Happy 2019, everyone! The new year brings with it promise and excitement for the months ahead; it’s the perfect time to plan sewing projects and it’s been brilliant seeing so many seamstresses sharing their Make Nine for this year (see here why I’m hesitant to go down that road!). I love looking to high fashion for inspiration, so this is the first post in a series titled ‘Haute Stuff’ where I’ll share inspiration, hacks, reviews and ideas for translating haute couture for everyday life.
So what are the predicted trends for 2019?
Animal house
Animal print had been creeping up on us for a couple of years but it came full pelt (sorry, I had to) in 2018 and it’s hanging around for 2019. Leopard print in particular appears to be the one to go for, this time with an air of elegance and femininity. This viscose crepe from Fabric Godmother would work a beaut with the Dominique skirt from Tilly and the Buttons for your own take on this Burberry gorgeousness …
I’ve got the power
So it would seem all this leopard print has us roaring, and power shapes are showing we’re here and we mean business.
Isabel Marant, Rodarte and Escada showed dresses and jackets with 80s style power shapes, which although might be somewhat dramatic, they can still be translated for the everyday wardrobe with patterns like the TP7 Pleated Shoulder Dress from Trend Patterns, the McKenzie Woven Blazer from Style Arc, or the Francoise Jacket from Republique du Chiffon.
Go shorty
Hooray! Practical but stylish, the short has been on its way following the rise (literally, ha) of the culotte in 2018. ‘Mum shorts’ these are not; they are crisp, sharp and smart but comfortable and practical, huzzah! The Chataigne Shorts from Deer and Doe and the Simplicity 8092 would work great for recreating these.
Tie-dye and mighty
To be honest, this is one I’m not totally feeling, maaaan. A trend that took off in the 60s and keeps creeping back in, it just screams 90s to me. However, if you fancy getting crafty with your fabric, go tie and dye that fabric, reader! The Southbank from Nina Lee or the Toaster Sweater from Sew House Seven would work brilliantly for your take on the trend.
Prairie, prairie, quite contrary
The folk look is on its way back with a nod to ‘The Little House’ from designers such as Erdem, Munthe and Alexander McQueen; you can create a prairie-inspired look with the Kwik Sew 4156 or go dramatic with the Alix Dress from By Hand London and recreate the Victoriana-style neckline with the Bloomsbury Blouse from Nina Lee (you can read my review of it here, too!).
Beige Against the Machine
Eeeuuuugh. It’s everywhere but I just don’t think beige is one I can get on board with. Designers such as Max Mara, Mansur Gavriel and Sies Marjan showed beautiful shapes but the colour is just not for me, probably because I would fade from existence and become one beige blob walking the streets. If however, you have a skin tone that can wear the shade, please show me how it’s done in one of these lovelies:
The kids are all bright
Now this is more like it. 90s rave gets all grown up with clean cuts in the brightest hues of yellow, pink, green…if it’s a highlighter colour, you’re there. This one may be a bit trickier to wear, but I kind of think just go for it and have fun, our days need a bit of brightening at the moment. You could go cerise with Sewalicious, bright orange with Fabrics Galore, or even get yourself some neon lace from Minerva Crafts.
Boilersuits you, sir
The jumpsuit has gone one step further with the arrival of the boilersuit. Part Mitchell brother, part 1960s Veruska bombshell, the boilersuit is awesome and I must make one! The Intrepid Boilersuit from Alice and Co and the Jean Paul from Ready to Sew are awesome.
Phew. There’s a lot out there and this is just a glimpse of new trends and styles coming our way, but hopefully this has given some ideas for what to sew in the coming months. If you’ve seen something you’d love to recreate but you’re not sure how please do get in touch and we can talk patterns and fabric!
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