trend predictions SS11 and AW12

So I've been job-hunting of late, and one of the things that every interviewer has asked me, is my trend predictions for this coming Spring/Summer 2011 season, as well as Autumn/Winter 2012. I decided to create moodboards for my Top 5 Trends for each season. What are your "must-have items"?

Interstoff Textile Forecast 2011-2012.

An important part of design is to stay relevant, and realize and take note of what is happening in the fashion world globally. As Heidi famously quotes: "In fashion, the one day you're in, the next day you're out". Although it's important to have your own concept, vision and uniqueness, it is equally important not to bury your head in the sand and risk becoming irrelevant.

One way of keeping contemporary is to read trend reports. Several websites offer free trend predictions (www.cosmoworlds.com; www.ciff.dk), but it is also important to compare these to the runway to check their validity. I like to take a look at the trend forecasts and then see if I can compare them to relevant designers. Here's what I mean:

Interstoff Textile Forecast AW2011/12

Forecast: Northern Shelter

Designer Collection : Michael Kors Resort 2011

Forecast: Indulgent Dreams

Designer Collection: Chanel SS2011

Forecast: Layers of Time

Designer Collection: Vivienne Westwood SS2011

Forecast: Crazy Creations

Designer Collection: Alberta Ferretti SS2011

Interstoff is a Trend Forecasting committee head up by Messe Frankfurt HK Ltd. It is comprised of experts in the fashion industry from prominent global fashion capitals, and helps to serve as an "invaluable tool for designers and garment professionals", helping to guide them in the right direction for the forthcoming fashion seasons. For more information, visit: Messe Frankfurt

leather shorts? yes, i would like a pair, please?

If you haven't seen the wave of attention over leather shorts yet, just you wait! The catwalks for Spring/Summer 2011 are flooded with these delicious little delights. We're seeing this trend gain momentum big time, from street snaps, to online stores. 

Street

Alix, Paris via StreetPeeper.com

Sarah Kuhn at Rodarte SS201 via StreetPeeper.com

Catwalk

Chloe SS2011 via NYMag

Balmain SS2011

Richard Nicholl SS2011

Chanel SS2011

Balmain 2011

Stores

MinkPink via Asos.com

Asos.com

One TeaSpoon via Asos.com

Muubaa via Asos.com

a weekend of vintage shopping, tea drinking, sweetpea smelling, and fun having...

Another beautiful weekend in Johannesburg, South Africa!!! The weather is sunny and warm, the grass is green, the Jacaranda trees are bright purple, and the feeling that the end of the year is fast approaching is exhilarating! 

What better way to spend the time than trailing our local neighborhoods for some treasure purchases! Thanks to Emma Jane for the heads-up on the Stuff That's Nice sale in Craighall Park. There were "nearly new", vintage and new pieces on offer. I got an amazing Zara jacket that I am completely in love with, and another pretty lace top. Gorgeous venue, yummy yummy champagne and cupcakes, and b.e.a.utiful clothes!!!

The beautiful venue!

My purchases... love! 

All the Lovlies

Next up we visited the Constable/Robyn De Klerk/Loincloth and Ashes Sale in Greenside. Some stunning pieces from these young designers. I bought a lovely floral headband from RDK. 

Pretty Pretty Things

Apparently both of the places we visited will be having sales again in December, so I will keep you all updated with the info...

in the mood to inspire...

iFashion has just released the trends on the runway for Spring/Summer 2011. Here are four of my favourites. I've decided to create a moodboard inspired by each of them (thanks polyvore)...