Monochrome, What Next?

From early on this year we’ve witnessed the monochrome trend quite literally explode onto the fashion scene. From polka dots to checks, stripes and florals; monochrome prints and styles have undoubtedly taken centre stage on catwalks and the high street for the past 7 months, very much dominating 2013 fashions.

Everyone has embraced the trend with open arms and it seems to show no signs of slowing down, but how much further can the trend be stretched? The fashion market definitely craves new outlooks and takes on monochrome to build on it’s existing mass acceptance.

By the looks of things from AW13/14 Catwalk shows, the monochrome trend will continue to mature by being merged with other trends and styles. Kenzo, Valentino and Alexander McQueen exploit monochrome in a new light, giving it a whole new lease of life in the form of various futuristic, tudor-esque and tailored influences.

View Alexander McQueen's Collection on Vogue.co.uk Here.

I absolutely love the clean cut nature of this collection and how new shapes are explored through the strength of the fabrics teamed up with exquisite tailoring. I feel that this collection also possesses an essence of the Tudor era and definitely portrays the strength of women. I don't think the styles and prints necessarily take the monochrome trend to the next level but the pieces are beautiful nonetheless.

View Valentino's Collection on Vogue.co.uk Here.

View Kenzo's Collection on Vogue.co.uk Here.

Again, Valentino displays Tudor influences but also lovely A-line shapes, gorgeous neckline details and cut out work. Out of all the designers, Kenzo oozes the most futuristic appeal in a sense of how new and daring prints are explored. The almost eery eye print looks great against the leather and tailored aspects. The white trousers are my favourite! I've seen a few eye print items of clothing online but Kenzo's items add a whole new dynamic to the concept which I really love.

I expect high street fashions will adopt these trends and styles soon enough but looking at new arrivals in stores this week, there are already other fresh takes on the ever popular monochrome trend. Some of which styles are really out-there in my opinion and are love or hate pieces. Here are a few items I picked out.

Cow Print Shirt £38 Topshop

Cow Printed Woven Joggers £35 Topshop

Push Up Tee £31.22 Nastygal

Zebra Crop Tee £24.71 Nastygal

Reptile Print Bomber £58 Topshop

Reptile Print Joggers £35 Topshop

Looking at the clothes I picked out; high street stores seem to be beginning to channel monochrome with a fun/cheeky edge. I love the light-hearted nature of these items and think the zebra tee in particular is really sweet! However I'm not sure how popular clothes like this will be, as I personally don't think I would wear them. What are your thoughts?

Finally to wrap this post up, I've noticed some new arrivals are using monochrome prints with a small splash of colour. 

Woven Chiffon Marble Sweat Top £34 Topshop

Petite Blue Animal Tube Skirt £22 Topshop

Crane Blue-white Porcelain Print White Dress £46.80 Romwe

ASOS T-Shirt with Giraffe Burnout £22 ASOS

Speckle Check Print Cami £26 Topshop

Staccato Maxi Skirt £37.72 Nastygal

Subtle colours injected against the black and white I feel really add a new dimension to the prints and I am much more of a fan of these than the above products but everyone has their own preferences and I'd love if you'd like to share your own thoughts! I particularly love the burn out effect on the ASOS top, it almost has a velvety texture. I can see myself wearing the majority of these!

Hope you've had a lovely weekend, the heat is still bearing up despite the occasional storm! I hope the sun's not done for the summer, here's a summer track I love at the moment.

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