Fashion these days is all in the detail, a ruffle here and a bow there. Next season a grown up elegant mood is paired with the odd modern detail or two. Here we look at some of the sure-fire hits for spring 2006 as the following designers unanimously agree…

Broderie Anglaise – The romantic open embroidered fabric was used from Cacharel and Chanel to Eley Kishimoto. While some worked the material into entire pieces; check out Jasper Conran’s broderie anglaise capped sleeve blouse - or Chloe’s trapeze line dress, most went the ‘touch of’ route. Good examples come courtesy of Karen Walker & Dolce & Gabbana with broderie anglaise ruffles and hem trims. 

Running closely behind broderie anglaise is lace. At Christian Dior black lace was layered over nude base tones for a sensuous boudoir feel. Lace trims proved extremely popular and could be spied at PPQ, Blumarine and Fendi. Karl Lagerfeld felt particularly inspired by open lace characteristics he combined the handicraft of old with the modernity of technology. Thanks to the laser, lace effects and cut-outs can be worked into a wider range of fabrics.

Speaking of cut-out effects – these were also incorporated into the season’s garments and accessories. Taking inspiration from lace, brocade and decorative patterns - cut-out designs combined with appliqués add a crafty and unique slant. For inspiration check out: Anna Sui and Bottega Veneta.

Contrasting against all that delicate romance is the tough old chain. Yes, chains emerged as a top trim on accessories; Bottega Veneta covered their chain straps in leather, while Stella McCartney went chain mad with a link inspired print and even a chain trim on a pair of gold aviator shades. Others going loopy for a bit of woman in chains include Alexander McQueen and his chain belts, chain handle bags at Burberry Prorsum and gold chain jewellery as seen at Gharani Strok.

Neutral naturals - such as washed leathers, antique tones, rope, wicker, wood and bamboo appeared on many a spring 06 catwalk. It may sound like a range of home furnishings but designers have incorporated nature in a sleek and modern way. From bamboo handled bags at Gucci to wicker wedge platforms at Prada. Keeping the mood organic florals may have taken a back seat compared to last season but a good few included pretty petalled corsages, rosettes and appliqués a la John Rocha, Dolce & Gabbana and Roksanda Ilincic.

Other details rising high for 2006 include:

Ribbon trims                  

Panelling

Smocking

Ruffles

Bows

Pin-tucks

Drapes

Puff sleeves

Chiffon layers

Finishing on a casual/masculine note – expect to see more braces over the coming months. Luella, Jean-Pierre Braganza, Lacoste and Imitation of Christ all styled up their designs with braces, or suspenders, as they’re called in the States. The trend emerged last summer at the men’s shows in Paris & Milan – designers, it seems, have decided to go unisex with this one.

By JoJo Iles www.fashionpr.co.uk