It’s time to make a statement. Spring may have been all about fine muted tones and delicate floral patterns, but summer is set to explode with eye-popping hues as neon takes a center stage. Bright impact colors made significant appearances in a number of influential SS shows, including Versace, Roksanda Ilincic, Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Giambattista Valli, Jill Sander and Ralph Lauren.
Strike it bright! The summer dress took on some seriously vibrant shades at Versace, Zac Posen and Roksanda Ilincic.
While all of the designers choose to handle the trend differently, it seemed clear by the end of fashion week that neon was back. The Jill Sander runway was dominated by high impact shades, featured on everything from super vibrant fuchsia cigarette pants to a day-glo orange shift dress.
Ralph Lauren accented his signature equestrian styles this season with flashes of acidic yellow and electric blue, and the trend was also strongly acknowledged at the Giambattista Valli and Versace shows, where sexy summer dresses and dramatic full length gowns stormed down the runway in blinding yellows, limes and pinks.
From Left to right: Miu Miu spongy leather rounded tote; Marc Jacobs Eve Flo Ranna pouchette in acid yellow; Fendi Chef East West bag.
Neon shades are also making a considerable appearances on a number of high-ranking accessory pieces, such as Louboutin shoes and Marc Jacobs and Fendi handbags. Marc Jacobs, whose impeccable design has made him the proud creator of many of the worlds most beloved ‘it’ bags, has now taken one of his most famous creations, the quilted Stam, and given it a neon makeover. The Day Fluo Quilted Little Stam bag hangs delicately from the shoulder in a bright green fluorescent goatskin.
From left to right: Brian Atwood Leona patent slingbacks; Christian Louboutin Privatita platform slingbacks; Alexander McQueen fuchsia satin rope tie sandals.
Furthermore, neon’s influence does not seem to have ended with the 08 SS shows. The use of fluorescent tones and bold colors has continued into many of the designers fall lines. Ralph Lauren, Versace, and Roksanda Ilincic all returned for fashion week with outfits marked by dramatically bright shades, and Christian Dior’s ready-to-wear line also joined the neon brigade with a collection of neat Kennedy-era inspired suits in strikingly bright orange, lime and tomato red. Giorgio Armani was also seen outlining his sleek and sexy fall collection with sharp injections of vivid fuchsia and electric deep violet.
With so many fashion powerhouses subscribing in full to the allure of neon, it seems hard to deny that vibrant day-glo shades will soon become a high-ranking trend that is impossible to ignore. It may not be the summer style dominating the attire of celebrity fashionistas’ and streetwear brands quiet yet, but it is slowly and surely on the rise and not to be underestimated. Expect neon to make a sure appearance on the high street scene very soon.
From Spring to Fall: Neon hues remains in check at the Fall shows of Christian Dior, Emporio Armani and Versace.
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
