Breathe Easy for Summer '13 Fashion

I know we haven't even seen 2012's summer yet, but when you work in the fashion industry, you have no choice but to work at least a year ahead. Yes, it gets a bit confusing sometimes, especially when trends follow through from one year to another, but it does feel great to be ahead of the game, just that bit. (Little tip, peplums are still on trend for next summer, so make an investment).

So here's my mini collection developing from my current catwalk collection, taking themes and inspiration from Barcelona through to next summer and its key trends. My market is still aimed at around 25 to 35 year old women, but focused more on casual summer holiday wear, that's easy to mix and match, and more importantly is practical for those active holiday-goers. 

As you can see, a lightweight jacket and cape are part of the outfits, taking care of those cooler summer days or spots of rain. (British weather was an influence when designing this collection, as you can probably guess from my frequent references to it recently...) Being in off-whites and pale greys,  the outerwear pieces are easy to put with any outfit.

Traveller chic and safari prints were also influences on this collection, mainly on colour and fabric choices. The sunflower yellow, dirt brown and jungle green reflect this, balancing out the paler colours in the palette. Not only this, but yellow is key for next summer, and totally oozes 'summer', even if we can't see it!

Maxi skirts with wrap-over features are also something I have highlighted, as well as cargo shorts and loose shirts and tops for comfort. Design features that I have tried to carry through from my current collection are pleats, and column-like style lines, while looser fits and feature patch pockets are new.

Working on this 'What's next?' collection has been a great insight for reinventing collections for different seasons, something that many designers do to some extent. With some new inspiration it's surprising how collections can differ making only a few changes, to colour, fabric or even a new target market. My next post will focus on the mood of my collection, so  stick around!