California Apparel News

From ’70s glam to loungewear chic, this Spring will be a decidedly feminine affair. California designers are creating pretty, statement-making looks—with a relaxed attitude. Inspiration is drawn from exotic locales including the faded grandeur of Havana, the colors of Joshua Tree, and chic escapes to the Côte d’Azur and Amalfi Coast. For Spring, this means a newfound femininity and versatility for the modern woman’s multifaceted lifestyle.

“We are realizing the pure essence of elegant femininity,” said Lavi Mirzak, creative director for Sam & Lavi. “To remain natural and effortless is the key to fashion’s new face.” Vibrant colors, print and texture mixing, head-to-toe prints, lace, florals, shirtings, and soft pajama looks are top trends highlighted by Trina Turk. Comfort is also key. According to Tadashi Shoji, modern-day pajama daywear and streetwear-inspired style have really caught on.

“More so than ever, women are looking for pieces that are effortlessly chic and easy to complement their busy life schedules,” he said.

Look for activewear-inspired looks, artisan effects and boho chic to continue—and there will be plenty of pants this season, including ’70s-inspired denim. Here is a look at key trends for Spring ’16.

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Spring '16 Trends: White Out

White is decidedly the freshest look of the season, especially in lace fabrications, chic jumpsuits and breezy summer dresses. “The warmer seasons always tend to bring a mix of color and prints down the runway, but this year, summer whites have really dominated throughout NYFW,” Tadashi Shoji said.

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Spring '16 Trends: Off The Shoulder

With a nod to the ’70s, off-the-shoulder tops and dresses are a breakout trend for Spring. The look is freshened up in a crisp shirting fabric at Trina Turk and pretty pastels at Rachel Pally. According to Halston Heritage, “Shoulder-baring necklines, whether off the shoulder or halter, will be key for Spring’s rising temperatures.”

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Spring '16 Trends: Feminine Touch

Femininity is a key theme for Spring, and the look is indeed romantic. A key trend at Sam & Lavi are “silhouettes that embody movement of ruffles and feminine touches that gracefully highlight the natural beauty of a woman,” Creative Director Lavi Mirzak said. Think bold florals, lace, ruffles and a colorful palette.

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Spring '16 Trends: Boho Chic

Boho chic is integral to California style. Think boho beach babes, Gypset chic and Coachella cool. Key trends this season include ’70s silhouettes, handcrafted details and saturated earthy colors. “It is the resurgence of sleek glamour meets bohemian free spirit,” said Gypsy 05 Creative Director Osi Shoham-Ettlinger.

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Spring '16 Trends: So '70s

The ’70s continue to inspire. Halston Heritage’s signature ’70s-glam aesthetic took on a tropical influence this season while Brian Lichtenberg created destroyed rock ’n’ roll tees and flared pants with a glam-rock touch. The decade is also key for denim—especially high-waist styles. “The inspiration for our Spring ’16 collection is the rebellious style born from the ’70s and a fresh look at the American roots of denim,” said Jimmy Taverniti, Siwy’s newly appointed creative director.

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Spring '16 Trends: Stripes

Stripes are making a statement on everything from T-shirts to breezy pants and dresses. “We are not going to get enough of stripes. We are going to see so many variations from loomed to printed with embroidered touches and frayed edges,” Sam & Lavi Creative Director Lavi Mirzak said. Think textured, natural fabrics and bright pops of color to freshen up the classic look.

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Spring '16 Trends: Handcrafted

A return to artisan, handcrafted looks expands on the boho-chic aesthetic. “Handwork and crochet are major players in trends moving forward,” said Shoham-Ettlinger. Look for macramé, quilting, hand painting, fringe, patchwork, bleached effects and woven-loomed textiles.

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Spring '16 Trends: Floral Prints

Florals are a staple for Spring, and this season they are found on everything from wet suits to evening gowns. Think botanicals, ditsy florals and pretty flowers reminiscent of a Japanese garden. “I tend to lean toward florals for Spring, and this season is no different,” said Whitney Eve Designer Whitney Port. “The pieces designed for Spring 2016 are whimsical, poppy and fun, which encompasses the Southern California lifestyle.”

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Spring '16 Trends: Lounge Act

Loungewear is a breakout trend for Spring. “I think more and more women just want to be casual in easy tees and loungey pants. The loungewear look is the look of 2016,” Whitney Eve Designer Whitney Port said. “Buyers are always looking for those easy pieces that don’t take a lot of styling and yet are still on trend for the season,” she added. Soft fabrics, bralettes, rompers, relaxed pants, robes, obi styling and caftans epitomize the look.

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Spring '16 Trends: Get Active

With activewear increasing in popularity, it’s not surprising designers are incorporating athletic touches into their collections. And swim- and surfwear are finding their way to the streets. O’Neill tapped designer Cynthia Vincent for a special collaboration for Spring. “[A] key focus of the collab is the idea of mixing sportswear and swim,” said O’Neill Women’s Design Director Rachael Hill. “This is definitely the direction going forward. Swim is now becoming more incorporated into your everyday wardrobe. It’s not just for the beach anymore.”