Top Trend : Black & White

Black & white. Quite frankly, this week’s trend is quite a paradox both timeless and trendy, reassuring and bold yet it is one that you can never go wrong with! High in contrast, this graphic way of dressing is actually more of a lifestyle than a passing trend. The master of black and white, Karl Lagerfeld, once affirmed that “black and white always looks modern”. We’ll add that it’s probably the safest and chicest formula to get the clean-cut effect, no matter what the occasion is. But don’t get it wrong, even if it may sound a little basic, black and white ensemble are anything but boring. Ask pop icon Janaelle Monae – who always combines the two shades in the most original ways, from red carpet and concerts to yoga sessions. In case her wardrobe isn’t enough to get you inspired, we have rounded up the best FW17 designer’s take on the trend to help you create your own eye-catching looks, with a distinct, fashion-forward aesthetic.

Pattern play, intelligent design, geometrics and couture detailing are as many ways designers used to give black and white a fresh makeover. At Ellery, it’s all about volumes. An off the shoulder top with big balloon sleeve to contrasts white cigarettes pants. Alexandre Vauthier switched the order : white for the one-sleeve shirt and simple black trousers to keep the spotlight on the detailed structure of the top. In this case, the key word is asymmetry. At Balenciaga, Demna combined it all – shape, contrast, pattern, volume… The result? A beautiful billowing dress with large stripes and one strap only to which he added bright orange cuissardes for a colorblocking effect, very 70’s. Minimalism for a maxi-effect!

For sharp and elaborate, refer to Chalayan or Marques Almeida who both mastered the art of creating geometrical silhouette, accentuating the shoulder and waste and using the two contrasting tone to reinforce the lines and the effect. Our last shout out will go to Emporio Armani sophisticated night out look, a long dress with a chic white detail worn under a polka dots bolero – the ultimate pattern to wear black and white effortlessly.

Long story short : when in doubt, keep it simple with a crisp and minimalist black and white outfits!