Through dark evenings and freezing cold weather, the idea of spring just around the corner is a welcome one. Of course with a new season comes new fashion trends. This year, we are embracing our newfound freedom and looking forward to a post-pandemic world dressing in sexy and glamorous attire.
The spring-summer 2022 collections solidified the 1990s and 2000s as fashionable once again. A classic staple, the biker jacket, has been given a 2020’s makeover with designer brands Alexander McQueen and Simone Rocha mixing leather with denim, adding studs and contrasting sharp lapels with feminine puff shoulders. The juxtaposition of grunge and hyper-feminine aesthetics was evident across the runways. Vogue describes 2022’s vibe as ‘super sheer, super tight, and super short’. Versace and Gucci embraced the ‘new sexy’ with sheer sparkly slip dresses. Miu Miu and Chanel followed in their footsteps, raising hemlines and lowering waistlines, ushering in an era of micro skirts. This move has solidified the return of the low waist. Brands like Missoni, MSGM and Molly Goddard have reached new lows – in terms of waistlines – confirming ultra low slung jeans in baggy silhouettes as a spring must-have. Models Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have been rocking this style, often opting for exposed thong straps, reviving a trend not seen since the beginning of the millennium. The return of the midriff continued this season with designers hiking up our crop tops and implementing cut-outs. In 2022, it seems we are channelling Kiera Knightly’s infamous 2003 red carpet moment with a hint of Euphoria.
As sexy and over the top styles dominate streetwear, glamour is also experiencing a transformation. The Valentino spring-summer collection, optimistically looks towards a post-pandemic future, mingling bright colours to create an exciting sanguine vibe. Pierpaolo Piccioli, Creative Director of Valentino, approached the collection with an aim to appeal to Gen Z. He showcased lightweight silk tailoring, an abundance of dresses ranging from cut-out minis to flowing caftans and experimented with ‘mini-maxi’ proportion play bearing a modern glamour for a new generation. Many celebrities and influencers have been spotted wearing such trends. In January, Dua Lipa posted an Instagram of her wearing a black bodycon dress with ten cut-outs, cementing the trend into the realm of Gen Z formal wear. Christian Siriano is another designer leading the way in opulent dressing. His spring summer 2022 collection was heavily inspired by the 60s and 70s, proving that the 90s and 2000s are not the only decades experiencing a revival. Vibrant orange and pink hues, neon ball gowns, statement suits and slinky dresses were unapologetically glamorous and nostalgic.
After a difficult two years, this spring is all about living life to the fullest. This attitude is certainly reflected in the upcoming trends with racy and revealing fashion taking centre stage over casual modest lockdown looks. The bright colours, noticeable in recent collections, mirror the collective optimism we feel as restrictions are lifted and life returns to normality after a long hiatus.