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BUYER'S GUIDES February 17, 2015

Buyer’s Guide: The cARTel

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KEY SPRING 2015 TRENDS

Off-the-Shoulder This super sexy trend hit the runway heavily for Spring 2015. Whether using the classical off-the-shoulder style dresses and tops or the signature Chalayan loose sleeves, which leave the shoulders bare, this trend offers a stylish silhouette which reveals the most age-defying part of a woman’s body.

KEY SPRING 2015 TRENDS

Fringes Fringes are very big this season; we’re seeing them in denim, leather, suede,and fabric and easily integrated into tops, skirts, bags, and shoes. I am in love with this Hellen van Rees dress, which uses natural threads and raw finishes, offering a cool edge to an otherwise very feminine dress.

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KEY SPRING 2015 TRENDS

Glam 70s The 70s are back this season, but with a glam touch. The runway witnessed oversized long jackets and wide pants while introducing “chic” elements to stylize the trend. I loved the long blazers from Hussein Chalayan and the structured suits from Rad Hourani.

KEY SPRING 2015 TRENDS

Leather Leather for spring? Yes, please. Leather, much like fur last spring season, is essential this year and has been integrated beautifully in pieces. I highly recommend a nice Sandrine Philippe cardigan with one of the brand’s signature treated leathers that offer unique texture while settling gently on the body. Perforated leather scarves are also a great investment and can add that extra warmth needed in Dubai’s freezing, air-conditioned interiors.

FAVORITE NEWCOMERS

Anne Sofie Madsen is a Danish talent on the rise. Her quirky dresses and interplay of textures and playful accessories like the“Robot” bag are certainly making her a designer to know. Another newcomer (also Danish) is Henrik Vibskov whose take on prints is rather playful and fresh. I am fond of his menswear line that provides funky sweaters and t-shirts.

COLORS TO KEEP AN EYE ON

When thinking of spring, florals and pastels immediately come to our minds. Everything works but keep an eye on metallic blues, yellows, and soft hues of beiges/browns.

THE SEASON’S MUST-HAVES

Architectural vests or jackets: They can contrast beautifully against a flowy skirt or culottes. My pick would be a Bint Thani dark blue structured vest with concealed pockets.

THE SEASON’S MUST-HAVES

Long vests: A key piece that can be timeless; a long vest works beautifully when paired with another item or even on its own. This season, I recommend a long vest from Chalayan Spring 2015 as well as signature printed long vests by Reemami for an extra dose of power.

THE SEASON’S MUST-HAVES

Geometric bags: A must-have this season, geometric bagsinstantly add an architectural statement to any look. My favorites are the Lamat bags made out of wood and leather, mixing edge with luxury.

THE SEASON’S MUST-HAVES

Midi dresses and skirts: This length is so in and offers a classical feminine look. I have my eye on Gareth Pugh’s checkered black and white skirts and dresses with triangular volumes.

KEY BUY FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

The Middle Eastern women are very keen on the latest accessories with unique shapes and styles. Experimental bags, in particular, are key this season and offer an alternative to the classical luxury monograms. The Exocet bags that come in leather with a 3D-printed element attached to them have been a great success.

PERSONAL PICKS

This is very hard as I have my eye on many things;the first pick would definitely have to be a jumpsuit by Iris van Herpen. Styled with a beautiful metallic belt and a long V-neck, this sexy silhouette is one of my favorites. White Rad Hourani fitted pants are definitely on my list. It was about time that we saw Rad in white and the minimalist language is always a safe bet. A fur bag by Oh! by KopenhagenFur in white or rose color is a soft addition and a great excuse to sport fur all year long. Also, statement chunky rings to continue the narrative of architecture and geometry; I recommend the chunky “Chevalier” rings by Maison Martin Margiela.

KEY ACCESSORIES OF THE SEASON

Gladiator accessories: I am not too keen on this trend for shoes, but gladiator-inspired belts and body accessories can be very cool and add that extra edge to your look. Try the Úna Burke handmade leather belts and body braces and pair them with a simple white t-shirt or a statement LBD. Backpacks go glam: Backpacks have been elevated and recontextualized from urban to chic. Think architectural backpacks with various textures and metal hardware. I recommend solid gray for the underground, chic traveler. Colorful lace shoes: I can’t wait to sport them again. We are fortunate to live under eternal sunshine in Dubai and open-toe lace shoes are back this season. Go with Sophia Webster’s designs for this trend.

SAFE INVESTMENT OF THE SEASON

A maxi vest—wear it day and night and it will still look chic. Works well with heels as well as sneakers.

DYING TREND

I am glad designers are redefining the high-waisted peplums and introducing asymmetry. I think peplums were so over explored last season and it is about time we change its elevation or break its symmetry.

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The Fall 2015 runways shows might be all that we’re talking about this month, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that we’re about to welcome spring in the region and hence, our wardrobes should be stocked with the season’s top trends. We approached May Barber, the managing director and co-founder at The cARTel—Dubai’s fashion concept store for up-and-coming brands and avant-garde designers—to give you the fashion lowdown for Spring 2015 and with her years of experience in fashion buying, rest assured that you’re in good hands.

Here, she tells Style.com/Arabia which trends to invest in, which ones to get rid of, and which pieces she has her eye on.

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