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From monochromatic white to a new appreciation for denim, summer collections are bringing a fresh breeze to the runway.

High-end sports spirit

When thinking about sportswear entering high fashion, we often associate it with elite pursuits such as golf and tennis. Here, polo shirts, pleated skirts and stretchy outfits have continuously evolved to step onto the runway and become the guiding style for summer. When legendary designer Miuccia Prada said that dad’s polo shirt would become trendy, collections soon brought the sporty style to the runway. Miu Miu, for example, offered a series of stylish combinations featuring serious collared shirts paired with wide- leg shorts, or tennis-style flared skirts paired with sequin-embellished tops. Inspiration from diving also appears in the resort collections of Louis Vuitton and GUCCI. Overall, sportswear paired with sparkling festive items brings a fresh and fun summer look.

White vibes

Floral patterns and vibrant colors do not have to define summer style. Whether standing on a beach under the blue sky and golden sun or contemplating the vast green forest, white outfits create a special resonance with the surrounding natural scenery. This pure, timeless shade also has the function of dissipating heat and acting as a reflector to enhance the wearer’s complexion. Entering summer, flowing dresses with seductive lace details or sheer materials are the top priorities in designs, giving an impressive look for both daytime outings and evening parties. But remember that choosing accessories requires more sophistication and direction when part of an all-white ensemble. If it’s a straw bag, you’re heading to the beach; if it’s a pair of pointed shoes, you’re going to a fancy restaurant.

‘90s icons

The summer heatwave seems to be influencing fashion, with free-spirited 90s elements making a comeback. This phenomenon revolves around designers opening their archives to revisit past references, bringing them back with a modern twist to suit today’s generation. We also cannot overlook the significant contribution of the Met Gala 2024 fashion extravaganza, which drew inspiration by awakening dormant masterpieces. Alongside archival pieces, fashion enthusiasts are seeking and recreating golden milestones of the past. The most accessible are 90s elements, marking the digital age’s dawn. Look for pencil skirts, wide-leg jeans, turtlenecks and low-rise maxi skirts from key brands like Prada, Bottega Veneta and GUCCI. Contrasting outfits are also quite popular, such as baby tees paired with baggy low-rise pants. The common thread in all these ensembles is the choice of bold and impressive accessories.

The elegance of denim

Although denim is associated with a rugged and rebellious spirit, in the summer of 2024, this material reveals its softest and most feminine aspects. Redefining the material means transforming a heavy, sturdy texture into something that can flutter in the wind. Look for Junya Watanabe’s tiered stitching creating unique dress shapes or CHANEL and Valentino launching denim outfits that completely transcend their brands’ usual boundaries. Even Schiaparelli, renowned for its high-end, impressionist designs, has introduced denim pieces. Designers have sanded, cut, and pieced denim together in creatively fascinating ways, demonstrating that a fabric can be elevated and change perceptions when in the hands of skilled artisans.