Printed Matter for S/S11

Throughout history prints have always held a strong presence on the catwalk. Kenzo Takada with his Oriental-inspired print designs – which have been in existence since the seventies; Dries Van Noten with his characteristic layered and mismatched prints; and Emilio Pucci with his kaleidoscopic coloured geometric prints. More recently Miuccia Prada has made headlines with her cat and swallow prints featured in Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2010 collection and Marc Jacobs for his his star print also in his diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs.

This season the fashion technique is once again making a revival. From outer space (Christopher Kane) to 70s East Coast hotel rooms (Mary Katrantzou) prints in varying shapes and forms have dominated the Resort and spring/summer 2011 catwalks. British designer Kane – renowned for his spring/summer 2009 graphic gorilla print – presented a magical 2011 Resort collection of multi-coloured nebulas and sparkling galaxies. Back on earth, Katrantzou’s spring/summer 2011 dresses featured striking prints of interiors, “With this collection, I wanted to put the room on the woman, rather than the woman in the room,” the designer explained. Using the latest in digital print technology, Katrantzou’s trompe-l'œil creations command any dinner, date, party or even pavement.

For a more understated glamour and daywear look, Peter Pilotto’s spring/summer 2011 print separates offer the perfect choice. Both striking and elegant à la Yves Saint Laurent, Pilotto’s rock print high-rise silk twill trousers follow the latest palazzo pant trend and work well with a basic tee or blouson. Gareth Pugh’s print offerings also create an eye-catching optical illusion. In monochrome they are subtler than Kane and Kantrantzou’s pieces but never the less stylish. We also recommend Proenza Schouler’s black and white block print shorts and short sleeved shirt.

Text by Lucia Davies