5 Spring Runway Trends We Can Get Behind
Zac Posen sent his cadre of models down the runway in purple lipstick for spring -- proving the shade can work on black, fair and olive skin alike. On paper, the idea might sound extreme, but purple lips and mascara against bare skin? A perfectly modern -- and pretty -- look.
Smooth, straight locks were a recurring theme on the spring runways. Thankfully for those of us living in the real world, the hair wasn't tortured into submission. Bends, flips and kinks were welcome, giving the clean look a natural, modern feel. Here at Miu Miu, a half-pulled-back hairstyle dominated.
British designer Matthew Williamson, known for his pop, psychedelic prints, applied a luxe hippie aesthetic to his spring show's hair and makeup. The hair was straight, not severe; polished, but not perfect. In other words: just as wearable as the breezy, boho chic dresses he's known for.
Bust out the bike shorts and neon brights. The 90s, an increasing influence in recent seasons, made its strongest impression yet on spring runways. Alexander Wang waxed nostalgic with oversized, neon pink and tangerine blazers and body-conscious dresses with sheer cutouts.
At Balmain, the last decade exerted its influence on military-inspired jackets that En Vogue and Paula Abdul would have killed for in their day. But the dramatic, built-up shoulders gave the look a modern update.
Balancing the to-be-expected bright, springtime shades, neutrals were a recurring theme in shows from Vena Cava, Balenciaga and Celine. "Greige" -- a combination of gray and beige that legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland used to love -- was prominent. So were shades of cream, pale peach and faint lavendar.
Who said neutrals couldn't be bold? This suit at the Vena Cava show straddled the line between aggressive and soft with skinny, sharp tailoring and an understated shade. And the vest? It simply screams vintage YSL.