European Style Trends the US Needs to Get With
Europe is often ahead of the game when it comes to creative expression, quicker to embrace the quirky and avant garde than many of us Americans. This is true in music as well as fashion. Jimi Hendrix and Tori Amos are two iconic musicians who, though both American, first made it big in England. In the world of fashion, Hubert du Givency is a prime example of a European designer who brought the sensibility of French style to American fashion and Hollywood royalty through his work with Jacqueline Kennedy and British actress Audrey Hepburn.
We the fashion-obsessed here at Exhibit A are inspired to explore European style and expand our sometimes too-tame-too-safe American wardrobes with fashion cues from abroad. The archives from fashion weeks SS19 and FW19 are up, and we are down the rabbit hole!! We’re diving deep into runway trends from the collections in Paris, London, and Milan and giving you gorgeous gals some inspiration for bringing our favorite European trends to the US.
Utility
We’ve all seen a cute cargo pant, but have we really fully embraced the utility trend in all of its multi-functional glory? We’re talking one-piece boiler suits and utility belt bags; plus cargo vests, cargo skirts, cargo pockets everywhere!
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Micro-pleating
Pleats are nothing new, but micro pleating in unexpected places is a fresh new take on the trend and dazzled the runways at Valentino, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, and the French houses of Givenchy and Balmain.
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Neon
This one isn’t for the faint of fashion heart. Grab your batteries, ladies, and plug into the brightest hues you’ve ever seen.
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Handcrafted Crochet, Macramé, and Netting
These techniques have been around forever and add a beautiful artisanal touch to your look. Whether your angle is beachy, boho, or sporty street, these handcrafted textiles add visual interest with depth, texture, and a mixed-media feel.
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Feathery Fringe
This luxe trimming was all over the runways this year and adds an element of whimsical glamour.
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Big, BIG Bows
I’m taking a fashion illustration class at Parsons, and I keep sketching dresses and blouses with giant oversize bows, but my classmates don’t seem to get it. I am hereby vindicated with these dramatic bows from the likes of Fendi, Celine, and Balmain!
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And just for giggles, check this combo of the utility and big bow trends:
via Farfetch
Wow.
Cover image via Standard.co