Everything's Hotter Under The Water! (or Under The Sea, Continued)

Givenchy's Glam Fins
Photo from Style.com

So my last post started as a trend story on the oceanic themes from many of last month's shows, but was derailed by the "On The Street" post! So here it is! Next spring is all about Ariel, The Little Mermaid! I know, it sounds trite, but the amazing feats designers pulled to express the trend, are so beautiful, it doesn't come across as cheesy at all!

Chanel's Conch Clutch
Photo from Style.com

 See the conch shell clutches at Chanel, especially the sea foam pink version covered in pearls. The shoes with coral stem heels, were fun, and a little frivolous with a miniskirt, but could be worn as seriously fierce heels with long bias cut dress! 

 I know I have already ranted about the brilliance of Riccardo Tisci, and his spring collection at Givenchy, but here we go again! The shark tooth necklaces, and fins coming off the beautifully tailored suits, were amazing. The shark teeth reference was repeated on shoes as the clasps. So clever and understated. And again lets mention how sharp the edges were on the suits! They were clean and crisp lines accentuated by brilliant, seemingly alive flounces. 

McQueen's Coral Wedge
Photo from Style.com

 Sara Burton at Alexander McQueen, went in a less literal direction, using coral to cover shoes, and even a dress, but most of her sea live was represented through organic shapes on garments. The leather belts over day suits were shaped like waves, and there were beautiful little baby dolls that appeared to move in a ocean current when the model walked! 

Versace Starfish Gown
Photo from Style.com

 While most designers stayed away from prints next season, Donatella Versace, never one to understate, used sea stars, and clams, on her crisp pastel laden collection. It was a definite Versace moment using the classic printing technique, on little shorts, suits and corset tops. Lucite wedges had Sea horses appliqued onto them, and the finale dress plastered with jewel encrusted star fish!

 Designers escapism was showing through, or maybe a hint that they feel like things are picking up, and the brief dark, and minimal period is over, and we need some bright and sunny... Or maybe they just need a vacation!