Spring/Sumer 2012 Accesories + Footwear Must-Haves

S/S 12 accessories strengthened the easygoing runway mood, creating a casual cool attitude that was eye-catching yet relaxed. Sport cultures continued to influence accessories, from expedition-influenced backpacks and peaked baseball caps to rubber-soled Oxfords and loafers. Contemporary takes on suitcase-style carryalls and Steve McQueen-inspired sunglasses highlighted a renewed appreciation for Menswear classics, strengthening this key apparel movement for S/S 12. Luxe-bohemian ideals remained strong via sturdy leather sandals, chic summerweight scarves and rucksack-inspired bucket bags. Love bead necklaces and graphic neckties stood out, balancing otherwise reserved ensembles.

Oversized, squared backpack silhouettes / New saturated color palette / Contrasting details / Natural-looking surfaces with waterproofing and durable performance enhancements / Belted, buckled or pull straps / Luxe elements like leather top handles, nappa leather bag bottoms and luggage tags / Direct hiking and rucksack influences in performance nylon / Whimsical cloud shape for Young Men and Boys  

Traditional rectangular suitcase silhouettes / Squared corners and structures / Luxe calfskin, nappa and crocodile versions / Shallow top handles further vintage suitcase idea / Shallow double straps / Color-blocked canvas and leather combinations look novel / Interesting fold-over closure updates simple box shapes

Long, lightweight scarves for relaxed, chic layering / Natural linen, cotton or raw silk / Loose, open weaves and mesh constructions / Irregular piece-dye techniques create mottled effects / Natural vegetable dye appeal / Refined versions in lightweight fine silk / Fringed styles / Faded flag pattern or painted flowers for printed versions

Tortoiseshell evolved beyond natural hawksbill turtle colorways and patterns / Translucent honey or slate tones update traditional mottled surface patterns / Black and grey palette looks fresh / Heritage sunglass silhouettes: Clubmaster, Persol 649 and Persol 714 references / Contrast color or material arms / Tortoiseshell frames with metal arms are directional 

Heavy-duty lug rubber soles for Oxfords and loafers / Translucent rubber soles are new / Chunky white soles look fresh against traditional brown and cognac wingtip uppers / Pure monochrome whites uptrend / Round and almond toe shapes / Multicolor soles have active appeal / Contrast color welts / Grey lug soles are new / Bright contrast soles continue 

Op art references for neckties and bowties / High-contrast black and white patterns are key / Wide stripes become sleeker and less preppy / Dots, zigzags and stripes dominate / S/S 12’s wider ties allow for pattern exploration / Knit ties have retro appeal

Small-proportioned silhouettes in natural straw / Shrunken trilby, porkpie, derby and Panama styles replace fedoras / Small brims are key / Openwork details keep it cool / Calfskin or ribbon hatbands lend a heritage, gentlemanly feel / Worn at back of head, tilted to the side, or pulled down on forehead for jaunty attittude 

S/S 12 Trends

WORK UNIFORM
A designer who usually embraces easy-going clothes and breezy layers, Yigal Azrouël surprised everyone with his S/S 12 a collection, one that was inspired by the concept of utility as well as archetypical uniforms. While a subtle active influence in the form of drawstring track pants and leather T-shirts balanced out the otherwise rigid lines and silhouettes, it was the intriguing juxtaposition of blue collar grit with white collar formality that really impressed. Pieced blazers that referenced an inside-out jacket blended in with contrasting, point collar shirts and crisp chinos. Outerwear was strong — the duffle coat got a techno makeover made in cotton with black rope toggles, a denim trucker jacket had leather sleeves, and a standard-issue parka was oversized with contrast taping. Overall, Azrouël’s showing of understated basics was styled in such a way as to provoke and ponder the future of contemporary menswear.

The Return

Hi Everyone Riccardo van der Woodsen is back for more. I am back full of surprises after being abcent for almost 5months I am loaded with new information about the fashion world, and now adding a new segment to my blog "Fresh Faces" where new upcoming models will be featured and show to the world. Hope everyone get their beauty sleep because I will keep you up staring at those pictures all night long.