Reinvent yourself just in time for Spring/Summer ‘22.
Words by Lesego Ntsime | Images: Getty
“She can beat me, but she cannot beat my outfit,” proclaimed singer-turned-mogul, Rihanna while receiving her CFDA Fashion Icon Award in 2014. Eight years later, these words thicken the air of spring as we prepare to adorn our interpretations and renditions of the latest Spring/Summer ‘22 trends and create our own iconic fashion moments.
After floating through the seemingly endless abyss of the pandemic with summers postponed and dreamy outfits left to wander aimlessly in our minds and wardrobes, the doors into a world of bright colours, barely-there silhouettes, and over-the-top proportions are officially open.
This is the summer of YOU, and our Spring/Summer ‘22 Trend Report is here to guide you through it. Individuality dictates the style narrative this season, and more and more, we are beginning to accept trends as guides instead of style templates of how fashion can be interpreted.
Style, by definition, is personal. A sort of intimate space that extracts from our stories and experiences to present itself in the form of fashion. So this spring/summer, be more than one you, be every you. Try something different, merge style archetypes, combine trends and experiment. In the words of Miuccia Prada: “Strange is not strange anymore.”
And in a season where we will be hearing Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE, along with the re-emergence of disco and house music, and other sonic masterpieces from Amapiano and AfroBeats artists echoing from sound devices everywhere, style will be the mandate.
We offer you this Trend Report as a guide into unlimited fashion possibilities and now? You’re up.
Image source: Magazine Features
Undoubtedly a contender for one of the decade’s most defining trends, the miniskirt is growing higher and better. With ‘70s, ‘90s and noughties fashion influencing much of today’s trends, it’s no surprise that the denim mini is becoming a street style staple and is anchoring itself in our spring/summer wardrobes. An ode to retro, the denim mini can be styled for days at the beach and nights out. Go from fitted to pleated in a fabric that stands the test of time. Pair with sneakers or flats for a casual look or let your heels match the high hemlines in rocketing inches.
Get in, sexy is back. Although this phrase has been uttered countlessly since fashion’s escape from the grip of “inactivity”, the truth is in the garments this time.
With relentless nostalgia, the need to make up for ‘lost time’, and a Y2K revival, sexy is making its mark. True to form, at Mugler (a house notorious for corsets and erogenous zones) femme fatales - among them Megan Thee Stallion and Dominique Jackson - were wrapped in tight latex and body-hugging strips of fabric.
Diesel - enjoying its own comeback - opted for a more edgy yet subtle interpretation of sexy for its Resort 2023 collection - skin-tight denim, plunging necklines, and asymmetrical hemlines. Sexy has no limits, so channel it your way. Enjoy a night luxe look in slip dresses or opt for the reliable two-piece set. Take a risk and wear a blazer as a dress or play around with necklines.
Either way, your erogenous zones, your rules!
We back outside, and that automatically means flooding the streets with boisterous looks. The question at hand is this, “Are you the drama?” And the streets offer a resounding yes to that question.
For his S/S ‘22 collection, Marc Jacobs married drama and monochrome as deep textures and contrasting proportions draped bodies while Thebe Magugu went over-the-top (quite literally) in out-of-this-world head wraps for their S/S ‘22 collection. As the events season begins - weddings, glamorous birthday parties, and rooftop gatherings alike - we anticipate a "wearing more and going out more" reception to style. Think baggier-than-baggy cargo pants, excess fabric for volume in dresses, and unmissable accessories. Whichever interpretation of drama suits you, more is more.
Images sourced via Thabo Kopele, SELFI
Clean, too clean. Albeit minimalism has asserted its power in fashion in previous decades (Calvin Klein’s ‘90s and Phoebe Philo’s 2010s), this season it is taking it a step further and going full-on white with traces of femininity and utter coolness (see fashion designer Simone Porte Jacquemus’ wedding for inspo).
Timeless and crisp, this trend continues to reinvent itself and local designers have embraced it in previous years. Ranging from whites to off-whites, Connade, Thabo Kopele and Selfi have presented intricate, well-considered garments in this non-hue. For the unrelenting minimalist, pair an oversized shirt with matching pants. Effortlessness is key - throw on a dress or cami for those days when you don’t feel like trying at all.
Bottega green, Valentino pink and now Christopher John Rogers blue? It’s safe to say colour is swiftly creeping into our wardrobes. After a hiatus from all things bright and beautiful, colour is once again dominating the streets.
At Hanifa, an entire spectrum of colour made waves (pun intended) for their S/S ‘22 collection while Rejina Pyo opted for a more carefree, vacation approach to colour - sweet pastels and warm textures. Hinting at her S/S ‘22 collection, Mantsho by designer Palesa Mokubung, gave us a generous share of vitamin D with a dress that appears to rival the sun. Although it seems like colour has always been an indomitable trend, the last couple of years may have stolen our ability to look on the brighter side, and this season we can return to fixing our gaze on the hues that make our hearts dance.
Be optimistic, explore possibilities and live in colour.