Plains and prints

Whitespace became planned space as Plains & Prints, in collaboration with Rajo Laurel, transformed the open exhibition area into a creative path, literally. On the walls leading to the final display area and open court were words, illustrations and inspirations that lead to the collective birth of the collection.

Just in time for summer, painterly hues were the chosen finish of Rajo’s water-colored easy dresses. While on the other end of the spectrum, desaturated shades created solid pairings in draped jersey tops and tailored trousers.

And like a subliminal call to arms, fashion came out to play with guests choosing to side either in the patterned or the solid style camp. Both looks were strong contenders as they captured the season’s love for strong, vivid impressions. Of course declaring yourself with a fashion statement should be taken in stride with an unaffected nonchalance — bold choices will hardly be forgotten — and will be more of a challenge to recycle. But, then, in hindsight, should we even care?

Prints

My resolution this year was to incorporate more texture in my otherwise sleek and midnight uniform. And with the range of design finishes available in the retail scene, color and patterns have never been more exciting. Explore delicate pastel splashes, to blooming florals, or feral wild animal prints. Graphic linearity is also popular, but the best way to rock the print trend is to do it in a big, bold way: print on pattern coordinates ala Prada or spliced designs, meant to contrast and contradict like Carven.

Plains

Who said that basics are boring? Not when it’s this bright and color blocked. The new basic comes in the form of unpredictable hue mash-ups. Take Divine’s lime green/orange/bright blue/neon pink structured belt, or Rosanna’s royal blue and melon marriage, or Stacy’s sheer bubble gum pink and citrus button-down. Black may be the base that can pull everything together, but maybe for this summer, live a little and try some unexpectedness. Best brand to study and take notes: Jil Sander and Gucci and Louis Vuitton.