La Dernier Cri: Think spring

The fashion world has been thinking spring since shows back in October. Magazines have been previewing the newest spring trends while here in Indiana, we have yet to put away our snow boots and mittens. I have decided that, at least for a few minutes, I will think spring too.\nThere are many new trends for spring. There are the traditional flowy dresses and floral prints out there, but there are also the unexpected bright neon colors normally reserved for fall, the addition of volume through ruffles and accents, and the continually surprising trends in footwear.\nThis spring, dresses will be popular like never before. Perhaps it is the ladylike attitude houses like Valentino and Dolce and Gabbana adopted, or maybe it’s just that American women are getting too lazy to pick out a skirt and top that go together, but expect the dress to be a staple for many seasons to come. This spring, however, dresses are coming in many different forms, ranging from the aforementioned ladylike Valentinos to the futuristic versions that slunk down the runway at Balenciaga. Either way, there is an option for everyone.\nFloral prints are also popping up everywhere. Again, Balenciaga was a prime example of this trend. Nicolas Ghesquiere, the house’s head designer, chose a graphic floral print in bright colors for his spring collection. Ralph Lauren also chose floral for his eveningwear, making this spring staple a bona-fide trend.\nEqually popular this season is the addition of accents like ruffles and bows to almost everything. Ralph Lauren and Valentino covered their dresses in ruffles and bows, while Alber Elbaz of Lanvin started his show with a model wearing a traditional suit and an oversize bowtie. This style plays on the trend of volume that has been building for a few seasons, as the additions make any outfit more voluminous and ladylike.\nElbaz was also one of many designers to embrace bright colors this spring. After many seasons of bleak, dull palettes, designers have finally started to use some color in their shows again. Donatella Versace used almost all bright colors for her spring collection, designing dresses and eveningwear in shades like canary yellow, grass green and deep aquamarine.\nCrazy footwear trends complement the color this spring. Designers seemed to be taking a new look at shoes this season, seeing them in a very artistic light and departing from the expected options. Marc Jacobs outfitted some of his models in shoes that appeared not to have heels and others in shoes that looked to be two sizes too small, all with a very geometric shape. Shoes are also adopting a chunky, heavy feel this season, which is a perfect counterweight to the light, flowing, warm trends of spring.