TREND JOURNAL CATHERINE BATRES
APRIL
April 01, 2016
April 07, 2016
April 14, 2016
April 21, 2016
MAY
April 28, 2016
May 07, 2016
May 12, 2016
May 19, 2016
KIDS IN CHARGE
April 01, 2016
A good and durable jacket is a staple item for children. Its no secret that children are more fashionable than ever. We see kids (parents) making sure they keep up with the latest trends and designers know this. The bomber jacket is getting a makeover. The make up of this key item is becoming slimmer, for a less bulky silhoutte. This key item is also being armed with a more advanced thermal core composition. The parka is becoming more and more practical for boys. With the style being one that returns every season, it is getting a newness that is seen throughout young boys brands. Cut at the hip, with practical, big square pockets, the parka is a breathe of fresh air. The attention is on the sherpa linings, fur-trimmed hoods and technical outer shells. You will see these styles in forest green, grey, mustard and tomato red. Patches and embroidering will stylize the bombers for this season. You will also see contrasting pockets, statement panels, and textured surfaces. Although these are key items , they are also soon to be trends. Buyers and merchants have to pay closer attention to textiles and construction. Unlike other departments, children clothes are chosen by parents. I believe parents pay closer attention to the feel, durability and know whether a style/brand is reliable for their childs use.
https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/65147/page/10
WOMEN IN TROUSERS
April 07, 2016
Oversize and slightly masculine, has been a trend in womenswear. Women are steering away from tight fitting clothing and trading them in for tailored trousers with a boyfriend fit. The silhouette takes influences from the 1970s with the wide, flared legs, high waist lines, and minimal detailing. Pleats and Japanese-inspired origami folds add subtle detail and sophistication to these masculine pants. We also see these pants featured in bold prints and color. Prints such as paisley and florals in eclectic colors make these trousers into statement items. Color blocking takes this trend and makes it even more bold. The subtle contrast with monochrome and neutrals work extremely well along with fabric mixes. This trend is being seen more and more.These pants take on a dressy look, without having to try. The production will be the most important aspect of this trend. Every part from the waist, to the pockets, to the hems, has to sit correctly. This is especially true when it comes to the placement of prints, pleats, and folds. Fabric needs to be kept in mind also, these pants are most popular in silk satins and wool. Maybe trousers will become a must have for ladies?
https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/54935/page/7
PINK FOR MEN
April 14, 2016
Who ever said pink was just for girls, has not witnessed this dusty pink trend going on in menswear. Breaking out of gender norms has been a conversation starter, with women wearing mens clothes and men wearing colors that are not “assigned� for them. Pastel pinks have been seen from fashion runways to streetstyle. This trend is giving this feminine color a new life. The application and shades of pink is what really grabbed my attention. From a vibrant blush pink to darker washed out pinks, the color is getting revamped and used all over. From sweaters, to trousers to shoes, men are taking this trend and running with it .These shades are turning staple items into statement pieces that add a pop of contrast to the usual darker colors seen in menswear. I believe this will be a trend that buyers and retailers will have to follow closely. Having the perfect assortment of pink shades will be important for the customers. Brands such as Gucci, Perry Ellis, Yeezy and Puma have taken full advantage of this brilliant trend. Men will be looking for these style at more abtainable prices, giving retailers the demand for this trend. And they must successfully deliver to their customers.
https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/65262/page/12 https://www.wgsn.com/content/reports/#/Videos/search/trends%2520in%2520mens/46471
REPEATING BUCKET DUFFEL
April 21, 2016
Slouchy bags have been a big hit among both men and women. These bags are like a fusion between the bucket bag and the duffel bag. The duffel bag shape has been returning season after season as a cemented key shape. The bucket bag brings a unique drawstring that customers seem to really like. These bags take away alot of the bulky hardware and replace it with minimal detailing. the “bucket duffel” comes is in a variety of sizes. I noticed in men they often come in a medium-large size, with backpack straps. For women they are scaled down and have contrasting handles/straps. Consumers are really responding to the “raw-cut leather” look, which really shows off the popular silhouette of the bag and gives it a sophisticated look. Retailers are encouraging personal stylizing with pins, bag charms and knotted bandannas which ultimately encourage the customer to purchase more. These bags are a must have for customers. Buyers and merchants should definitely make sure they have these stocked in their stores. This style of bag isnt going out of style anytime soon.
https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/58526/page/24
THE LOAFER
April 28, 2016
The masculine items of fashion have been making their way into womens wear and have created sleek, sophisticated looks that can be worn to dress up any outfit. Loafers, originally a mans shoe has been taken over by womens footwear making it a unique, stylish statement piece. Whether it be the round or square toe these shoes are for the fashion forward customer. The hardware is kept very minimal with very thin gold chain additions. There is also a large band that is usually in a contrasting color that is becoming more popular. And then of course is the traditional flip over decor that yields a fringe type detail at the toe of the shoe. Color is very important when it comes to this style. I personally have seen alot metallic colors such as silver, gold, blue, and pink. These metallic colors catch the attention of anyone as they pass. Of course there is the more traditional colors rich brown reds, black, and shades of tan. We also see color blocking, which is a big subtrend in fashion. Retailers and merchants will have to be on the look out for the masculine styles and know women want them. Both the heeled and flat loafer is popular so providing the customer with both options will be important. As this trend develops I believe we will see more ladies in these stylish loafers.
https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/65127/page/12
JEWELLERY WRISTWEAR
may 07, 2016
Jewellery for men is becoming more and more popular. This trend offers a wide variety of styles and color options. The bangle becomes a must-have item for men’s jewellery assortments. It is ideal piece for layering with watches and other bracelet styles. Silver heavy chains with simple trigger or snap clasps creates a refined, sophisticated finish. In contrast there is the fine chain style, the restained approach to styling is key. Beads and charms offer a unique personalized touch to jewellery wristwear. Artisan fabrics bring prints and pattern into this trend that men can wear around their wrist. All black, braided leather, blackened and oxidised metals and powder-coated finishes offer a more fashion-forward option. We also see aqua tones as key colors within the beaded wrist jewellery. Jewellery wristwear adds a little something extra to the casual styling in menswear. Men are able to layer and customize how they want to wear jewellery which is something retailers/ merchants need to pay attention to when buying . Having a mix of these assortments will be crutial to the purchasing power of the customer. The display of these accessories is also important. Men usually go into a store knowing what they want to buy and do not want to be on a scavenger hunt for it when they walk into a store. Something to keep in mind when visual merchandising.
https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/65797/page/3
THE BRALETTE
may 12, 2016
Bralettes have become the new fad and I dont see it leaving anytime soon. These delicate, light bras are pleasing to look at and to wear. Women are trading the traditional bra for these bralettes. These bralettes have a crochet look, with large-scale, naive florals and lightweight, cotton-like fabrics ideal for high-summer. The lace-y and delicate look make a tshirt or light weight (see thru) shirt much more appealing. The attention to detail , is what I believe is what made these bralettes so popular. This trend is very different from the masculine overhaul we are currently seeing in womenswear. These danity, intimate pieces are feminine in every sense of the word. Popular key colors include white, red, and black. I have also seen gray, burnt orange and dark green emerging into the scene. Many retailers carry bralettes now, such as Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and For Love and Lemons.I wonder if this trend is just geared towards the younger customer (17-24 yr old) ? Either way this trend is hot and in demand. Women are willing to pay upwards $106+ for these beautifully crafted intimate pieces. Buyers will have to keep that in mind when choosing styles to have on hand. Detail, look and feel is very important when it comes to these danity items.
https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/66014/page/1
RISE OF THE FASHION SNEAKER
May 19, 2016
Comfort has gone up on the list of requirements for the latest shoe trends. Women are substituting the pump for a pair of fashionable sneaker. The trend ranges from slip-on to lace-up styles, with the former offering the more sophisticated, grown-up take on sneakers. Designers are making sneakers aesthetically pleasing and customers are reacting in a positive way. Women who per say work in the city, find themselves commuting in a stylish pair of sneakers and may have their pumps in their bag. Vegetan leather is becoming very popular for luxury fashion sneakers. Hardware is offering customers the opportunity to customize and personalize their sneakers. Adding a minimalistic touch of detail to their footwear. Both elastic and velcro straps are replacing the traditional laces. Fashion sneakers are also getting a platform addition. A range of colors are coming along with this trend but the most popular that I have seen is the clean white, restrained neurals and aquaneous tones. Along with a variety of these colors, color blocking is a huge hit when it comes to these fashionable sneaks. Retailers will have to fill the demand on this trend. With footwear offering a wide variety of styles, women are willing to spend the money on a quality, trendy shoe. It is important that merchants have these sneakers, along with all of its features and quality in stock for customers.
https://www.wgsn.com/content/board_viewer/#/65593/page/11
RETAIL BUYING SIMULATION
SPRING 2016
CATHERINE BATRES