What’s The Deal With Pre-Collections? And The New Hybrid Trend Introduced at DIOR 2014

However you call them, the cruise, resort, pre-spring, and pre-fall collections of high fashion brands are looked down upon by fashion purists because they are seen as a “watered-down” version of a runway collection since they are made in between the major seasons.

 

It’s true; they are highly commercial collections, very much wearable and they sell REALLY WELL. Like, without the cruise and pre-fall collections many brands would be screwed. So they can’t be ignored, and they shouldn’t be…in fact they have their own runway shows now and since they are held on a looser schedule I think editors and other professionals prefer them to the regular fashion week season which is insanely hectic. The random schedule held over several weeks actually reminds me of what Tokyo Fashion Week used to be….

 

But enough of that, let’s get a closeup of the DIOR pre-spring collection, which might provide a hint of what trends will be coming up. There are a few doozies…

 

ハイファッションブランドのクルーズ、リゾート、プレスプリングやプレフォールのコレクションは本来の秋冬春夏の間に出されるもの。ファッション上級者たちから見下された存在であるが。それはなぜなら、ランウェイにおける、「面白みに欠けたコレクション」だとみなされているからね。

 

So anyway, I went to check out the DIOR women’s cruise collection. After getting a peek at the accessories online and seeing how they were brimming with punchy, exciting colors, I knew it would boost my mood to see them up close. The crowning pieces here were the gradation bags in hues of a tropical sunset with a burning sky or cool dusk in grape and cotton candy pink. This clutch would fit an iPad and your credit card and that’s all you need. 

 

There were lots of elements of futurism here too, with metallic cuffs, shoes and accents on the clothing. Remember that the trend is to wear a cuff on each arm! It’s very android, isn’t it?

 

These shoes are sporty with an asymmetrical design. 

 

The clothes were yes, very wearable. I wouldn’t call them boring in the least though, I was actually impressed with the level of experimentation and color of the clothing. The focus of the collection was on colored lace, all done in cuts of geometric patterns and topped with intricate embroidery and beading. What looks like would require a seam is actually a perfectly executed dye job on the lace.  It’s very  graphic design inspired, but the lace softens the edge. 

 

Another interesting trend that’s pushing the limits is these pants that are a wide-legged skirt on one side and a straight leg on the other. Is this trend going to hit the streets? Maybe in another year I’d say. You may say “no way” now, but JUST YOU WAIT.