When a trend really truly takes off, it seems to sweep up all other fashion influences in its wake. Such is the story for black and white this May 2008. Think of every trend you’ve seen up until now this spring—ikat, florals, stripes, open-toe booties, animal prints—picture it in black and white, and you’ve got a major black-and-white fashion moment on your hands.
In the past black and white meant mixing solids, now it’s all about prints. Christopher Deane takes a page from Japanese art for his Audry Silk Ballet Dress (1) ($270), while Danish designer Stine Goya (2) mixes it up with this abstract black and white pattern on a silk crepe jumpsuit ($785 at No.6 Store, 212.226.5759). Take a ride in Fairground’s Abstract Print Pussy Bow Dress (3) (£45), with its cute flirty bow at the neckline, or dress up skinny black jeans with this American Retro Woven Flower Spring Jacket (4) (£165).
Dutch designer Malene Birger gets wild with this versatile Holiday Jungle Dress (5) ($253)—one of the few looks that could go from office to nightclub. Unlike so many other celebrities-turned-designers out there, Sienna Miller actually seems to have an eye for fashion, as evidenced by her Twenty8Twelve Stripe Silk Prom Dress (6) (£275). (Don’t worry—you don’t have to be 17 to pull it off.)
If you needed any more reasons to get worked up about the Rogan for Target collection about to hit stores, check out this chic one-piece Zebra Print Swimsuit (7) ($29.99). Forever 21 proves mass can do class with this ikat Printed One-Shoulder Top (8) ($17.80), and Old Navy goes geometric on us with these Printed Sole Flip Flops (9) ($4 on sale).
Another celeb-turned-design-superstar, Gwen Stefani, hits a homerun with her black and white L.A.M.B. “Gianira” Lace-Up Pumps (10) ($325). Even the humble hat company San Diego Hats, which makes crushable chapeaus great for travel, is turning out a surprisingly glamorous “Poolside” black-and-white ribbon hat (11) ($38) with an especially wide brim.
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