FLARE MAGAZINE – SPRING/SUMMER RUNWAY TREND REPORT 2011
Calgary Fashion was happy to be one of the lucky 50 to attend FLARE Magazine’s Spring and Summer Trend Event at CrossIron Mills, which featured a Runway Trend Report from Mosha Lundstrom Halbert -Associate Editor of Fashion News for FLARE Magazine.
CF: What are the main spring/summer fashion staples this year?
MLH: A fashion piece that is orange, a color-blocking dress, an all-white look (either a suit or a dress), an athletic-inspired look, and a silver fashion piece (ex. pants or a ‘90s style dress).
CF: What are your own fashion essentials for this season?
MLH: A formal black tie look. Always stock up in advance because you don’t want to be rushing around last minute looking for one. Also, I always pack a pair of heels and use them as a conversational piece. In a new place, a great pair of shoes is a great way to break the ice. I also bring a cashmere blanket wrap, a sleeveless trench, and a leather jacket. The trench and leather jacket give me three looks to work with. If the weather is warm, I can wear either one on its own. If it gets colder, I can wear the leather jacket underneath the trench. I also suggest carrying a Dutch – daytime clutch. Find a purse that is minimalistic and tailored to add to your spring/summer wardrobe.
CF: What are this season’s trends for shoes?
MLH: The platform is very woman-friendly. Aldo has some amazing platforms. Metallic shoes that are clean and minimalistic are also in this season. The beiges, blacks and whites of snakeskin and python prints also work great. Cowboy boots are never out, but they are more locational. Find boots with higher heels for a more night time look.
CF: Which of these spring/summer trends best fits you?
MLH: ‘90s Minimalism. I fell in love with this era. The fashions from [the movie] Clueless, Helmut Lang, Gwyneth Paltrow and Versace still inspire me. As an editor, I’m always whittling down and distilling information and this trend does the same thing with fashion. It’s a clean style that lets my best features shine.
CF: Which celebrity fashionistas are trend-setters in that trend?
MLH: Irina Lazareanu, Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger, Carey Mulligan, Cate Blanchett, and Tilda Swinton.
CF: Who are the fashion movers this season?
MLH: Marc Jacobs is having one of his best seasons with his take on the ‘70s YSL trend. Joseph Altuzarra is also moving fashion with his use of python prints and pops of neon, while Aquilano.Rimondi is creating a new wave of fashion in Italian design. Phoebe Philo is universally the most influential designer. She sets the pace and everyone is just keeping up.
CF: How would you describe Calgary’s fashion?
MLH: Calgary’s fashion has a western style but it is still very modern and has a real sense of occasion. Calgarians really know how to dress up and change their looks from day to night. That’s why a lot of international retailers are realizing Calgary is a hot spot for fashion.
CF: If you were attending the Calgary Stampede, what would you wear?
MLH: I would wear white jeans with a tucked-in denim button-down shirt with a fabulous belt. I would have to wear a 10 gallon suede cowboy hat and pair of wild and modern heels.
CF: Do you have any other fashion advice for Calgarians?
MLH: Your style should look effortless but still coordinated. Use accessories to tie a look together by repeating colors from your clothing. When wearing prints, think extremes. You can mix small print pieces with large prints, but never mix small/large prints with medium prints.
Lipstick is coming back into the fashion world with shades of red, coral and oranges. Treat it like jewellery – wear lipstick to add color pops to your wardrobe.
When shopping, always buy several sizes to see how it fits and try them on in the comfort of your own home. Remember some pieces look better loose fitting. A common mistake women make is wearing clothing that is too tight and too short. The key to fashion is balance – match sexy styles with classy pieces to keep your look seductive and polished. Also, find your key silhouettes and repeat them in your wardrobe. Your silhouettes change as you mature, so keep your wardrobe updated, so your look always looks age appropriate.
Interview by Elle Nguyen
Photography by Anthony Yuen
