Sea Inspired Spring RTW 2021

Mythical Sea Creatures and Underwater Inspiration Was Among a Top Trend for Spring 2021 RTW Runway

This trend could bring a lot of inspiration for the upcoming spring and summer season. Versace and Burberry both displayed an aquatic and under the sea inspiration. A third it makes it a trend, right..? Well there was Collina Strada, a favorite of mine.

‘SWIM WITH THE GREAT BURBERRY AT YOUR OWN RISK!’ Is it human? Is it a shark? Mythical sea creatures made an appearance on the Burberry Spring 2021 RTW collection. Mermen and fishermen nods with rubber, overalls, and elevated fishnet. Thigh high boots resembling a wading boot were a signature item and actually pretty cute, a little nod to my fishing friends!

Cinched together with rhinestones, it brought together the idea of beauty from the ocean but the reality of endangering water pollution by using plastic thread for a fishnet vest or fishnet jacket. It could be an option to recreate in everyday wear.

Sharing the similarities of fine pleaded fabric in both collections and only that. Burberry stayed along the lines of their signature camel nude and Burberry check, while Versace’s Spring 2021 RTW runway was very vibrant and playful.

Starfish, shells, and coral reef motifs crawled all over Versace’s runway looks. Cobalt blues, bright orange, pink, and green in micro pleated dresses. Models had a ‘just stepped out of the water’ look with dewy skin and gelled wet hair.

Volume created with cascading ruffles was a trend setter in this show. A lot of skirt inspiration to consider for this spring and summer. Mini, mermaid, and there was also the cascading mini-low skirt. With a little research, I discovered that the high-low style originated in the Victorian era and the hem became known as the fishtail.

Then there’s Collina Strada’s Spring 2021 RTW collection. Known for her sustainability awareness and eccentric loud looks, Hillary Taymour pushes boundaries with weird and embraces the art of fashion to tell a story. To release the campaign there was a video presentation with an ode to the earth affected by climate change and a series of photos of the collection. Many of the photos were edited with playful graphics complimenting the trippy whimsical sets.

A couple wearing colorful deadstock patch-like print, both with purple hair clips and skinny clip-in braids exuding seaside vibes. The photo featured a lime green hammerhead shark and purple seal photoshopped on opposite corners. While the collection did not focus on the sea life theme like Burberry or Versace it was just small nods, like a rounded star bikini top or an ocean backdrop.

Also from the Collina Strada Spring 21 campaign a beauty look that I would call the ‘trippy mermaid’. Perfectly sculpted waves in shades of pink, orange, and even tie dye, sprawling on the top of models heads.

I think influences of the aquatic life on the street will be seen a lot in beauty. Dewy skin and coral lips. Net like clothing pieces could be a fun way to incorporate this into your wardrobe. I definitely will be taking note on the Versace color palette for summer 2021. Sea life motifs on a shirt, or maybe on a swim suit. And stay tuned on skirt trends for this spring!