All About Digital Prints and How to Style Them
Fashion print possibilities are shaped by the increasingly digital world, bringing hyperreal ombrés, solarised prints, and smooth gradients into the mainstream. This season we have seen a continuous appeal for digital print effects. The new digital prints are an update to the ever-popular tie-dye we have seen in the past years. Smooth gradients appeal to a more sophisticated consumer. Particularly exciting are the top-down gradients that clearly transition from one colour to another.
A rise of digital aesthetics influenced fashion prints. A trend accelerated by society’s dependence on virtual connections during the pandemic. With the spotlight on easy-to-wear silhouettes, prints are used in order to add novelty to designs. The new ombré patterns add a refined touch to staple clothing items and come in a variety of colours.
Here is a selection of our favourite digital print looks:
Solarised prints and gradient dyes have been spotted on the runway this year. For A/W 2020, Altuzarra effortlessly mixed subtle watercolour and digital filter prints mimicking brush strokes. They have recently upcycled the fabric for a sustainable leisurewear collection suited to lockdown life.
Acne Studios explored a more youthful take on the solarised prints resulting in a rich, saturated effect. Their gradients work exceptionally well with the delicate mesh fabrics they are printed on and offer a welcome evolution to the tie-dye print.
Supermodel Bella Hadid is rocking a head-to-toe multicolour gradient print by Rihanna's luxury label Fenty on her Instagram. She styles her full Fenty fit with a black jeans shirt and nude mesh mules. The bright psychedelic colours of the ensemble give it a more eclectic edge.
Danish brand Saks Potts interpretation of the ombré print features subtle gradient shapes. Their earthy tones make the lively print more wearable and grown-up and blend nicely into a toned-down Autumn/ Winter wardrobe. They applied the pattern to flared trousers and a tight-fitting long sleeve midi dress. We love this print styled with an understated puffer coat.
Blissful orange sunset hues recreated with ombré patterns can be seen at Ottolinger and on the more affordable side, the Australian influencer favourite I am Gia. The statement colours fuse beautifully with wardrobe essentials like a dark furry jacket and heeled knee-high boots. The key to adding novelty to the look and giving it a new direction is in unexpected colour combinations.
