Spring/Summer '09 Reflections

As the leaves change into their autumn hues and chilly breezes nip at our heels, its clear that the fresh, bright seasons of spring and summer have bid us adieu for the year. This does not mean, however, we cannot look fondly back at what they brought us, especially in the realm of fashion-

Monokini
Early in the summer, designers jumped into the swimsuit season by playing with this unique one-piece. The style draws attention to the owner’s curves no matter their shape. Creators could also show of their flair with how they approach the midriff cut along with texture options. Notable names that made a splash with the monokini this year are INDI Designs, MichaMi, Ornamental Life*, and TART.

GaGa’s Bow
The infamous music icon’s reach stretched deep into the world of polygons and pixels- initially, her crystal-encrusted shades appeared in shop windows, but the big sensation came from hair designers recreating her hairbow. Blood Royal, Deviant Kitties, MEEMBEE, and VintageWear are just a few that got all tied up in this cute yet edgy style.

Flora
Perhaps one of the most notable trend this past year was the use of flora in design. And this was not limited to floral prints- creators pushed the limits of the sculpted prim to use the form of petals, buds, vines, leaves and more to produce one of the freshest overall collections Second Life has seen. Clothes, accessories, hair, skins- if it could be created, it was touched by this movement. Rezzable’s own Swansong fashion show was entangled in this affair through the earth element. To those that have been watching the blogs and updates, Exile, Fallen Gods Inc., Nardcotix, Paper Couture, Royal Blue and Ztique should bring back colorful memories.

So what do fall and winter hold for us? From my own view, the flora trend may hold strong, if only changing from lush to decaying or crystal displays (G Field provided a lovely example this past Jewelry Fair). The Aranel’s Wings by BOOM have also been creating a stir, and I’ve seen a product recently in a similar style from trolleywood . With the costume and light seasons upon us, this may be the ripe time for back wings with chains to become the next star of SL fashion.

I am by no means the authority on fashion- did you see other trends? Have a different fashion forecast? Toss it here in comments or blog your own reflection!

Monokini
Outfit: Swimmsuit black from INDI Designs
Jewelry: Morski Pas (Female) from :: Exodi ::
Skin: Efe GlossyLips CatEyes Hair from [PXL]
Eyes: Liquid amber from Poetic Colors

Gaga's Bow
Outfit: Strippable Bubble Costume from *Reasonable Desires*
Hair: Fashion Pop - Pink<3 from VINTAGEwear (currently known as EPOQUE)
Skin: Sylvan China White - pride 2 from Nomine [limited item]
Eyes: Blue valentine from Poetic Colors [limited item]

Flora
Outfit: Harmonicus Black from Nardcotix
Jewelry: Rose Lace Jewelry Set "Imperial" -leather black- from *G Field*
Shoes:  Wild Roses Black & Blood from ~Ztique~
Hair: Savage greystone from Exile
Skin: FLEURS female Spring SKIN from +Fallen Gods Inc.+
Eyes: Easter lilac eys from Poetic Colors [limited item]

* Ornamental Life unfortunately closed down at the end of September 2009.