Fresh Crop: The Look of Spring Fashion 2016

Posted on April 01, 2016, 8:00 am
6 mins

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The month of April doesn’t just usher in May flowers–it is the gateway to spring, each year revealing a fresh crop of new silhouettes and styles along with up-and-coming designers. Whether colorful looks for going on holiday or statement pieces to wear to the office, this year’s spring fashion includes new trends sure to give your closet a breath of fresh air.

For this month’s Vogue a Trois, I was inspired by the television show The Fashion Fund, a competition in which ten designers work alongside industry greats to prove they have what it takes to be named Fashion Fund Designer of the Year. The winner receives $300,000 and a one-year mentorship with some of the biggest names in fashion. The series isn’t just another reality show: It gives a real sense of the immense talent that is out there, and the even greater requirements and obstacles that face talented new designers.

 

Fresh Crop #3

Rosie Assoulin is more than a promising new designer: Since her line’s debut in 2013, she has been turning heads with her fresh take on proportions and a creative sense that is pure magic. Pieces boast couture volume and jaw-dropping style that is the perfect blend of killer eveningwear and casual cool girl. Her cutout floral culottes should end any questions you may have had about the idea of wearing culottes again, with gorgeous sunny yellow fabric and a high waist just perfect for a cropped top. I liked the idea of a simple denim top to complement the volume of the pants–plus, if you have enough sass to rock these fab pants, then you should have no problem wearing socks and sandals. I adore these Gucci Querelle Horsebit Slingback Sandals paired with pretty Topshop chambray colored ruffled socks. Add accessories like a pair of Ray-Ban yellow sunnies, and a ZAC Zac Posen Eartha bag with a floral detail that mirrors the pant cutouts. Since Oscar de la Renta has been Assoulin’s mentor for the past year, I thought it fitting to use his Enamel Floral Collar Necklace and a pair of gorgeous red lips to seal the deal.

 

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Another incredible line to watch from the newest crop of talented designers is Marques ’ Almeida’s Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida. Last year the duo won the second annual LVMH Prize, an international contest for young designers selected by some of the industry’s biggest creative figures. To me, nothing is fresher in fashion than pure beautiful white, especially when it comes in the form of Marques ‘ Almeida’s High Waisted Fluted Skirt and Off The Shoulder Cropped Top, a combination of two trends, cropped pieces and shoulder baring. This gorgeous look would be stunning with a pair of wedges for a dressier look, but I also love a pair of groovy sneakers, like this Nike Roshe Cherry Blossom pair. If you are enjoying some sunny weather, why not pack up your things in this Mar Y Sol Dove Ibiza Tote Bag from Favery, champion of the independent designer? I am so happy lariat necklaces have made their way back into the jewelry boxes of the fashionable, and no one does it better than Gorjana with its subtle alphabet center. In keeping with our all white look, a pretty Groove Coin statement ring by Stephanie Kantis and a pair of ACNE Studios Mustang Oval Sunglasses complete this elegant but casual step into spring.

 

Fresh Crop

Moschino is known for their cheeky high style, and I absolutely love their High Heel Printed Trousers. You could wear them to work with a simple sweater or blazer, but if you are headed out for some fun, go big or go home with Zara’s Open Back Top. It is a winner for its fabulous details alone: Absolutely huge yet elegant sleeves that bell at the wrist, a pretty open keyhole back and ribbon tie at the nape of the neck. Wear a high heel that echoes the print of the pants: I grabbed a bright yellow pair of Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies Pumps with a little zing to them. The Whistles Navy Shiny Croc Rivington Clutch complements the navy blouse, while the on-trend shoulder sweeping Thaiti Pearl & Crystal Earrings by Salvatore Ferragamo keep it elegant.

Although it may not seem like it on these blow-your-umbrella-inside-out days, warmer weather isn’t far away. Give your closet a blast of sunshine with looks from fashion’s new faces, or try a fresh piece picked from the bounty of great new looks this season. Happy Spring!

Lisa Cole is the fashion and style writer for Vanguard Seattle, and her work includes covering fashion news and events, runway shows and boutiques. She has her own fashion and lifestyle blog, www.westfultonstreet.com, and is a member of Independent Fashion Bloggers and Fashion Group International.