Pattern Inspiration: Spring Flowers

Clockwise from left: Vena Cava, TopShop, Mary Katrantzou, Oasis, Matthew Williamson

Spring flowers are a huge inspiration right now, and above are used to gorgeous effect in a variety of styles: graphic, photographic, painterly, and line-based. Time to get girly and colorful!

Spring 12: Matthew Williamson

Painterly florals and tribals ruled the day at Matthew Williamson.

Fall 11 Trend | Mirrored Opulence

Matthew Williamson, Holly Fulton, Pucci, Etro

A good number of frocks on the fall runways feature opulent, swirly designs in a mirrored repeat that splits the body in symmetrical half. Holly Fulton's prints had some 20's influences, Etro seemed to have a Medieval tapestry look, and Pucci's was more Baroque-inspired. Matthew Williamson featured his usual kaleidoscope prints, and then some floral embellishments as seen above that seem to have a folk-art influence.

Pre-Fall 2011: Textures

Doo.Ri,Matthew Williamson, Alice + Olivia, Jason Wu

Textures are always a classic print, and are hugely popular both on runway and in retail right now. At Printsource last week, apparel designers were clamoring for textures, soft painterly geometrics, and textury animal prints.

Book | Matthew Williamson

Coinciding with an exhibition at Somerset House, the upcoming publication released in October on Matthew Williamson captures the colorful and pattern infused designs of this British fashion icon. This is sure to be another book to add to the shelf for pattern lovers.

Somerset House
13 Oct 2010 - 30 Jan 2011
Courtyard Rooms
Free admission

Fall 10: Marble-licious

Matthew Williamson, Basso & Brooke, Mary Katrantzou, Matthew Williamson. Background: Pattern People
Matthew Williamson's marbleized prints are painterly and brushy, Basso & Brooke's look earthy like geodes and rock formations, and Mary Katrantzou's take on a more Rococco feel. In all instances, there is a psychedelic over-the-top element that makes us want to dive right in.

Pre-Fall 10: Textures

Matthew Williamson, Giambattista Valli, Balenciaga, Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler. Background: Pattern People
Solids can be flat and lifeless, so if you want to maintain a neutral surface while still creating a feeling of luxury, richness, and depth, textures are your answer. Of course, some of the textural prints/weaves shown above take on a life of their own, creating a very bold statement, especially for a non-print print.

Pre-Fall 10: You're an Animal!

Matthew Williamson, Just Cavalli, Lanvin
Pre-fall brings us some interesting animal prints. Matthew Williamson's are both digital and watery/ flowy, Just Cavalli's leopard spots look like cigarette burns, and Lanvin's animal prints are all vampy and womanly. I also loved Lanvin's photographs for the season.