In late December, we may finally sum up the year. What was it like for us? Who was the main newsmaker, the setter of widely acknowledged trends and the source of cultural achievements? Geniusbeauty.com recalls the most remarkable features of the year 2011.
Trend of the Year 2011
High and smooth balet bundles, tight and snow white tutus, pointe shoes, appearance in public to watch “Swan Lake”… Total interest in ballet has become the main trend of this year. The aesthetics of ballet has thoroughly captured the hearts and minds of the public. It has become possible to plunge into the world of classical dance thanks to the actress Natalie Portman and her heroine from the “Black Swan” movie directed by Darren Aronofski. It is surprising that, despite the delighted reviews of the critics, “The Swan” took only one “Oscar”, and the long-awaited statuette, of course, went to Portman in the “Best Actress” category.
A psychological thriller about the troubled life of a ballerina Nina literally affected all spheres of cultural life and fashion. The new fitness movement based on classical ballet training is gaining popularity, dance shows with ballet dancers of the leading troupes are being shot, dance schools and colleges are overcrowded. The Guerlain brand has acknowledged their love for ballet with the help of their expensive Le Bolshoi perfume; literally every designer collection in 2011 was accompanied by the appearance of ballet dancing models on the catwalk, and it has been a good demonstration of the main trend of the year.
Designers of the Year 2011
The fashion of the year 2011 is distinguished by its retrospective character – the designers have been endlessly quoting their favorite epocs and trends. The most convincing ones were the followers of minimalism, who have returned once fashionable sharp contours and structural shapes. One of them is Hannah MacGibbon, the head of the Chloe fashion house. She literally revived the brand, which turned out to be at the forefront of current trends. Conceptual minimalism and clarity of contours have created a perfect combination with femininity and elegance of shapes and silhouettes. The main colors were black, white, mustard, rich brown, and blue.
The resurgent trend of minimalism has been supported by Phoebe Philo, the creative director of Celine, who has created a magnificent pre-fall 2011 collection. Strict coats, turtlenecks, classic style chic, elegance, and the accuracy of accessories – such is this year’s fall due to Celine.
The manager of the Lanvin brand, Alber Elbaz, has also distinguished himself by receiving the deservedly highest praise from fashion critics. His collection of fall/winter 2011/12 is replete with the active color, interesting, but restricted forms, the original soft cut, clean lines, and unusual details. In general, this is another ode to minimalism, and a superb one! Elbaz has managed to intertwine romance and rigor, femininity and androgyny, elegance and playful style.
Supermodel of the Year 2011
Despite the fact that, apparently, Gisele Bündchen will never give up her title of the highest paid model in the world, it is difficult to call her the main model in 2011. This place, as we see it, should go to the 27-year-old Dutch beauty Lara Stone, who has made a real revolution in the fashion-industry by signing contracts with 13 brands at once. It was her Nordic type that determined her success on the catwalks and in advertising campaigns of the year 2011.
Among those, who have been conquered by Stone, one will find Calvin Klein and Versace, H&M and Prada, as well as Donna Karan, Cavalli, Givenchy, MaxMara and Levi’s. Being compared to Brigitte Bardot and called the most fashionable person of this year, her type dictates fashion images to the photographers and determines, who will appear on the catwalk. But the greatest achievement of Stone’s is her entering the Forbes rating. Appearing there as a freshman only in 2011, she immediately took the seventh place, even ahead of Natalia Vodianova.
