NEW YORK, Sep 24, 2010 / — The contrast between contemporary and classic is again exemplified by the Shipley & Halmos woman for Spring/Summer 2011.
For this season, designers Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos decided to reexamine the true definitions of “classic” and “modern”. As inspiration, the duo studied Greek and Roman architecture and art, comparing it to early 20th century modernism.
The result is a collection full of interchangeable dresses and separates in an assortment of inspired prints and patterns, and colors that pop with energy for the spring season.
Staples in the Shipley & Halmos wardrobe are reinterpreted in a manner that demonstrates how structure and fluidity can coexist by balancing organic shapes with straight lines.
A sleek tank dress extends to mid-calf with juxtaposed graphical stripes winding around the wearer’s body, while an empire-waist dress with cascading chiffon offers a silhouette that feels both modern and feminine.
Uniform classics are re-analyzed in the functional spring outerwear with a timeless khaki trench, an army green belted parka, and a revisit to the varsity jacket from last season, this time lightened up with cropped sleeves.
Separates are definitely the driving force of this season, with youthful shorts and skirts in all different shapes, easy day dresses, and shirts and blouses in a variety of weights and fabrics.
A noticeable amount of playfulness is infused into the collection through the color palette. Subtle and delicate neutrals like creamy beige and military green are highlighted by blush rose, coral, chartreuse, and shades of blue.
Prints are seen throughout the collection, with the focus on a floral that blossoms in washed pink roses on a black background to achieve a painterly effect. Stripes are also seen in different dimensions, alternating between blurry watercolor stripes to a variety of graphic stripes displayed in opposing directions.
The prints and colors further showcase the Shipley & Halmos desire to experiment with conflicting themes, a balance of rigid lines with organic floral shapes.
The Shipley & Halmos Spring/Summer 2011 collection playfully reassesses the origins of classic vs. modern, evolving their aesthetic of contrasting hard and soft elements, and applying it to a woman’s spring wardrobe.
