Deep sea references were plenty on Spring 2012 runways and designers used inspiration from sea landscape, animals, plants, under-water formations and the water itself to incorporate the textures, effects and colors of the mysterious and dreamy side of the deep sea. All the textures, colors and glamor of the deep sea came alive in a more irridescent, glimmery, glowy and pearly way. The shapes on the other hand have a modern twist with focus on playful optical balance and a moderate dose of structure here and there, enough to render the collections a lady-like feel. If Mary Katranzou’s collection was more in your face for you with all the bold ocean prints with a “live” feel blended with cold industrial elements, then you might love the more subtler and lady-like deep sea elements that other designers incorporated into their 2012 Spring collection. Take a look at some of the sea inspired details included in the collections by Chanel, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani and Versace in the below pictures.
Givenchy textures and finishes inspired by the gorgeous fish scales were highlight of the show. The scaly textured cut-outs looked very much like beautiful fish skin. The textures and the iridescent glowy quality of the beautiful sea dwellers were captured perfectly in this gorgeous collection. Just take a look at the black dress above, what do you think?
Armani’s collection on the other hand, was filled with pieces that were very polished, tailored and clean with a modern sophisticated feel. Rich gem inspired sea colors, clean shapes and subtle sea textures set this collection apart. There were clearly pieces with shapes inspired by the conch and the sea shells. Glowy, shimmery and iridescent hues ranging from beautiful sea blues and greens glowed on the runway. Details included simple slits, modern shaped peplums and clean drapes inspired by the sea elements such as sea shells, which added interest while still maintaining the simple elegance of this collection.
At Versace, the color palette was beautiful, serene and mesmerizing filled with pastel sea colors and whites. Motifs such as starfish and sea horses made from studs used as embellishments glowed beautifully on serene colored backgrounds. There were also a few sea inspired prints in the collection such as sea horses and sea shells.
Chanel‘s collection was light, airy and fluid, infused with amazing deep sea elements, effects and textures. Generous use of pearls on hair, face, spine and other parts of the skin as adornment added a feel of uniqueness and magical deep sea glow to the looks. Prints resembled movement of water or waves and shapes were unique with details that mimicked fish scales, gills, spongy seaweed or coral like under-water formations. Color palette was soft and matched the theme with sea foam, shell pink, pearl and other sea inspired pastels with iridescent and pearly glow as part of the palette.
Did you like the deep sea references on the Spring 2012 runway? Which collection is your favorite? Do these collections make you want to say goodbye to snake prints and hello to fish prints? Would love to hear your views 🙂
“Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality.” ~ Karl Lagerfeld
40 comments for “Sea Mystique”