WORDS Louise Hynes

Sportswear has been ebbing in and out of trend reports for several seasons now but there hasn’t been a season that sees the trend as versatile or as viral as Spring/Summer 2014. This season, designers have redefined what constitutes sportswear by introducing a contrasting collection of classic varsity shapes with a touch of decadence.

Typically glamourous houses such as Gucci, Prada and Emilio Pucci were some of the most surprising and dedicated players on team sportswear this season. Marc by Marc Jacobs and Gucci combined the principal design of clean cut athleticism with luxury fabrics, as we saw satin running shorts at Marc by Marc Jacobs, and liquid lamé track pants and mesh lazer-cut t-shirts at Gucci. Meanwhile, Prada’s football socks alluded directly to locker room wear yet, when played against those feminine embellished print dresses and coats, the look became something else entirely.

This season also saw the emergence of a softened silhouette, directly simulating that of sports uniforms. Alexander Wang and Tommy Hilfiger paid a visit to the tennis court with playful miniskirts, while DKNY renewed 90’s sportswear with platform running shoes, logo-laden outerwear and low-rise athletic trousers. Alexander Wang’s cool design philosophy was further executed at Balenciaga where oversized shirts and a series of basketball shorts were some of the standout pieces from the collection.

Fashion’s growing interest in designing for the street was perhaps epitomised at the Spring couture collections where both Chanel and Dior showed a series of athletic style footwear. The sneaker may not be generally associated with Haute Couture but it has always been an ubiquitous item in street wear. In 2014, it is promised to continue receiving high fashion treatment as Riccardo Tisci collaborates with Nike and Kanye West, persistent in proving his fashion chops, is partnering up with Adidas for a footwear collection of 20 designs.

The high street too has answered the demand for an energetic, dynamic and accessible wardrobe for Spring. While Dublin awaits the arrival of Cos in Wicklow Street, the Spring/Summer collection is available online and offers a range of  tailored basics constructed from unexpected fabrics for Spring, such as a round neck crepe top with silk sleeves, and a loosely fit t-shirt made from towelling. Zara, who similarly thrives on softly cut basics shows a strong collection this season, where sleeveless shift dresses, an Alexander Wang-inspired poplin mini skirt and relaxed full length palazzo pants are a few among many desirable sport luxe pieces. However, the versatility of the trend means a head-to-toe sports look isn’t required, and juxtaposing a statement sportswear item such as Topshop’s range of luggage bags or their Celine-inspired slippers, could support the trend just as loyally.

(Images courtesy of Style.com)