14 DAY TRIAL // For true fashionistas worldwide, ChristmasWorld presented, early this year, the best options to be considered when preparing to decorate for Christmas. Gunnar Frank, international designer and genuine guru in terms of winter glamour, introduced us to what's hot for the 2008-2009 season. He came with four major trends, each of them inspired by the different festivals occurring on different continents.
Banzai east is the first on his list, even though it has its roots in the oriental culture – this kind of Christmas ought to embrace the simplicity of the Zen gardens, where the delicate orchids get everyone's attention. Soft colors are in order, such as golden-orange, shades of soft green and blue. Metal accents are in trends, but only used with great parsimony. Be peaceful all the way.
Quite the opposite of this trend appears to be Candy west – far from oriental simplicity, it is colorful and flamboyant, in that there’s nothing too sparkling, too pink, too yellow or green enough to decorate your house on Christmas. Some might consider it too kitschy, but as fun and vivid as one can get, so you can definitely embrace it if you enjoy a carnival-like type of fun.
For relaxing holidays, you can also choose Lagom North – this trend is meant for those who enjoy good, old-fashioned, hand-made decorations. Coming straight from Sweden, it is about relaxing simplicity and natural shades, with the imaginative addition of decorations that seem to have been made by kids. Naive, floral, and folk patterns occupy a central place in everything.
The last Christmas option on Frank's list is the Baroque south – as its names suggests, it comes with the baroque opulence and dramatic elements. The intense colors, magenta, deep red, aquamarine, and others in the same line, underline the impressive effects of the rich fabrics and textures. Go for damask if you really want to follow this trend, as it embodies the very idea of opulence. Don't forget the candlesticks and the golden ornaments – they're a winter must in this particular case.