ALL HAIL summer 2010! FASHION FORWARD; As fickle fashion prepares to move on to pastures new, here are the trends and tributes that have defined the season. Long may they last, wesay!

ALL HAIL summer 2010! FASHION FORWARD; As fickle fashion prepares to move on to pastures new, here are the trends and tributes that have defined the season. Long may they last, wesay!

0 Comments | Mail on Sunday (London, England), The, July 25, 2010

Byline: KATIE LESTER

Must-have of the season: the Alexa bag

Rumours had been circulating that the It-bag was past it – until the Alexa stormed on to the scene, its air of preppy nonchalance (as personified by its inspiration Alexa Chung) inspiring many of us to start queueing-up again. The first delivery, in January, sold out immediately, and there is currently a waiting list of 9,000 on mulberry.com. Now we’re hankering after autumn’s stylish abstract-print version, right, available from September.

BAG, [pounds sterling]795, Mulberry, tel: 020 7491 3900

Surprise of the season: jersey maxis

Everything about them says that they shouldn’t work (stretchy, clingy fabric in floor-length proportions), but they’ve proved a fast-track to sleek summer dressing. The LA set have led the charge, and Rachel Bilson, left, gets full marks from us, but we’ve spotted plenty of you pulling it o brilliantly too.

DRESS, [pounds sterling]25, Warehouse, tel: 0845 122 2251

Success of the season: Phoebe Philo at Celine

Following her stellar success at Chloe, Phoebe Philo’s debut collection for Celine was hotly anticipated – and she didn’t disappoint. Her contemporary take on minimal persuaded many to banish sharp shoulders and 80s excess in favour of a leaner, cleaner vibe. Chic A-line skirts in neutral shades with delicate leather trims were among the most coveted items on every fashion editor’s wish list.

Beauty trend of the season: pimp my nails

Spring/summer was the season where anything but a simple french manicure would do, and Wah Nails provided some of the most tantalising talons around
printed bags