Spring 2013 runway trends: stripes

Oct 1, 2012
LadyLUX • Fashion

Across the runways in Milan and Paris, stripes were making a statement. The classic print was found in horizontal, vertical or diagonal formations. While they were best in black and white, designers also gave stripes new life in a full spectrum of colors from pink to orange to turquoise. Stripe widths varied but generally stayed on the wider side, easily providing versatility between traditional ladylike or modern looks. Designers crafted skirt suits, t-shirt dresses, pajama pants, short sets and outerwear with the barcode pattern, making it a key graphic trend for Spring 2013.

Dolce and Gabbana’s second return to Sicily was more colorful and upbeat than the first. The collection embodied Domenico Dolce’s home city with street-theater puppet prints, ornate patterns and stripes in green, blue and black with white. The wide lines suggested a casual yet fresh sensibility juxtaposed with the rich prints, especially with loose-fitting knee-length skirts and silk tees.

Issey Miyake’s collection went two ways: black and white stripes or stripes in nearly every shade possible. Before the color explosion, the designer sent out a series in the motif, each with a different effect. Distressed, slanted, ruched, wide blocks or with a painted on appearance – he had it all and all on varying silhouettes.

While Miyake and Dolce and Gabbana went with relaxed fits, Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing took stripes to a structured realm. The line pattern easily fit into his story that revolved around Miami, Cuba and the ‘90s. High-waisted trousers extended the legs to look longer than ever while a trench coat was transformed from classic to cool. Splashes of yellow and an intense graphic checked print further amped up the stripes.