SPLASH, Middle East's largest fashion retailer and part of the Landmark Group, has launched its AW'12 Collection. With blockbuster trends already at the top of every fashionistas shopping list, the Splash season collection is all set to offer high-voltage fashion trends that draw inspiration from the most popular catwalk trends, across the globe. Ranging from retro mix of the 19th century to tapestry and heritage classics and all the way to military alongside some Eastern futurism, the trends are given a spin to provide chic and elegant fashion. Beautifully married into the Fashion 365 campaign of this season, the looks are presented against a billowing background as florals and lace, bonded fabrics, fur and fabric combinations, felted wool and silk make the sartorial cut. While fashion is looking outside of its own borders, the ‘Plush age of Aquarius' finds inspiration from the rich carved appeal of the 19th century which is a culture clash of color, print and pattern. With Belle Epoque and Baroque Rococo as inspirations and Bohemian skirt silhouettes teamed with long-haired gilet, the silhouettes are all about sharp tailoring, peplums, throw-on or slouchy jacket shapes. Black is plentiful throughout textured floral as an offbeat mix of electric blackberry, bitter chocolate, aubergines and plum brown darks are worked with a tawny coral and mauve grey. Unexpected brights come in the form of ribbon red and autumnal ochre all worked back to a dusted flesh tone neutral. Decorative influences are important within the trend and glamorous evening wear is decorated with luxurious lace and embroidered with touches of gold. AW'12 sees ‘Retro' make a comeback but in a new avatar, with the French feel of the early 60s as a key influence. Dusty neutrals, cosmetic tones and powdery pales are teamed with charcoal, orange and brown as the season's ‘It' colors, where the trend features simple funnel-neck coats and boxy cropped jackets, shell tops and skirt suits, shift dresses and tunic knits amongst others. Also keep a look out for simple shapes vs. detailed merging and contrasting – SG
