Spring/Summer 2020 Ready-to-Wear: Global Recap
The Spring/Summer 2020 shows brought a renewed sense of optimism and creativity. This season, designers celebrated the joy of dressing with a range of one-of-a-kind looks that brought the camp theme of this year’s MET gala to life. Marc Jacobs illustrated fashion’s unique ability to create an escape from turbulent times with a show overflowing with individuality and optimism. The 70s continues to be an era of great inspiration as designers found ways to incorporate it in all four major cities. The utilitarian aesthetic of past seasons explored its softer side as designers like Dion Lee and Max Mara paired utility pockets and cargo pants with soft pastels and warm neutrals.
The Joy of Dressing
The joy of dressing was celebrated throughout fashion month with collections that mirrored the camp theme of the most recent MET gala. In one of the most memorable shows of the month, Marc Jacobs sent completely unique looks down the runway that celebrated life, joy, individuality, optimism, and happiness.
Valentino and Gucci used extreme contrast to make a visual impact. Starting the show with a series of looks that reworked the classic white shirt, Valentino injected a breath of fresh air with billowing dresses in bright pops of neon. Similarly, Gucci started its show with a group of 21 models wearing white straight jackets followed by a collection of colorful tailoring and maximalist graphics.
Modern Flower Children
The hippie aesthetic continues to take the fashion world by storm as designers channel their inner flower children with flared pants and an abundance of suede. Alberta Ferretti best captured this aesthetic with a collection full of tie-dye jumpsuits, peasant blouses, and suede mini skirts.
Designers embraced the bohemian look down to the details. Etro paired billowing dresses and boleros with chunky metal rings, coin necklaces, and fringed anklets.
Minimal Utility
Utilitarianism found its softer side this season. Designers like Dion Lee and Max Mara featured simple utility pockets on soft, neutral shades. Roksanda brought color to the traditionally harsh aesthetic with a loose-fitting bubblegum pink jumpsuit.
Both Burberry and Chalayan added utilitarian, outerwear-inspired details. At Burberry, it presented itself in the form of seatbelt-like buckles, while Chalayan experimented with flowing dresses featuring adjustable cording down the front. One model even walked the runway with ski poles in hand.
