29 March 2012

BEIRUT: It’s nearly the beginning of a new month and pay day, and it is finally shifting from winter to spring. Many of our wardrobes are in need of a spring cleaning and last year’s clothes won’t suffice to carry us through to the summer months.

Beirut Souks’ fashion consultant and stylist, Hadia Sinno, spoke to The Daily Star about this spring’s key trends and how to get the looks right. “This spring is all about colors,” Sinno says. “Pastel shades were seen on every single catwalk, and flashy and bold colors are also the big thing this season. People feel happier when they wear colors.”

Last year, pastels and bold colors were also trendy, and similar items to past seasons can also still be seen in shops’ new collections. Sinno explains that this is because one can only notice a big difference in seasons’ trends once every three to four years.

“Everything changed after the economic crisis,” she says. “Luxury brands have picked up, which is slightly unexpected, even though we do know that these brands cater to a minority of shoppers.

“But instead of really following the trends, luxury brands are focusing more on timeless pieces – pieces that appeal to more customers and that can be worn through the years.”

This could also explain why the majority of collections showcased on fashion catwalks are much more wearable than they were a few years ago, when one bizarre creation after another seemed to be the method by which international designers demonstrated their talents.

Meanwhile, Sinno says that high-street shops are not as steady, despite the fact that these brands are where the real trendy streetwear is found.

The fashion industry changed dramatically in the 21st century, according to Sinno. First, in the early 2000s, fashionable and trendy clothes became accessible to people with all budgets – and not just those few wealthy individuals – as high-street shops began to carry such clothes and there was more choice for shoppers.

The second considerable impact was more recent, however, with the boom of social media, says Sinno.

“Fashion lovers no longer have to wait for their monthly magazine to inform them about what is in,” she says. “Social media and blogs allow word to be spread instantly, so when you have bloggers all talking about a certain item, it immediately becomes popular and sought after.”

This is also how international fashion impacts local fashion. “Lebanon is closer to Europe than it is to the United States, so we see more Italian, French and English influences in the way Lebanese people dress.”

Going back to this spring’s trends, colorful clothes are not entirely new. “Actually, last winter, it was the first time that we saw daring colors as winter clothes are usually dark and drab colors,” notes Sinno.

Yellow is still big but the shade is deeper. “Yellow is a difficult color to wear unless you have a tan, but these deeper shades mean that it suits more skin tones.”

The difference this season is that the place for bold color is on the bottom. While it was colorful tops galore last year, if one pops into Zara or H&M nowadays, jeans and trousers in every color imaginable can be found.

While you can still wear colorful jeans with a neutral shirt, the trend has shifted to being daring and confident enough to wear a bright bottom and bright top. It is unexpected, so be prepared to be looked at.

Another trend is color-blocking, says Sinno. “Wearing one color from top to bottom, a total look, is one of my favorite trends. Wear different shades of white and break it up with colorful accessories.”

Yes, accessories are also bold and colorful this season. Statement jewelry, big bags and platform heels in bright pinks, purples, oranges, greens and so on are eye-catching and fresh.

“Every season takes us back to different eras, but designers express them in new and modern ways,” she says. “Vintage and medieval-style jewelry is back, and so are chokers.” For jewelry to be on trend, it either has to be big and chunky or very refined.

Prints, lace and florals have been seen for a few seasons in a focus on femininity, “but now prints are clearer, and we see the whole flower or tree for example.” While prints, lace and florals were limited to flowing dresses and tops, they are now seen on menswear-inspired blazers and even jeans.

“Prints and florals on jeans signify an ’80s comeback, because this was the first time when colored jeans overtook classic blue denim,” says Sinno.

Mixing and matching different prints, florals, lace and sequins can be very on trend as long as it looks effortless. The right look can take you from day to night, as well.

Sinno believes that fashion is not only what you wear, it is also a lifestyle. “Fashion is also influenced by popular culture. We saw the return of ’50s style when ‘Mad Men’ was a bit hit, and while flapper dresses from the 1920s are already starting to crop up in shops, they will be even bigger when ‘The Great Gatsby’ is released later this year,” she says.

Makeup can also make or break an outfit. Matte foundation has been all the rage for the past few years, but according to Sinno, coverup that gives you a glow is back.

“You should either have strong makeup or you can work the minimalistic, nude look with strong lips,” the stylist advises.

This spring gives you the freedom to pick from many trends, and while some of us love to follow fashion, others are happy enough to stick to expressing themselves with what suits them best. If there’s one thing you can assess from Sinno’s fashion tips, it is to be bold and daring with your fashion choices. You have a whole color palette to choose from.

Sinno is available for one-to-one consultation. She can be reached through http://www.beirutsouks.com.lb/askhadia.

Copyright The Daily Star 2012.