The Great Exhibitionist and his Private Views (Ted Baker SS12).

January 24, 2012

Ted Baker S/S12
The Great Exhibitionist and his private views

Not one to blend into the background, Ted’s collections become literal works of art this season. Rich prints, sharp silhouettes, a palette of paint-box brights and bold brushstrokes in the form of textural and tonal highlights are at the very heart of Spring/Summer 2012. Add to that Ted’s unwavering attention to detail and you have a collection that’s sure to be a real talking point and worthy of a walking exhibit. 

Womenswear celebrates the female form with defined waists, full skirts and cut away detailing.  Flower power reigns supreme with English roses, peonies and cherry blossom in full bloom on feminine 50s dress shapes. The Rosebug print featuring bright roses, bugs and butterflies is key and appears on everything from cropped jackets to shorts and from peep-toe heels to clutches. The floral theme continues with laser cut appliqué and intricate floral cutwork adding interest to dresses, tops and flirty shorts. 

In contrast a more structured silhouette emerges with pleated maxi dresses flowing in vivid pops of colour. Clean lines are colour-blocked and played out in a modern minimal palette of blood orange, dove grey, ivory and black. Tailoring details are evident on jumpsuits, simple shifts and soft separates whilst origami folds, lace trims and pleating add structure. 

Accessorise with towering cork wedges, wooden flatforms, oversized or mini box clutches in raffia and a stack of bangles. 

In a way, Ted’s menswear collection is like a self-portrait, capturing all the elements of his personality. Larger than life, it’s bursting with vivid colour and detail, offering a bright and breezy take on riviera dressing. Chinos in slim and classic fits come in a rainbow of brights and earthy shades such as burnt orange, forest green and rustic red with contrast turn up detailing. Pastel and check chino shorts are worn with nautical stripe tees and polos with slim collars. Prints come through in the form of subtle polka dots and paisley trims on shirts and polos. Layer up with ribbed and fine weave summer knits.

Outerwear continues the seafaring theme with canvas and wax coated lightweight jackets appearing in colour blocked brights or navy. Rope button holes and loops, wooden toggles and rustic coconut buttons add further texture. For a fresh take on summer tailoring, double breasted and single breasted cotton blazers are worn with matching slim fit cotton trousers and deckchair stripe shirts.

The collection is finished with canvas duffle bags and shoppers, paisley and spotty neckerchiefs and bright suede deck shoes or brogues.

Ted’s new S/S12 collections’ exceptional quality and distinctive detailing are masterpieces of both style and substance…and set to be a sensation worldwide. Because after all, Ted’s always been the Great Exhibitionist.