Minimalism

A trend that has been on my radar for a while now is the resurgence of minimalism: a second take on the 90s-tousled-fresh faced-Kate Moss-white on white look. Of course, Calvin Klein and Céline are right in their element, but houses such as Chloé and even Lanvin are getting in on the revival movement.

Am I a fan? No. Give me a statement necklace or billowy chiffon any day. But I can't deny the power of clean lines, tailoring and a crisp, white shirt. After all, Audrey does it so well with her gamine look. To me, too much minimalism equates to androgyny, and I prefer the innate, chic femininity of Ms Hepburn: where one takes a plain boat-neck sweater paired with tailored cropped trousers and ballerines, yet exude femininity in this simplicity... I digress. 

I guess my take on minimalism is this: keeping an outfit simple and minimal has its many merits and can look very chic, but make sure your proportions are flattering. There is nothing worse than a shapeless, frumpy sack look. After all, Chanel once said "la mode c'est comme l'architecture…c'est une questions de proportions !" ("Fashion is like architecture. It is a matter of proportions!")

Shay xx

Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2011

Chloé Resort 2011

Not so chic minimalism: Céline RTW Spring 2011