London’s fashion week, is what usually inspires me, on how to gear my predictions for the upcoming season. But observing this summers collection was extraordinarily mesmerizing. I felt as though I had been miraculously beamed “back to the future” arriving at the heydays of the 70’s. Models stomped onto the catwalk, flaunting sexy, short, short hot pants! (Who’d have thought we would ever see those again.) The mini skirts were accented with knee high boots. and to complete the look, there was the grand return of the AFRO, glittery bodies ,shiny faces, and LIP POTION! Allowing myself to reminisce of my favorite days, it was just then that I was awakened out of my daydream. There was a pause followed by what seemed to be an abrupt change of mode. The atmosphere had become aggressive, severe and punk like. Bold, geometric makeup, brightly colored fabrics with abstract art and scruffily cropped hairdos, tainted in neon pinks, lime greens and oranges .What a contrast! I could hardly believe that I was still watching the same show. The next look was much more subdued. Layer upon layer of multi textured soft fabrics, in delicate shades of dusky pinks and pale grays. Hair was worn in long whimsical curls or wisps, and the colors were almost natural and muted with bold splices of blondes and bright coppers. Complexions wore palettes of polished nudes and sun kissed bronzes. I had never experienced such an eclectic show. My favorite designers of the season were Scott Henshall, House of jazz, Elspeth Gibson, Rafael Lopez and Emma Cook.

So as you can see the trend this Summer seems to cover a large spectrum of reinventions and modes. And this says to me, anything goes. I can choose to be whomever I would like to be for that day, and as British Super Stylist, Sam McKnight says “It is fashionable to be fashionably unfashionable”

To summarize the Summer Trend 2003.
FASHION:Bright reds and blues. ( Red being the new Black), Black and White combinations in bold geometric designs. Soft floaty fabrics in dusky Pinks and pale Grays

HAIRCOLOR: Natural base color, with massive sliced accents of luminous blondes and bright copper tones. Extreme contrasts of hot acid, neon colors. Men wearing slightly longer looks with bold slices of daring blondes.

HAIRTEXTURE: Return of the AFRO!, Long hair with Frizzy ends. Wispy long layers, with long disheveled fringes and tousled curls. Rogue like, cropped short hair. The word for the season is TEXTURE,TEXTURE, TEXTURE!

PRODUCTS: Expect to see a new array of pomades and waxes to accent the unkempt short crops and long tousled looks. Also Spray on Shines and Glitters more abundant than ever.

FACES: Natural sun kissed faces with shimmery lips and eyes in coppery hues. Geometric, bold colors, reds and purples. And don’t be surprised to see the return of false eyelash.

It is my prediction that these fashions and looks will soon float on over the the USA , although it might take a while and I dare anyone to get daring and start the trend. It only takes one, so why not be that person. You’d be amazed how liberating it feels to make a fashion statement! I revel in it.

Please feel free to email me with any hair care questions that you may have at:
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Copyright 2003

Author is an expert with more than 28 years experience in the beauty industry. She has answered over 2000 questions for allexperts.com and has had her work published in many well-respected beauty magazines both online and off.