Incredibly graphic

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The House of Louis Vuitton got busy with a game of chess for its Spring 2013 canvas. Only, the usual black and white palette expanded to yellow and browns. While the French fashion house kept it simple and straight, designer Vivienne Tam showed her skills with abstract graphic prints in the form of Chinese cosmology.

On a different note, Dries Van Noten has given a graphic touch to tribal prints and Diane von Furstenberg has gone a tad minimal on her graphic shade card. The seasonal story from Paul Smith and Emilio Pucci is indicating a return to the graphics.
“In this scenario, a riot of colours is imminent to complement the digital mix of prints. Bring them in loud floral prints superimposed on each other for a near perfect picture. However, since the style is screaming of prints and colours, don’t complicate matters as far as pattern and cut go. All this can be accommodated on a clean cut tunic teamed with a single-toned bottom wear,” says designer Mandira Wirk.
Opening more avenues, she adds, “The kaleidoscope print is not about assorted colours only, it can look fabulous in a monochromatic format. To play it differently, go upside down with a high waist silk skirt in graphic prints and subtle sheer top. I particularly remember an Alexander McQueen ostrich feather enhanced graphic jersey.” For accessories, minimalism is the mantra, with a wooden or antique looking metallic ear or neck piece and wedges.
Designer Pooja Singhal is particular about her graphic style. “It works best on longer bodies as the prints create an optical illusion. At the moment I am just loving them on poppy shirts, ponchos, ankle-length loose fitted dresses. I prefer them long and flowy. The shade card should be a happy neon and keep it embellishment free, or restrict it to minimal,” is her take.
Looking precisely at the prints, Pooja comments, “Let’s admit, graphic prints have a dominating presence every season. They unfolded as animal prints in winter, and now Spring 2013 is welcoming them in abstract form with a bright splash of colours, and once we enter summer months, graphic will bloom as soothing florals. Another innovative way has been using them as cut works, placed as patches for a brilliant digital effect. Go with solid colour bottoms as it accentuates the graphic skills of the top and beautifully completes the picture.”