Trend Journal
Fall 2013
By Arriana Drakes
The Boyfriend jean The boyfriend jean trend has become extremely big and apart of every woman’s wardrobe. The slouchy, relaxed style has taken the industry by storm and is every trendy fashion brand’s must-have item. Today, designers are finding and inventing new ways to innovate the trend by making the denim in various varieties, colors, and patterns to meet the needs of today’s modern woman, who loves versatility. The trend found its roots reverting back to the 90’s with the famous tomboy-inspired look. The trend is still making its way down the runway with featured looks from designers such as, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Roberto Cavalli, and Balmain.
Brands have incorporated new fits and details into the jeans, refreshing the megatrend and keeping it new and revitalized. Designers have introduced a new fit to the jean, which is the “slouchy-slim” look. WGSN describes the look as “A commercial androgynous anti-fit that updates the boyfriend fit. With a borrowed-from-your-boyfriend square top block paired with a tapered skinny-fit leg, this new sexy boyfriend look has a neo-grunge sentiment.” This look gives women a more slim-fitting leg with just enough slouch to make the jeans have that masculine appeal. Another popular fit is the “Parallel Crop” boyfriend jean style. This style is described by WGSN as an, “Wide parallel leg shape cropped to just above the ankle and an subtle flare for a more directional look.” This particular style dates back to the 70’s for a more refined retro-inspired denim look. Brands such as Acne, Cheap Monday, and J Brand have incorporated the “Parallel Crop” into their denim assortment. This trend is relevant to fashion merchants because it is in high demand by consumers. Today’s modern woman is constantly on the go and desires a more relaxed and comfortable look. The trend is constantly being revitalized and introduces new style aspects into the modern women’s wardrobe. This item is a must-have item in denim.
Street Style These jeans have a whirlwind of new variants featuring details such as, pattern accents, indigo patchwork, the painter-look, sun-bleached colors, and the classic, distressed/destroyed. These details give the denim a contemporary vintage look.
September 24th, 2013
The new Overall Reverting us back to our adolescence, overalls have made a strong comeback. Known first as protective garments worn by professionals such as, painters, carpenters, farmers and railroad workers. This trend got its first fashion buzz in the 60’s as it was made in a variety of colors and patterns and worn by the younger generation. The trend then faded and reappeared again in the late 70’s, then finally, the 90’s as designers and commercial retailers made the garment stylish again. Overalls were mainly made of denim and corduroy in the 90’s for a casual look.
Today, the trend has been innovated and invigorated into a great onepiece fashion statement. Designers are incorporating prints, patterns, denim, and leather into their designs for a new take on the classic overall style. Designers houses such as Balmain features a pair of leather overalls in the Spring/ Summer 2014 runway collection at Fashion Week. This further authenticates the trend and lets consumers and retailers know that the trend will definitely spill over into next year as long as it is refreshed and updated succefully. Commercially the trend has had big success selling very rapidly in fast fashion stores such as Forever 21, Asos.com, TopShop and Primark. The reason being is that “The New Overall” is an easy wear. It’s stylish, comfortable, affordable, and chic. The versatility in the garment makes it easy to turn into to a day-and-night look with a quick change of blouse, jewelry,w and shoe.
Street Style
Traditionally, the overalls were worn as an casual wardrobe item. The New Overall is known as an interchangable piece that can be worn with heels, your favorite statement flats, or a cool tennis shoe for a sportier look.
October 1st, 2013
Bomber jacket The bomber jacket has went from being a utilitarian necessity to a chic fall and spring must-have item, to keep stylishly warm that is! The jacket originated in World War I, as pilots did not have cockpit and used the jackets to keep warm whilst flying. The jacket was known for being heavy duty with snug cuffs and waists, accompanied by a fur lining. Leslie Irvin designed the classic sheepskin jacket in 1926, making him the main supplier of the jacket to the Air Force.
Today designers have incorporated new silhouettes, fabrics, prints, patterns, appliqués/embroideries, and even non-traditional textures to the jacket. In menswear, the jacket is now being made in different styles including, The Varsity Jacket, the classic: Military jacket, Spliced, Plaid and Floral. Mens wear is definitely developing quite rapidly and only getting stronger. Men are becoming more conscious of their wardrobes now more than ever and this is a must have-item for the Fall/Winter. Comfortable and a plethora of styles to choose form. In womenswear, the style is being influenced by men with the new oversized silhouette and shapes plus, sleeves are made either regular or raglan. WGSN reports, “newness is delivered in the fabric, ranging from fur to leather, tweed, jacquards, bouclé and pliable neoprene, which allows the ovoid shape of the jacket to stand away from the body.” The style took over last year with the varsity jacket but today, the designers and brands are producing styles that are a lot more non-traditional, mixing prints and patterns, and adding texture.
Street Style
In street style the bomber jacket has been seen in many variations. Men are spotted mixing daring prints with florals and plaids for a relaxed look. Women are seen wearing jackets that have embroideries and statement graphics. And of course we’ve seen a more classic polished look with a pair of trousers and a cozy knit sweater. The bomber is nothing short of versatile.
October 8th, 2013
The Parka Another 1990’s inspired key wardrobe item is the “Parka” jacket. It’s a lightweight classic piece that has been updated with new details, fabrics, and colors. Originally worn by Eskimos to keep warm in cold-weather the Parka had gotten a new-aged face-lift becoming a versatile staple in outerwear. Today, designers and brands held tight to the silhouette of the jacket, which is A-lined. It’s versatility allows for a synched waist with incorporated drawstrings at the waistline for a feminine touch to the oversized fit. Designers such as Phillip Lim (photo left), Isabel Marant, Burberry and Marc Jacobs have incorporated their renditions of the Parka into their collections.
The category that most updates this jacket is sportswear. Lightweight synthetic fabrics are used to give an modern look to the traditional piece. Neon colors are used as accents or on entire jackets for a futuristic feel. The traditional approach is also kept by designers and brand, keeping the classic utilitarian cotton and army inspired colors, such as natural beige, green and khaki. The Parka can be found a numver of different accents, such as fur trims, zip pockets and back detailes for a sportier look. The jacket also varies in length stopping just at the hip for a feminine approach or stopping just before the knee for an oversized boyfriend look. This jacket can be worn as a casual look with jeans, stylish fall boots and you favorite tee or as dressed up as Phillip Lim’s rendition, with strapped heels, a mini-skirt and an elegant blouse.
Street Style
The Parka jacket is a great addition to a Fall and Spring wardrobe. It’s a staple piece you can wear for months out of the year, while mixing it with different pieces. It’s an easy wear because of the more traditional natural colors, which adds mounds of versatility. This piece can be found at retailers such as, ASOS.com, Macy’s, Gap, and Shopbop. October 12th, 2013