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2014 fashion trends forecast

17 Jan 2014

To ensure that South Africans have the latest there is in fashion and stay on trend, Renee New, merchandise executive for Mat & May, part of the retail group TFG (The Foschini Group) offers a 2014 forecast. It is a detailed insight into what fashionistas can expect to see this year, following her research and international travel to source the latest trends. She spoke at the opening of Mat & May's Cavendish kiosk in Cape Town last month.

"Patterns will continue to drive trends for 2014. Geographical prints of maps and atlases of old worlds, including Aztec and new tribal prints will heavily inspire the look for next year. This comes as South American prints have emerged a consistent craze throughout 2013, including styles of strong horizontal lines and graphic shapes complimented by bright colours. The desire to be connected to a wider or exotic world will be very apparent in 2014, which talks to the global traveller geo trend. Looking like a pagan princess will be the next hot thing, and achieving this look has never been easier. Pairing prints with black and white shirts and accessorising with chunky gold jewellery is all one needs."

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what is hot and happening on the fashion calendar. According to New, lace, denim and minimal looks will not make the cut in 2014. Rather bold sexy stripes and graphic prints are what to look out for. Colour will also be a big focus next year, as designers across the globe take a fine art spin in their designs and embrace various tones of colour.

"Pastels will dominate summer trends for both men and women, but there will be a strong shift in adopting bolder, warmer palettes towards the start of winter. Rich jewelled tones mixed with monochromatic geometrical and graphic lines with hints of gold will become a favourite. We can also look forward to aubergines, jade and red wine as top colours for 2014.

"Hollywood glamour makes a comeback next year. The modern male or female can embrace the chic allure of old school sophistication by combining sharp cuts with eclectic fabrics. Nothing says style quite like getting the right balance of modern and retro. The Hollywood theme is about class and reinvention. There are so many great looks to have fun with.

"Fashionistas can get ready for the ultra-dapper, carpet ready looks from the 1940s and 1950s. This means dark lips, pearls, rich fabrics and curls for the women, with sharp suits and slicked back hair for men. To lighten things up, men can wear collared shirts with graphic prints while women can anticipate the rise of graphic lace and coloured suede."

For more fashion fun, follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MatandMay, Twitter @MatandMay or www.matandmay.co.za.