If it feels like you've been living under a rock these past 15 months, you're not alone. While the world has been in an uproar, staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends may not be high on the list of priorities. The sudden shift within the fashion industry early into the pandemic left many designer brands on life support. With all of the major setbacks due to a sluggish economy and overall uncertainty, many designers decided to push through fashion fatigue, continuing to encourage major style moments, bringing a pulse back to this season's runway.
These collections, created during the worldwide stay-at-home orders, gives us a sense of each designer's creative imaginations running wild with chic possibilities, setting the bar high with iconic trends for spring/summer 2021. Many of the season's independent and designer brand collections from names such as Hanifa, Versace, Christopher John Roberts, etc. are giving exciting silhouettes along with mixed patterns, one-of-a-kind prints, vibrant colors, features of nature and drama as fashion is finally seeing a playful resurgence.
Picking up where we left off last spring, here are the top runway trends you'll want to implement into your wardrobe this summer season.
Asymmetrical
Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
A favorite throwback 90's trend, the ultra sleek asymmetrical design detail is tailor made for the chic minimalist. Complementing the body's natural shape, this particular cut immediately elevates everyday staples to a timeless silhouette with a dose of edginess. From one shoulder necklines to unbalanced hems, this trend is one to buy into this summer.
Backless
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Bronx & Banco
A bare back is one of the latest trends turning heads this season. While we've been hibernating indoors with oversized knits for the past year, skin is finally having its breakthrough moment in 2021! With its chic approach to long sleeve knits, this trend gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "business in the front, party in the back."
The Blue Hue
Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Color is a priority this summer. One of the most stand-out colors this season, blue is making an appearance on almost every runway this season. Mixed and matched with designer details paired with complimentary colors, there are so many ways to experience its many shades.
Peek-a-Boo
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
As we become more adventurous with our style, post-COVID lockdowns, exposed skin is making yet another attempt at mainstream fashion. While leaving plenty to the imagination, a little bit of skin goes a long way. Sheer styles are a chic addition to any look.
Sheer Enough
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Flying Solo
For a sexy night out, slinky sheer fabrics are super chic when in the mood to feel absolutely fabulous. From bodycon to oversized fits, this trend was made for the bold. My favorite sheer look this season is the gray trouser by Acne Studios. The long tailored pants are the perfect silhouette for a sleek ensemble effortlessly transitioned from day to night.
Under the Sea
Handout/Versace Press Office via Getty Images
The most exciting ready to wear summer trend, 'escapism' was a major theme on this year's runways. My favorite demonstration of nature in design, Versace had the best whimsical flair bringing to life the ultimate under the sea fantasy with literal starfish prints and mermaid styles. While many of us have been looking forward to our perfect beach getaway, it's no wonder designers are making our island fantasies come true. With beachy nets and shell accessories, I'm most excited to see this trend in action.
Applying Texture
Estrop/Getty Images
There is a new era in fashion and we're beginning to have fun with our wardrobes again. This season is all about texture. In addition to the summer trends, this season almost every designer has implemented drama and texture with a 3D element tempting one to look as well as touch.
Heavy on the Prints
Mike Coppola/Getty Images For NYFW: The Shows
This year's uniform are the iconic neon floral prints of designers such as Christopher John Roberts and the lucid geometric designs of Mugler. For a major mood boost, bold retro patterns and mixed prints are a feel-good goal this summer. As this pandemic comes to an end, it's exciting to get back to fashion.
Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
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The film follows Faith Mitchell, a wife and mother whose life is upended by a devastating loss. As she spirals into despair, it’s the love of family, friends, and God that slowly leads her back to light. And for Paula, this story wasn’t just a role—it was personal.
“It connected to a time in my life that I could really relate to,” she says. “That feeling of having lost so much and feeling like so much pain, and not knowing how to deal with the pain… and numbing out to do that.”
Courtesy
A Story That Hit Close to Home
Having been sober for seven years, Paula says the emotional territory was familiar. But more than anything, it brought her closer to a deeper truth.
“Once you give [the numbing] up, you have to walk in the desert alone… and that’s when I truly found faith in God.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
While the film touches on loss and addiction, Finding Faith ultimately lives up to its title. Paula describes the acting process as cathartic—and one she was finally ready for.
“Art became healing,” she says. “That was the biggest challenge of all… but it was a challenge I wanted.”
More Than an Inspirational Thriller
Finding Faith is described as an “inspirational thriller,” with layered tones of romance, suspense, and spiritual reflection. Paula credits that dynamic blend to writer-director LazRael Lison.
“That’s what I love about Finding Faith,” she explains. “Yes, she goes on this journey, but there’s other storylines happening that help it stay entertaining.”
"Finding Faith" cast
Courtesy
On-Set Magic with Loretta Devine
With a cast stacked with phenomnal talent—Loretta Devine, Keith David, Stephen Bishop—it’s no surprise that the film also came alive through unscripted moments.
“We did this kitchen scene… and Loretta changed it,” Paula shares. “She wouldn’t leave. I had to change my dance and figure out how to work with it, and it took on this whole other layer. I’m forever grateful.”
Faith When It Feels Like Night
The film leans on the biblical verse: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Paula says that reminder is something she’s lived.
“When you’re feeling so anxious, and you look out in the distance and see nothing there… that’s when you have to trust God’s timing.”
Divine Timing Behind the Scenes
Paula didn’t just star in the film—she produced it through her company, Third Eye Productions. And the way the opportunity came to her? Nothing short of divine.
“I said, ‘Just for one week, believe everything’s going to be perfect,’” she recalls. “That same day, my friend Charles called and said, ‘I have a film for you. It’s called Finding Faith.’ I thought I was going to throw the phone down.”
What’s Next for Paula Patton?
When asked about a dream role, Paula didn’t name a genre or a character. Her focus now is on legacy—and light.
“I want to make sure I keep making art that entertains people, but also has hope… That it has a bright light at the end to get us through this journey here on Earth.”
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