OFM Style: A Lesson In Spring and Summer Fashion

It may seem obvious to some people what spring/summer—or most commonly read as S/S—fashion is, but not everyone is aware of its importance.

The newest and latest trends in color, textile, and pattern are expected but will also include a lot of “return” for fashion houses. The sort of garments that will be “hot” to own and wear during the spring and summer seasons is emphasized, though it is more of an evolution in what is worn. Most notably, the S/S showcases and fashion shows that take place give a glint to the future of what is in and what will stay “in.” Seasonal fashion showing is simple: Take what you know, and distill it to a better version.

When I speak of distilling the “better version” of ideas—It is not to reinvent fashion. Yes, there are a lot of new things to be seen, but the best ideas that are had during the creative process are put together and further define a timeless style that is unique to a house or designer. Some of the most renowned and recognizable houses in fashion will abide by simplicity (for the most part) and refine the ideas they have had from the season before.

S/S Fashion Week usually takes place mid-to-late September around the world before the full swing of fall/winter fashion. The reason that S/S is shown during the start of the fall is because all things shown during these shows are the future in fashion. Anytime you attend or see fashion being shown off and out, a majority of the time, the idea is to give the attendees and viewers a taste of what is to come and what to expect.

This is one of the only industries where the work created is not just shown for hubris but innovation and synergy. Fashion is shown to inspire and display roadmaps for other fashion houses and solo creators to follow. Be it in the present or beyond, creativity in fashion is meant to inspire your rival, and in turn, yourself.

Mind you, not all shows for S/S will be similar, but you can always count on seeing some ideas and textiles that are common and even cliché for the season. Textiles like light and arid cotton, linen, rayon, or cloth with eyelets are common. Breathability and comfort is the name of the game for the warmer seasons, but houses like Moschino, Mugler, and Comme des Garcons will opt to be more outlandish, not because they want to be contrarians, but because they want to stay true to their roots or “house codes.”

When you study fashion, even in a casual sense, you can get a feel for what sort of designs and textiles are favored by fashion houses. Notably, a “look” they are trying to market to their clientele is what is to be on the hunt for. 

Of course, the style and functionality is important for S/S fashion, but the clientele are the keystone. The reason we see a return to form during S/S is so houses can tweak the looks they are known for, so they can retain clients while simultaneously expanding their share in the market. Simply put, the idea is to make sure that their clothing is iconic is paramount.

If every designer or every house was to try and create a brand new look every fashion season, there would be no staple to what the “Chanel look” is or the “Dior Woman.” The success of fashion is not just camp or avant-garde; it’s not always “brand new.” It’s the reliability and core values of a house that are important for S/S fashion; it is the rebirth of fashion.