Catwalk Challenge
Catwalk Challenge: New Shape
'New Shape' is one of those trends that captured a great deal of attention when it appeared on the runway - a development from the volume story where fabrics billowed and puffed on the body.
Now designers have taken their technical skills and creative vision to a whole new level and presenter Caryn Franklin looks at the results...
"There are many trends that come from the catwalk each season and some are easy for the high street to adapt others are... well, let's just say trickier.
"On my site, howtolookgood.com, I like to give body shape tips with the clothes I recommend and those of you who watched Body Matters this week will have seen a high-street version of 'New Shape' on Shelly as I nudged her out of her comfort zone of dull black clothes shapeless clothes and into that lovely mustard dress from Eroto Kritos, so let me define the rudiments here.
"One thing to know is that this is a fairly dressy look, which can work well for those times when you dress to impress. You won't just be showing off your well co-ordinated style, but also your on-trend approach.
"Many garments have an eighties feel to then with overblown shoulders and raglan or oversized puffed sleeves. Necklines are hard and edgy with high slash styles, but there are subtle tailoring and softer finishes too.
"If you are slender, you can enjoy this trend in the knowledge that the extra fabric will create curves and contouring on your body. High necks always work well on a slight frame too, A bright tunic style garment with high neck, full cropped sleeves in a fairly crisp fabric, with or without a dark polo neck underneath, will be just the ticket for you.
"If you are a more standard shape, let's say 12 to 14, then you too can enjoy the voluminous sleeves - just make sure your neckline is lower to elongate your neck. Anything too high will create an unflattering shape, especially if you are also full or low busted. The trick for you is to remember Coco Chanel's famous mantra: 'Less is more'.
"If you fancy a loose tunic in a soft silky material, use a belt to pull in the fabric at the waist to give your curves definition.
"If you are curvy, you can wear this look too, just with more discernment. Streamline the bottom half of your body with a classically cut skirt that defines your waist and is fairly fitted. If it's in a dark colour, all the better.
"Now, making sure you have chosen a flattering neckline - a v-neck will always create a minimising effect for a full bust - select a satin blouse in a juicy style like purple or jade. This will give a playful and feminine touch to this fairly formal style. The sleeves will have some volume and this is all you need of the trend.
"Add a black jacket that is cropped at the elbow and allow the colourful sleeves to burst out. The jacket need not be done up, in fact open and revealing a panel of colour through the centre of the body is a great way to streamline your shape.
"That's it for this week, next week I'll be talking about the trend for Forties fashion."
Caryn X
Last week's show, Catwalk Challenge: Fetish Wear
"On my site, howtolookgood.com, I like to give body shape tips with the clothes I recommend and those of you who watched Body Matters this week will have seen a high-street version of 'New Shape' on Shelly as I nudged her out of her comfort zone of dull black clothes shapeless clothes and into that lovely mustard dress from Eroto Kritos, so let me define the rudiments here.
"One thing to know is that this is a fairly dressy look, which can work well for those times when you dress to impress. You won't just be showing off your well co-ordinated style, but also your on-trend approach.
"Many garments have an eighties feel to then with overblown shoulders and raglan or oversized puffed sleeves. Necklines are hard and edgy with high slash styles, but there are subtle tailoring and softer finishes too.
"If you are slender, you can enjoy this trend in the knowledge that the extra fabric will create curves and contouring on your body. High necks always work well on a slight frame too, A bright tunic style garment with high neck, full cropped sleeves in a fairly crisp fabric, with or without a dark polo neck underneath, will be just the ticket for you.
"If you are a more standard shape, let's say 12 to 14, then you too can enjoy the voluminous sleeves - just make sure your neckline is lower to elongate your neck. Anything too high will create an unflattering shape, especially if you are also full or low busted. The trick for you is to remember Coco Chanel's famous mantra: 'Less is more'.
"If you fancy a loose tunic in a soft silky material, use a belt to pull in the fabric at the waist to give your curves definition.
"If you are curvy, you can wear this look too, just with more discernment. Streamline the bottom half of your body with a classically cut skirt that defines your waist and is fairly fitted. If it's in a dark colour, all the better.
"Now, making sure you have chosen a flattering neckline - a v-neck will always create a minimising effect for a full bust - select a satin blouse in a juicy style like purple or jade. This will give a playful and feminine touch to this fairly formal style. The sleeves will have some volume and this is all you need of the trend.
"Add a black jacket that is cropped at the elbow and allow the colourful sleeves to burst out. The jacket need not be done up, in fact open and revealing a panel of colour through the centre of the body is a great way to streamline your shape.
"That's it for this week, next week I'll be talking about the trend for Forties fashion."
Caryn X
Last week's show, Catwalk Challenge: Fetish Wear
