SS13 trends: Are you a minimalist or a maximalist?

Spring Summer '13 was divided right across the board in terms of cut and texture.

The minimalism movement of the last few years has very much been fronted by big names such as Jil Sander, APC and Celine.

This summer, Jil Sander's cocoon coat of Autumn Winter '12/13 instantly became a cult classic - the minimal approach makes it a bold statement, and painfully chic. This theme continued into the Jil Sanders SS collection - the burgundy, white and black pieces in a classic cut and simple texture a prime example of timeless style.

Above: Jil Sander AW12/13 cocoon coat

Above: Jil Sander SS13 runway collection - burgundy, white and black cotton

Celine in particular has always been known for minimalism - not just texture but also with colour palettes. This is offset by cut - usually big, bold and modern, but still very sleek. The Celine SS collection was no different, with smooth silk and supple leather, it was very much leading the way for the minimalist texture trend. The beautiful grab bags are undoubtedly going to be the next 'it' bag.

Above: Celine SS13 runway collection - silk and leather

Above: Celine SS13 simplistic leather grab bags

In the opposing team (for maximalist shapes and textures) was Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy.

Alexander McQueen took texture to the extreme. McQueen has always been a fan of shock tactics, and this collection displayed that.  Big texture was so prominent, it almost felt the whole collection was based around it. Huge 3D florals and ruffles engulfed the models, and harsh beekeeper-esque visors toughened up the cascades of chiffon.

Above: McQueen SS13 runway collection - 3D florals and beekeeper masks

Chanel's take on texture was more wearable - dainty beading, pearls, glitter and chiffon petals took the trend into super-girly territory. Delicate yet bold, Chanel's looks varied from tough and gothic, to sweet and pastels, making the collection a beautiful, eclectic mix of genres. However, the maximalist texture remained throughout, keeping a sense of fluidity with each new piece.

Above: Chanel SS13 runway collection - mesh, pearl polka dots, floral embellishment, glitter & chiffon petals

Article by Mary Platts

Spring Summer 2013 trends

Here at Ellie Ellie HQ, Christmas has been on our minds since June (what with preparing for orders, shows, new products..), so can we be blamed for looking forward to next seasons trends already? Over the next couple of months we will be bringing you a trend-by-trend guide to planning your spring summer wardrobe - but for now, here's a quick lineup of what to expect..

- Print (yes, still!), but this time in the form on gingham, dogtooth, stripes and digital patterns.

- Sporty. The Olympics have left their mark!

- Texture.. Extreme (including 3D flowers!) vs minimalism.

- Bomber jackets x pencil skirts (an odd combo, but we promise, it works!)

- Oriental. The trend continues from Autumn/Winter 12

- Pastels are still huge (including hair!)

- Cropped. Trousers, jackets, tops, you name it, it's cropped.

- Trainers. With everything. Really. We mean EVERYTHING.

- Punk/ goth/ grunge, mainly in the form of mesh. Sounds scary, but is actually pretty beautiful.

We will be bringing you guys outfit posts, what to buy and inspiration posts on all of this and more. Keep your eyes peeled!

Ellie Ellie sponsors Jayne Pierson at LFW!

This year at London Fashion Week, Ellie Ellie had the honour of sponsoring the talented Welsh designer Jayne Pierson.

 Pierson's 7th collection was showcased at an invite-only film for the Spring Summer '13 season. The collection, inspired by Huxley's iconic novel 'A Brave New World', was an eclectic mix of primal details presented within her futuristic designs. The strong silhouettes and varied textures made this collection one of the most striking at LFW, in our humble opinion..

 The Ellie Ellie team especially loved the futuristic nail art that accompanied the clothes - definitely a look we will be DIY-ing!

Ellie Ellie's Up-cycled Notebook and pencil was included in Jayne's gorgeous goodie bag, below. 

We are proud to be part of something so fab!