After making a splash upon Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 collections, bright, energetic and festival prints are the hottest trend to emerge this summer. From tropical floral motifs to Native American patterns to Asian, nature-inspired emblems, this season’s must-have fashion features a range of global influences simply perfect for capturing that holiday spirit.
Whether you’ve booked cheap holidays to Hawaii, Spain or Cornwall fresh and vivid Hawaiian prints were the talk of the town following their display at the shows of Hermes, Proenza Schouler, Kenzo and Isabel Marant. Palm trees and other exotic plant life are the central theme in these kaleidoscopic, paradisiacal designs, with even shoe-making powerhouse Converse releasing limited edition Hawaiian print shoes in June. For an ultra-stylish look, team this cheerful green and blue attire with something modern and striking, such as the single-colour leather pieces introduced by Mui Mui and Mulberry late 2012. 
On the other side of the colour wheel, far East Asian botanical motifs appeared on the catwalk in rich, fiery shades by Prada, Emilio Pucci, Vivienne Westwood, Lanvin, Jean Paul Gaultier and Etro. Cut to flatter any figure, these designs rely on oriental pleats, kimono sleeves, obi-style belted waists and intricate embroidery to make a statement which is both artistic and feminine. Pleated items are particularly chic as they tap into yet another 2013 trend, as seen at the shows of Chloé, Valentino and Stella McCartney. Use soft, voile tank tops to layer an outfit, making it suitable for both hot days and cooler nights and offset the fine detail of these romantic fabrics with plain, neutral accessories.
Pleats are not the only texture to be in demand this summer as stiff, sculptured ruffles enter the spotlight. Balenciaga, Gucci and Givenchy have added some dynamics to traditional silhouettes with these precisely-contoured waves. Choose a ruffle-enhanced dress or team ruffled pieces with plain garments to keep the eyes focused on the curves. Updos and minimalist accessories will help complete this polished, modern and sensual look of 2013.
Bold geometric prints in monochrome will dominate this season. Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta and Louis Vuitton have used a combination of checks and chunky stripes to create simple patterns with a lasting impact. Moschino combined these dramatic prints with the zestful Hawaiian colours, paving the way for sassy, tribal-print clothes with a 1960’s flair. Cut-out waists give a contemporary twist to flower-powered shift dresses, with over-sized features such as buttons, pockets and Peter Pan collars in contrasting colours adding a little extra pop.
In the hope of a sun-baked summer, gold is the top colour of 2013. Models from Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren took to the stage in gold sequins, reflecting the metallic trend seen in the collections of Christian Dior and Burberry. Another way to dazzle onlookers is with fringe accents, with styles such as Versace’s Fringed Tie Dyed Gabardine Dress guaranteed to shimmer everywhere, even in a typically moderate British summer!
Bio: Janine Simpson is an experienced travel writer. She spends her time between the great fashion capitals of the world, writing all the while.
Image credits: East Asian botanical catwalk fashion, Versace Garbadine dress
