great for channeling the full on prints trend. Also check out the Triologie maxi dresses in bold prints from Asia Fashion Inc.

Leather

Leather may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of summer, but this season, it is definitely one of the chosen ones. Celine first popularised the now must-have leather t-shirt back in 2010, and the fashion pack has never looked back since. For Spring/Summer 2012, even the typically lady-like Chanel collection included a handful of leather jackets while Maison Martin Margiela sent out graceful, ankle-grazing leather skirts. Designs featuring leather panels are a clever way of wearing this trend without feeling the heat. For a dose of high glamour, go the Balmain way with leather pieces appliquéd with gold, rich floral brocades.

Designer Inspiration: Balmain, Maison Martin Margiela, Rick Owens.

Where to Buy: Thanks to the fact that leather has been a major trend for the past few season, you can head over to the Outnet.com and buy off-season pieces (that are still relevant) at a fraction of their original prices! This suede T-shirt from Vince will go with just about anything.

The Twenties

It seems that in anticipation of The Great Gatsby movie (premiering this year), fashion designers have been hit by a bout of Roaring Twenties fever – and we are not complaining. Coinciding with the Jazz Age, this dynamic decade is known for being fabulously decadent, so you can expect its fashion to be equally fun. The loose, leisurely shapes and midi hemlines of the 1920s bourgeoisie exude an easy affluence and quiet exclusivity. The drop-waist flapper dress is an icon of that era but silky separates may prove to be more subtle and wearable.

Designer Inspiration: Ralph Lauren, Sonia Rykiel, Versus.

Where to Buy: Floaty sheer tops give a nod to the ‘20s without falling over into costume territory. Look out for antique-inspired details, such as lace and beading. These blouses from Modcloth.com have just the right amount of vintage appeal.

Animal Motifs

It’s purring cats at Victoria by Victoria Beckham, twittering sparrows at Carolina Herrara and a parade of safari animals at Mulberry – fashion is literally having a zoo day. Cute woodland creatures such as squirrels and bunnies are having their moment in the limelight as the animal theme this season is more adorable than wild (i.e. stripes and spots). Prevent this trend from becoming too child-like by keeping the shapes of the pieces womanly and opting for smaller motifs that requires a closer look to discern.

Designer Inspiration: Carolina Herrara, Peter Jensen, Victoria by Victoria Beckham.

Where to Buy: The high street stores have caught on to the animal motif trend months ago, so you will be able to find fun pieces, like this rabbit print pencil skirt at TopShop and H&M.