TREND REPORT Fall 2014 Clarissa Koppel
“In difficult times, fashion is always outrageous”- Elsa Schiaparelli
In this trend report...
1
2
Blast From the Past: The 70’S
The Floral Momentum
3
4
Here Comes the Modern Bride
Cheer for Sheer
5
6
Fitness Infatuation
The Normcore Collective
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8
The Matching Set
A Shirt or a Dress?
1
Blast From The Past: The 70’s
Nostalgia of the past? This seemed to go through our minds after several designer presented their collections during Fashion Week. They seemed to have very 70’s inspired collections. The silhouettes that were presnted seemed looser, more relaxed and easy to wear. Some of the more notable 70’s inspired collections came from the Milan runways, where Emilio Pucci, Alberta Ferretti, Etro, Valentino and Prada had a 70’s groovy feel added to their collections. In Paris, Dries Van Noten presented a collection inspired in the beauty of nature; which many of us we seem to have forgotten in midst chaotic 21st century. Although the trend is less present within his collection there is a similar structure to what was shown in Milan, showing breezy pieces, for that laid back girl who wishes to stay in style and staying comfortable while doing it. The millenial customer seems to be a great fit for this trend. As brands are incessently trying to penetrate that specific market, trying to attarct that younger customer by offering them what they want. These almost hippie inspired collections seem like the perfect fit for that customer, who is younger, fresher and more relaxed. Something is for sure, we cant wait to see which Fashionista will be the first to rock these pieces at the next Coachella Music Festival.
2
The Floral Momentum
“Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature”. Nothing screams Spring more than floral patterns, and this Spring 2015 season was no exception. Veterans to fashion week like Oscar De la Renta and Carolina Herrera made floral prints their season’s vedettes. Michael Kors also utilized an enlarged floral pattern on several of his pieces, where crop tops and midi skirts were key, and the matching outfit with floral pattern made a comeback. The trend seemed to re-make its appearances in Italy as a Floral bold Poppy floral pattern walked down the runway at Dolce and Gabbana in a flamenco inspired gown. On the Parisian runway the trend was also noticeable. Celine, who is known for presenting simple and elegant pieces; where muted colors are key. This time several floral looks struted down the runway, as the printed floral pattern ended up being the standard of the show. Lanvin, one of the biggest french fashion houses also used a floral pattern that was almost as organic as the silhouettes that they used for this season’s show. These floral patterns make a bigger statement than usual, being bigger each time the walk the runway. The silhouettes become more discrete and relaxed as the patterns take center stage this season, letting the looks speak for themselves.
3
Here Comes The Modern Bride
We live in a time where there seems to be no time. Life is fast paced and more casual. Women nowadays on constantly on the go, they are more independent and have a schedule. Designers have gotten a hold of the 21st century woman and they are offering her what she desires. An outfit for that special day which matches her needs and personality.Women are putting the princess gown aside and matching their own day to day aesthetic and translating it into their wedding day outfit. A street style trend like the crop top hit the bridal runway at both Reem Acra and Theia White’s shows. While Reem Acra’s take was closer to a ballgown look Theia White’s version was more relaxed and casual, as the crop top looked closer to a sweatshirt and the skirt had an easier flow. Designers such as Naeem Khan and Rita Vinieris presented pants and shirt looks, for the even more casual bride who just wants to get down to business. A rocker chic bride with a leather jacket was presented in Houghton’s bridal collection, adapting to that cool bride to be who wants to keep it true to herself. Delphine Manivet presented a versatile collection where a midi skirt paired with a poncho and oxford shoes stood out. Designers had changed their ready to wear designs in order to pair it with the life women live nowadays, but now they have changed the wedding dress too.
4
Cheer for Sheer
Sheer is here. It stood out as one of the most notable trends of Spring 2015. A number of designers used this trends in their collection. The interesting thing is the variety of techniques and ways they used this trend that made the trend feel completely diverse and far uniform. At Burberry prorsum the sheer was shown in a variety of short dresses where the transparency is more notable on the chest and skirt. Valentino who showcased a very feminine, flowy and effortless collection paired their designs with sheer fabric in order to enhance the beautiful simplicity. Balenciaga also used transparencies where legs stole the show as they were shown through the sheer skirts. Delpozo also had a delicate use in his sheers fabrics. Sonia Rykiel and Christopher Kane used the trend in notable parts of their collection, Christopher Kane applied it mostly in mid-length dresses. Sonia Rykiel used her sheer fabrics in a belted organza bikini- like outfit. As beautiful and as effortless these looks looked on the runway it may be a concern for the clients of these brands, as the sheer may be too revealing for some. It is a possibility that the sheer will translate otherwise on the streets, but it is undeniably one of the most present trends this season.
5
Fitness Infatuation
Fit is the new Black. There is something in the air when it comes to fashion, and it is almost present as soon as you turn your head. Athletic wear is present not only at the gym and is not only a type of clothing like sleepwear. It is a trend. More thought is being put into athletic wear, as collaborations keep coming up such as Mary Katrantzou for Adidas, Alexander Wang for H&M and the new brand that Beyonce will be creating with Topshop. As well as Net-a-Porter expanding into it opening a new brand extension Net-a-Sporter. A whole new niche has been created and it is the trendy fitgirl, the consumer is interested in what the merchants can offer, whether it is by buying into the newest anc coolest prints, or the most innovative fabrics which seem to attract the customer so well. People seem to be taking more into consideration what they eat drink and put into their body and how they keep their bodies in shape. While this is happening they also seem interested in how they look while doing it. Even on the runway at Spring 2015 shows you could see a numerous amount of sporty looking, more comfortable clothing, even matching sneakers with their expensive garments. Merchants are taking this area more and more seriously as they could greately benefit from this area.
6
Normcore Collective
People tend to say “Less is more”. This saying has never been more true. Especially when it comes to Street Style trends. This one seems to keep popping up on fashion pinterests, tumblr and social media. Where the prints are nonexistent and neutral colors become the only colors to walk down the street. The “Normcore” is characterized by a very unpretentious and “normal” kind of look. It consists on mix and matching basics, which most people tend to have in their closets, some folks seem to be skipping on trends that are just passing with different prints, diverse shapes and unconventional cuts. Not only is this an easier way for people to make more use of their already existing closet pieces; but it’s a trend that stays somewhat timeless as most of these pieces are just a combination of basics put together in one outfit. And we know that basics never go out of style. This may be of interests to merchants, as the may put thought into investing in more timeless and wearable basic more than on passing trends.
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The Matching Set
Some people like to think and overthink about their outfits and sometimes they just don’t know what to wear that fabulous printed piece with. That stress is over, as the matching sets are a trend that is taking retail by storm as fast fashion retailers such as Zara, Topshop and ASOS are embracing this trend. The matching set offers clients an easy solution to their styling problems. Matching sets tend to follow with the trends as most of them are a mix of skater skirts, high waisted shorts and crop tops. Not only is this an easy solution but it offers clients the possibility to stay on trend by doing it. As most of these matching sets come in statement prints that are quite unique. This trend was also noticeable on the runway during the Spring 2015 season. This is a perfect opportunity for merchants since clients will tend to shop for these items together instead of only buying a shirt or top separately at a store, it increases how much they will spend at their stores.
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A Shirt or a Dress?
Preppy is most definitely not the word that comes to mind when it comes to Spring 2015 trends. However, when it comes to this trend things might be a little different. The shirtdress is one of the closest trends we have to preppy, it offers a versatile option to women who like the polished and clean look. It is the twist to the classic button-down shirt or even the plain white tee. There are a variety of ways in which this trend could be pulled off. Whether it’s with a sleek pony tail and pointed heels or wedges. Or with a pair of sneaker, relaxed hair and booties. It is an easy option that can make anyone look polished and on trend at the same time, is it a dress? is it a shirt? It is the happy middle between them two.
SOURCES Fashionista.com WWD.com Style.com WGSN.com Vogue.com HarpersBazaar.com