micro shorts
Short skirts are stylish, but micro shorts push the style envelope even further. Sabato de Sarno incorporated a dozen micro shorts into his debut Gucci collection, signaling a bold direction for the house. The new creative director pairs suit-style fabrics with coordinated jackets, sets, or coats featuring matching hues and oversized leather hoodies to create a cohesive, statement-making silhouette.
Denim micro shorts made a striking appearance at Alexander McQueen’s farewell show, a moment that marked a long, storied era for the English house. The event welcomed a tribute to its creative legacy, with the designer accompanying the team in the final bow. The atmosphere was electric, and even longtime favorites reflected the emotion, a scene that lingered in memory as the final walk closed with cheers and a poignant soundtrack.
reptile skin
Leather remains a cornerstone material, with its tactile appeal continuing to captivate designers. For the upcoming spring and summer, textures take center stage: embossed, quilted, or denim-like finishes invite experimentation more with surface than cut. The reptile-inspired texture is forecast to be a dominant look, lending depth and a touch of drama to the season.
The first Tom Ford collection following his departure showcased a range of crocodile-tinged pieces, from trench coats to coordinated sets and accessories. The new American creative director introduced a fall-inspired palette, blending browns, burgundy, and khaki with timeless black, ink, and turquoise accents for a grounded yet luxurious feel.
Several designers leaned into snake print as well. Harris Reed presented head-to-toe reptile textures for Nina Ricci, with appliques and footwear echoing the same intricate pattern for a cohesive, head-turning look.
knitted things
Knits emerged as a defining trend for the 2024 spring-summer season, aligning with the broader movement toward sheer, revealing fabrics like tulle or chiffon. Knit pieces offer a relaxed, transparent aesthetic that hints at the body beneath while staying comfortable and chic.
Jonathan Anderson crafted mini summer dresses with bobbed necklines for JW Anderson and paired them with a chunky knit poncho accented by golden buttons for Loewe. The Alexander McQueen lineup showcased tops and sweaters featuring three-dimensional floral textures, while Sarah Burton paired tasseled leather skirts with the knit-ready vibe of denim micro shorts. Missoni’s Filippo Grazioli knitted trousers in soft, creamy shades, pairing them with transparent T-shirts for an airy, editorial feel. The collection even featured dresses styled with sheer tights for a bold finish.
eaves
Boho chic is making a confident return, with fringe and macrame detailing signaling a new wave of carefree, lived-in elegance. Designers explored long, dangling elements that catch light and movement, while fringe accents framed garments with a nostalgic touch.
Giorgio Armani layered tops with cobalt threads that drape into the back, while Sarah Burton extended knitting into skirt silhouettes that cinch at the waist with corseted lines. Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada added fringe to office-inspired bodices, enhancing shirts and tailored shorts, and Sabato de Sarno refined double-breasted coats with a touch of fringe. Metallic fringe appeared most prominently on the runways, with Julien Dossena elevating Rabanne’s aesthetic by weaving gold and silver threads through his signature chainmail silhouettes.
gloves
Gloves stood out as a must-have for the upcoming seasons. Designers showcased a range from delicate lace and sheer fabrics to bold leather options. Moschino celebrated a 40th anniversary with gloves that complemented sparkling, sculptural dresses, while feather-adorned shoulders added a dramatic boost to Sportmax’s latest ensembles.
Anthony Vaccarello presented short leather motorcycle gloves paired with oversized bracelets, while Saint Laurent offered safari-inspired looks featuring cargo-pocket skirts and T-shirts layered under sheer sleeves. Racing gloves also appeared on the scene, adding a motorsport-inspired edge to the overall aesthetic.
Rising trends in gloves emphasized versatility, with many silhouettes designed to pair with both casual and formal pieces for a versatile, forward-looking wardrobe.
accent accessories
Belts and other accent accessories took center stage, with designers exploring unconventional silhouettes and fastenings. Katherine Holstein of Khaite urged restraint, encouraging designers to tie shorts and trousers with leather belts featuring closed tassel buckles. Nicola Brognano at Blumarine experimented with two butterfly belts in one look, while Jonathan Anderson swapped traditional belts for metallic pins in Loewe’s latest collection.
Erdem Moralıoğlu introduced a metal dragonfly motif as a modern alternative to a fabric bow tie. Daniel Roseberry at Schiaparelli put bold crab and scorpion neckpieces on models, and Glen Martens at Y/Project warmed the necklines with snakes depicted in metallic threads. The overall effect fused whimsy with an edge, signaling a future where accessories carry as much weight as the garments themselves.