Already apparent on the street, although perhaps a trend more difficult to spot under layers of winter clothing, sheer and lace fabrics will be impacting across markets come spring.  Basic black and white are hottest options for this trend with white winning out for high summer, focussing attention on texture rather than colour.

Sheer, blouses and summer dresses with scalloped edgings and delicate cut-outs, will be hitting the high-street (albeit adapted from the catwalks layered with under-garments), for ultra pretty, feminine appeal.  Lace panelling, trims and appliqués provide a key means of incorporating decorative delicate fabrics into a garment for a hand-crafted vibe, while combining surface patterns creates folksy patchwork effects.

A younger, youth-driven take on the trend mixes lace and delicate fabrics with more robust fabrications, a look achieved by Paul Smith in the form of chunky cricket jumpers layered with lace-bordered silk slip dresses.  Chanel showed both sheer knee-socks and must-have item leggings re-worked in stretch-lace, circa mid-80’s Madonna, while last summers Victoriana trend is revisited by Balenciaga with high-necked lacey blouses teamed with tailored jackets - a sure fire commercial hit.

Jo Carey