Sleek ponytails, bronzed skin and subtle makeup made the minimalist, mod clothing for men and women pop during Richard Chai’s sporty spring/summer 2013 runway presentation. High tech fabrics and breezy shapes brought a futuristic view of sailing and tennis to mind, with nylon zip jackets and easy separates mainly in shades of white, graphite and translucent powder blues, with a handful of dressier looks striking against the more neutral palettes in matte sunflower yellow or antique bronze metallic.

The sixties played a part in the overall aesthetic, with op art cutouts in flirty dresses and tops and minimalist prints, used sparingly. It’s going to be a healthy summer of love, seems to be the theme. Wedge boots by Dr. Martens on girls lent the more feminine pieces an edge, while music mixed with vibrant Jane’s Addiction hits kept up the pace. Entertainer/rapper Nick Cannon graced the front row, hounded by interviewers pre-show. What’s a witty guy wearing a brown, blinged-out baseball cap saying about spring’s minimalism, I wonder?

See all the shots from Elle UK here

Photos by Sarah Ruplin