SPRING/SUMMER 2011 TOP 10 TRENDS: #8 ASYMMETRY

The Spring runways presented a myriad of trends encompassing many different references and moods.  A clear motif was seen in relation to linear silhouettes and a modern aesthetic.  As an offset to the Modern approach that Celine is spearheading, a new trend has been spotted that adds a subversive edge to linear shapes:  ASYMMETRY.

Asymmetry means without symmetry — with no mirror imagery. Asymmetry proves that it is possible to achieve balance without symmetry.

This trend was seen in a few different formats.  Hemlines are worked from front to back and side to side.

FRONT TO BACK ASYMMETRY

 

Spring/summer 2011 Jeremy Laing

The “New” hemline for Spring is the example seen above:  hemline is shorter in the front and longer in the back.  The asymmetry goes from the front to the back and can go from the very dramatic to very slight variations.  Designers implemented this trend on tops as well as on hemlines of skirts and dresses.  You will see basic bodies of tshirts and wovens transition to this silhouette allowing a quick update to an everyday item.  Also look for coats and jackets to push tailoring to a new level within this trend.

 

From the Spring 2011 runways of Suzanne Rae, Thakoon, G-Star Raw, Michael Kors, Christian Cota, Lorenzo Riva, Erdem, Julien Macdonald and Gareth Pugh

SIDE TO SIDE ASYMMETRY

 

Spring/Summer 2011 Balenciaga

The side to side asymmetry started a few seasons ago with the one-shoulder silhouette on dresses and tops.  This type of asymmetry has developed beyond the one-shoulder into varied forms of patchwork, construction and angular design.  Side to side asymmetry was a trend among shirts, jackets and skirt hemlines on the Spring runways.

Spring/Summer 2011 asymmetry from the runways of Rick Owen, Michael Van der Ham, Christan Cota, Cynthia Steffe, Comme des Garcons, daviddelfin, Balenciaga, Haider Ackermann and Barbara Bui

Shirts and jackets were given the treatment with Comme de Garcons leading the pack in the new uneven hemlines on jackets. Asymmetry was seen on tops from the continued execution of the one-shoulder to various design ideas incorporating pieces of angular fabric to create asymmetric lines and silhouettes.  This type of asymmetry works closely with the Eastern influences that were seen at Haider Ackermann and Louis Vuitton.

Spring/Summer 2011 Matthew Ames

Also look for hemlines on skirts and dresses within this trend.  A sharp contrast between short and long develops as trends balance in between both extremes.  This approach to the shift is modern and architectural and completely in line with the changes that are happening in the design environment.  This type of asymmetry is seen in color blocking approaches, modern patchwork techniques and multiple textile design construction.

Sideways hemlines from the Spring/Summer 2011 runways of boy by band of outsiders, Alexander Wang, Junya Watanabe, Zucca, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Osman, Lanvin and Susan Ciancialo

In order to stay ahead of the curve for next year, start looking now for styles that will transition into this trend.  Look for any design ideas that are inspired by asymmetry and if you see something with an uneven hemline, BUY IT NOW.

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