Underwater Love: Voyage to the Deep Sea for Style Inspiration

Photos from left to right: Versace S/S 12, Giles Deacon S/S 12, Alexander McQueen S/S 12, Bottega Veneta S/S 12
[divider]

When Florence Welch emerged singing from a giant seashell at the Chanel show, it was clear that the deep sea was fashion’s new frontier.

The realm of mermaids and the life aquatic were inspirational fodder for everyone from Chanel to Alexander McQueen. From sparkle and iridescent metallics, to scales and deep, aqua hues, designers were scouring the ocean floor for musings.

Intricate techniques and an endless variety of fabric treatments meant that the clothes moved and shimmered on the models wearing them.

Versace went for a she-sells-seashells approach. Seahorses and shells sat proudly on skirts in gold studs, while prints showed mermaids, starfish and seashells.

Chanel turned their models into dazzling sea creatures with pearls pinned into their hair and adorning their faces, ears, and backs. Their pieces were delicately accessorized with clutches shaped like giant spiral shells, while Alexander McQueen’s runway was filled with mermaid-esque flowing, metallic skirts and seed pearled face-lace.

Meanwhile, it was all about a modern interpretation of aquatic tones on classic pieces, laser cut metallics and digital prints at Bottega Veneta, Giles Deacon and Mary Katrantzou.

To catch a wave of our aquatic-inspired looks, dip in and take a peek at our most spring and summer sea-worthy picks.