By Francesca Claybrook
On November 15th, Armani Exchange previewed its Spring/Summer 2011 collection, and I was lucky enough to be able to attend and spend a few minutes talking to Patrick Doddy, Senior Vice President and Brand Director of Armani Exchange, about the collection, as well as spring trends to be on the lookout for and some styling tips.
The collection was full of soft shapes and fabrics that contribute to what Mr. Doddy described as easy and season-less dressing. A major trend in the collection is work wear, which shines through in the colors and fabrics of the clothes (lots of olive, khaki, and denim), but this is seen through the ‘70s hippy vibe that served as one of the inspirations behind it. Think modern music festival, and you’re right in the middle of this collection. Because the Spring/Summer collections cover such a wide range of temperatures (is anyone seriously feeling like summer in early March?), Mr. Doddy describes this particular collection as a trip down the West Coast, starting in Seattle and winding your way down to California – the clothes start clean and continue to lighten up, incorporating softer fabrics as we move from cooler temperatures into what he calls an “urban Amazon” feel – more colors and floral prints, but retaining the olive and khaki theme that ties everything together.
Mr. Doddy was also kind enough to let us in on some spring styling tips: the waist continues to be important, and you can define it in a number of ways – with a belt, the way a jacket hits, etc. Be creative! And scarves are big, not only around your neck, but even moving to your hair. And finally, good news for you girls who aren’t big fans of skinny jeans – the flare is back. (Bad news for me though, I love my skinnies!) So even though spring seems a long way off, is it ever really too early to plan your wardrobe? Be sure to check and see where your nearest Armani Exchange is so you can get your hands on some of these clothes as soon as you can. Let me hear your feedback on the collection in the comments!