Hawaiian retro inspiration, tropical florals, huge rolling waves, surfboards and beach bums come together as an important source of inspiration for Summer. ‘California Dreaming’ never felt this good as graphic print tees, floral print board shorts and vintage Hawaiian shirts can be seen all over the men’s fashion floor. Add to that a heavy dose of saturated bright sunshine hues – and cool blues inspired by the ocean – and you have a big story that will appeal to a wide demographic. Expect more to come for Summer 2012!

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After the huge success of Breton striped t.shirts we see another French classic make a strong debut – the espadrille! Looking all very chic in a range of the season’s best hues, in stripes, in prints – or for a glam take – in satin – the espadrille is making a strong impact as the ‘must have’ choice for Summer. We particularly love new updates in sandals and flip flops – with a rope sole. Expect an expanded assortment come Summer 2012!

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After a very successful debut of bright and colorful jeans – a new approach to color can be seen in recent deliveries – and it’s all about soft and sweet pastels. In ‘barely there’ tints and more vibrant midtones – these pastels lend a certain femininity to the assortment. We are expecting a greater focus on soft, sweet and feminine color – right into Spring/Summer 2012.

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In recent deliveries, we see a new direction in best selling stripes that, we feel, will impact Spring/Summer 2012. Soft and muted pastels, midtones and neutrals are combined in bold and graphic stripes of every description. Multi colored or in monotone two color combinations these stripes take a soft and muted direction – perfect for languid silks, rayons and jersey knits – in dresses, tops and skirts.

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We came across another shoot in the same location in Soho – on a different day – and this time the model was wearing fur! A cozy fur chubby, a wild fur bag and shearling lined booties made for a great statement on one of Fall’s most important trends!

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We came across a shoot in Soho – a favorite location for many photographers – last week and noted the models all wearing clashing color combinations – a big story for Summer which looks set to carry right on over to the new Fall season.

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Distressed and destroyed finishes have been a key trend in men’s denim jeans for some years now – so it makes sense that this trend would migrate into other areas of a man’s wardrobe! With Summer approaching the men’s fashion floor has been flooded with the latest – and hottest – shorts – all with savagely ‘cut off’ and frayed hem treatments. Of course, Williamsburg hipsters have been taking the DIY approach and have been cutting off their skinny denim jeans – since Summer 2009. Make no mistake, this Summer season – this trend will appeal to a very wide audience.

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Straw turns up every Summer season and always looks absolutely right for a wide range of hats and bags – however, this season, color has renewed and refreshed the offerings available at all retailers – at all levels of the market. In 70′s inspired floppy wide brim sunhats and fedoras, oversized baskets and totes or a cute multi colored clutch from Fendi – we feel that colorful straw will be a major hit for Summer 2011! Expect more to come!

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The ease of one piece dressing in recent seasons has seen dresses explode as a major category of business for all retailers. Jumpsuits have also given the customer another choice in ease – but it is the romper – a fun alternative – that we believe is ready for volume key item status. In floral prints, in a range of solid hues, in fluid jerseys and crisp wovens – the romper is the perfect item to pack for a quick getaway this Summer season.

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I wasn’t mad about Prada’s 2011 Spring ‘Carmen Miranda’ Collection or Stella McCartney’s ‘oranges and lemons’ prints when I first saw them on the runway – in fact, back then – I thought – lemon prints would undoubtedly – be a lemon! Amazing how the eye adjusts to unexpected trends as today tropical fruits are turning up all over the fashion floor. And they do make for a refreshing alternative to floral prints. But I suggest – it is accessories where they look best!

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