And that’s something that’s sure to be reflected in spring-summer 2022 womenswear wardrobes, with festive, colourful, bright, often short-cut pieces, and with the bra making an appearance as the guest star of the season, or almost.
Lingerie inside and out
Sensuality will be on the cards next summer, when visible lingerie returns as a fashion trend.
Although rarely seen in New York and London, bras were on display under jackets, coats, blazers, and with pantsuits or streetwear-inspired jeans, expressing a certain sensuality in Milan.
In some way, it’s a surprising trend, since the pandemic and its various lockdowns undermined this womenswear staple, to the point that many women stopped wearing it altogether, embracing the “braless” movement that’s been gaining ground for several months.
Fendi, Etro, Alberta Ferretti and Roberto Cavalli all brought the bra to the forefront on the catwalks, just as many fashion houses showcased baby doll-style tops.
All that glitters
Subdued shades and neutrals are rarely present in summer wardrobes, but it’s clear that fashion houses are on a mission to put vibrant, energetic shades in the spotlight for the upcoming spring/summer season.
Yellow was already ubiquitous on the London catwalks, and this was also the case in Milan, as seen at Prada and Max Mara.
Here, though, designers added sparkle and shine – and plenty of it – creating a certain festive spirit that was perhaps not so prevalent in London and New York.
Indeed, the party came to the catwalk with a shower of crystals at the Fendi & Versace joint show, colourful effects and shimmering details at Alberta Ferretti, and multicoloured sequins with fringing at N°21.
Suits join the party
Back to work means back to suits for many women, but not in their pre-pandemic form.
As seen in London, the suit is now landing in more fluid materials offering greater freedom and flexibility, but also in more loose-fitting cuts.
In Milan, the oversized suit was everywhere, and most often seen in bright colours. This trend was seen at Emporio Armani, Fendi and Versace.