Spring 2008 Preview

For spring 08, buying into the season's trends will be a lot easier than it was last year as the high street retailers have focused on more well-defined themes. They will be targeting both young and mature shoppers by exciting the younger ones and for the mature shoppers they will be able to find more classic pieces.


Here is a breakdown of what some of the shops will be offering:

Kew and Miss Selfridge: Romantic and feminine theme will be seen in the collections they purchase for their stores. With lots of floral prints, waist-accentuating chiffon dresses and with details focusing on ruffles, bows, rose corsages and beading.

H&M and Kookai: There will be tribal elements implemented into these two shops ranges. This trend is nature-inspired and you will see prints in brick, brown and mustard. Also expect to see macrame knits and bead embellishments.


Karen Millen & George Asda: Millen and Asda use the 1970s-style safari story, Millen focusing more on the fashion-forward options and George Asda offering a more conventional interpretation. The basic look is just as the name suggests, safariesque style with khaki, white and beige with animal print highlights, rolled sleeves and belted dresses.

Another era making a comeback is the 1950s and shops such as Topshop and Debenhams are filling their racks with this style. Topshop will offer prom-style full-circle dresses with cinched waists while Debenhams has a more edgier interpretation with dresses in hot pink, yellow, black and white.

River Island and New Look: Expect these retailers to stock a lot of bright, clashing colours, jewelled embellishments, beads, colourful footwear and bags.

River Island and Kookai: Both shops will have peasant tops and embroidered dresses with neutral tones.

With all the bright colours, pink being one of the biggest trends, and all the ruffles, beading and bows expect high street to be given a large dosage of femininity for the new season.

See Drapers magazine for more information.

Both images are from Bottega Veneta's spring 2008 collection courtesy of Fashion & Fashion, group on facebook.