Trend Journal Jenn Campbell FASM 215
The Multifaceted Bow 3/29/14
Gone are the days where preconceptions about bows conjure up images of Minnie Mouse or Little Bow Peep. Bows are now showing up on the runway and the street. They can be demure, playful, stiff, or floppy. Oversized bows can be used as headbands, while prim bows create elegance as neckties, scarves, and necklaces. Designers are reinterpreting this perennial girl’s favorite by placing them on anything from casual tops to skinny belts. In the recent runway shows we saw several designers showing us their take on today’s bow. While in a modest tie or knot around the neck, the bow can lend a masculine edge to a look or a feminie edge if placed around the waist or on the shoulder. Saint Laurent showed a flat, wide bow tied closely to the neck while Agnes B and Roccobarocco showed two different ribbon bows. Ermanno Scervino’s collection had an oversized, asymmetrically tied bow while Sharon Wauchob loosely knotted her bow. My personal two favorite bow styles were done by Kenneth Cole and Alexis Mabille. Kenneth Cole’s was a classic bow tie made of leather and Alexis Mabille’s was an oversized silk bow tied closely to the neck. Alexis Mabille played with bows in both his Fall/Winter 2014 and his Spring/Summer 2014 collections. In his Fall/Winter 2014 collection he played with bows primarily around the neck and the waist. The bows placed around the neck were oversized and made of silk while the ones around the waist were skinnier and functional as a drawstring in several jumpsuits. In his Spring/Summer 2014 collection he used bows in the accessories. All the models wore silk bow headbands and several carried bow clutches. I loved Alexis Mabille’s transitioning of a trend in between seasons. I could see this trend transition being used by women today who love wearing a bow year round yet still wants to update their style for the next season. The bow is a multifaceted trend ranging from fashion to accessories to fabrics. It can add a masculine touch to a look or it can even soften a very feminine look. Bows are being printed like polka dots on tops and being tied around the waist of skirts. Bows have even been studded and spiked giving this previously girly look a more punk edge. Whether it’s a bow blouse by Marc Jacobs, a bow shoe by Prada, or a bow cape by Alexis Mabille the ever-evolving trend is being loved by women around the world; each with their own unique take on how to wear a bow.
Sources:
http://www.stylesight.com/fashionoffice/trendlink/details.php?id=81&gender=w http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=alexis%20mabille%20ss14
Balinese Boho 4/5/14
Indonesian influences are bringing a fresh wave of inspiration to the ethnic trend arising in 2014. Designers are exploring Balinese embellishment and embroidery to update this already existing ethnic trend. Designer brands such as Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren, Sachin + Babi, and MSGN have incorporated Balinese embellishments and embroidery into their collections this season. From denim to accessories, Indonesian influences are popping up everywhere. These Balinese details create an interesting and fun look perfectly suited for everyday wear. This decorative needlework combines intricate patterns and rich multihued threads over saturated indigo fabrics, such as denim. This creates a travel-chic appeal to many denim and accessory assortments. The placement of the embellishments and embroidery help create a modern, color-blocked look. Because the nature of this trend appears to be more of the relaxed, every day wear; it is more commonly seen on sundresses, vests, casual skirts, jeans, sandals, and bags. This trend is perfect for the girl who is not afraid of color and making a bold statement. I could see this trend being pushed even farther for seasons to come. I’d like to see it being used on tops as shoulder details, hats, loose fitting tunics, and even non-denim pants. I think the girl who would wear this trend tends to incorporate statement pieces into her wardrobe. By placing these Balinese embellishments and embroidery details in unexpected ways on garments and accessories you could create a bold statement piece perfect for this kind of girl. She likes pieces that stand out, yet are wearable and comfortable making Balinese bohemian the perfect trend for her. Balinese bohemian is a fun, new way to make a statement through fashion. It’s expressive, diverse, and easily worn. This casual look can be seen on denim of all kinds to short, sundresses perfect for summer time. It’s a trend that has easily emerged into accessories as well, ranging from sandals to mary janes. For the girl who likes a little bit of casual fun fashion, this is for you.
Sources:
http://www.stylesight.com/fashionoffice/landing_pages/node.php?node=3313&gender=
Elongated Drama 4/12/14
Floor sweeping maxi lengths in flared layers of fluid chiffon and elegant lace are producing a striking effect this season. Designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Leonard, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Valentino, Christian Dior, and Fendi are sending their models down the runway in dramatically elongated dresses that make the models look as if they are floating down the runway. Of course, each designer creates their own take on the trend. For instance, Vera Wang and Christian Dior do theirs in a high-low style while Dolce & Gabbana design theirs with an empire waist. Both Fendi and Leonard chose translucent layers in their dresses and Michael Kors designed his with blouson sleeves. Prabal Gurung showed floor length dresses in his show as well. Prabal Gurung incorporated high slits and cut outs creating fluidity and texture in his designs. Deep v-necks were popular among many designers including Valentino, Josie Natori, Jason Wu, Akris, Peter Som, and Mara Hoffman. Floor length dresses are not only easy to wear; they are also extremely comfortable and feminine. Whether they are made from layers of fluid chiffon or sheer lace, these dresses create an elegant look that feels amazing to wear. Something that I think is unique to maxi length dresses is that depending on the designer, maxi length dresses can be fun and whimsical, sexy and confident, or even classic and feminine. If you look at the designs of Dolce & Gabbana and Mara Hoffman you can see that their maxi length dresses have fresh, young, whimsical prints on them. They have a beautiful fluidity to them yet they still show off a woman’s figure. On the other hand, if you look at the designs of Valentino, Prabal Gurung, and Vera Wang you can see that their maxi length dresses are made with lace and show off a lot more skin creating a sexy and confident feeling. And lastly, designers such as Michael Kors and Jason Wu designed their maxi length dresses to be more classic yet still very feminine. Over twenty designers incorporated longer dresses into their collections this season. Because of their ease and beauty, I don’t see these dresses ever going out of style. They are an essential for every girl, year round, whether she’s heading to an elegant dinner or to the beach. A maxi length dress can be paired with heels and diamond earrings or sandals and a floppy hat. You can dress it up or you can dress it down, but if one thing is for sure you can’t make it go away.
Sources:
http://www.stylesight.com/fashionoffice/board-dynamic.php?ref_ node=node-10&boardnum=51371&mypage=1
Dress Over Pants 4/18/14
Why wear just a dress when you can completely alter the look by layering it over a great pair of trousers? This use of layers creates looks that are both sweeping and dramatic or relaxed and bohemian. These exact looks have been extremely popular among designers this season. Such designers include Richard Chai Love, Haider Ackermann, Roksanda Illincic, Dries Van Noten, The Row, and many others. I believe that this trend of layering a dress over trousers is fresh, diverse, and an interesting pair between two fashion classics. My personal favorite take on this trend was done by Roksanda Illincic. Several of Roksanda’s looks included bold, color blocked dresses layered over a more tailored three quarter length trouser. I think this is a very wearable way to approach the trend while still making a bold fashion statement. Other designers such as Dries Van Noten, Chanel, and Ann Demeulemeester took a more feminine approach by using lace and more sheer fabrics for both the dress and the trousers. And finally, designers such as Valentino, The Row, and Creatures of Comfort designed their looks to have more of a bohemian feeling. What I love most about this trend is that it allows you to have the comfort of a trouser while also having the femininity and movement of a dress. Most designers went for a more neutral colored trouser, while others used their trousers as a statement piece by either adding a pop of color or an interesting print. Richard Chai Love designed his trousers with a floral print that helped create dramatic femininity within his look while Tsumori Chisato added a pop of pink to the look through the trousers. The second way designers have used their trousers has been as an overall coherent look, using the same print or colors on both the dress and the trousers. Designers such as Comfort of Creatures, Emporio Armani, and Laura Biagiotti created looks with both the dress and the trousers having the same print and color. This dress over trousers trend is perfect for the woman who likes to have a look she can dress up or dress down while remaining comfortable and feminine. This trend is an interesting way to create layers with two essential fashion pieces that every girl should own. Going forward, I can see this trend becoming popular among women of all ages. It’s an easy way to express your personal style and add a little fun through the addition of accessories as well. No matter what your style, layering a dress over a pair of trousers is a trend every girl must try.
Sources:
http://www.stylesight.com/fashionoffice/board-dynamic.php?ref_ node=node-10&boardnum=37856&mypage=17
Full Skirted 4/26/14
Voluminous skirt proportions are creating dynamic silhouettes on the runways this season. From deconstructed and wrapped to folded and layered, new constructions take this classic shape into new territory. Designers such as Kenzo, Peter Pilotto, Mary Katrantzou, Temperley London, and Christian Dior have all been designing full skirted looks within their collections. The most popular techniques for creating this voluminous skirt look include interesting folds, ruffles, and stiffer fabrics. This full skirted trend not only creates a statement but also flatters a women’s figure by creating the illusion of a smaller waist. My personal favorite take on this trend was done by Peter Pilotto. Peter Pilotto’s collection focused on creating hourglass silhouettes through the use of a voluminous skirt. The collection emphasized sculpted full skirts; where in some cases, a crinoline underneath was exposed. Peter Pilotto discovered an expression for the full skirt shape that didn’t seem costumey or atavistic but rather flattering and youthful. Between the engineered prints done in bold colors and the full skirts creating beautiful silhouettes, Peter Pilotto’s collection carries on the brands keen eye for feminine designs. What I believe is so great about this trend is the many ways in which it can be interpreted. Designers such as Kenzo, Byblos, Mary Katrantzou, and Peter Pilotto used interesting folds in the designs of their skirts. Others such as Christian Dior and Milly created texture in their skirts through the use of ruffles and quilted fabrics. A common trend that all the designers seemed to be incorporating into their skirts was the use of color, whether it be in a print or applique. It is just so fascinating to me to see several designers take the same trend and do it in such a way that truly shows off each designer’s personal aesthetic. This voluminous skirt trend is sure to be popular among girls who desire a feminine silhouette but with a bold statement. There is such an array of designs within this trend that I could definitely see this being a trend incorporated into outfits from day into night. A voluminous skirt is an easy way to give an illusion of a smaller waistline while at the same time adding something flirty and fun to your look. Going forward, I think I could see this trend being done in more classic and elegant way in which you could wear it to a more formal event. However, as of right now a voluminous skirt is a fresh and playful way to turn something as simple as a skirt into a trendy must-have.
Sources:
http://www.stylesight.com/fashionoffice/board-dynamic. php?lang=en&mypage=3&boardnum=51403
Grunge Rocker 5/3/14
The late 80’s grunge movement has reemerged itself this past season in fashion. A slew of influential designers, from Phillip Lim to Saint Laurent, recently showed collections inspired by the grunge aesthetic. Flannel shirts have been updated in sheer materials with plaid variations. Sweaters are being layered over long slip dresses worn over pants. And color is slightly muted with a palette of mid-tones and rich darks. Designers who, this season, are at the forefront in rediscovering this grunge rocker trend include Isabel Marant, Phillip Lim, and Saint Laurent. In Isabel Marant’s collection there was an emphasis on plaid and oversized sweaters. Phillip Lim’s collection had some plaid as well; however, most of his grunge looks incorporated graphic prints which had a more streetlike appeal. And then my personal favorite was Saint Laurent. The Saint Laurent collection seemed to merge grunge with rock and roll through the use of leather and graphics that gave off a rocker aesthetic while, at the same time, the silhouettes hung effortlessly creating a grunge feeling. In street style, grunge has made a huge come back as well. The layering of graphic tees, flannel shirts, and skirts over pants has become classic essentials on the street. Sweaters or shirts are often nonchalantly tied around the waist creating a cool and casual look. As for shoes, Doc Martens, high-top sneakers, and menswear-inspired footwear lend a tomboy feel while ladylike heels create a fresh juxtaposition. And to finish off your look, just add a backwards cap or a knit beanie. This deliberately disheveled style that mirrors the aggression behind the music continues to gain momentum in the fashion industry. There’s just something about grunge that looks effortlessly cool. One of the things that I think is unique to this trend is that it can be easily put together, from a classic plaid shirt to old distressed jeans. It’s the perfect look for an outdoor festival or a rock concert as well. For the girl who’s feeling a bit rebellious, this trend is for you.
Sources:
http://www.stylesight.com/fashionoffice/board-dynamic.php?boardnum=24731&lang=en&mypage=1
Lifted Kicks 5/10/14
Flatform soles give lift to traditional oxfords and penny loafers creating an updated androgynous look that references iconic U.K. subculture styles. Creepers give off an edgier look compared to your typical flats. They also add a touch of punk to your wardrobe without going full on gothic. Designers such as Jil Sander, Mark Fast, Antonio Marras, and Saint Laurent have been showing creepers in their latest runway shows. Fashion always has a way of convincing even the most skeptical that a particular trend can be chic if done the right way, and these designers have done just that with the creeper. Normally reserved for the grunge crowd, creepers have recently become more mainstream. Designers, models, and celebrities have unintentionally made it the next “it” shoe. Even if punk isn’t your style, creepers have become more polished and wearable for any fashionista to incorporate into her wardrobe. By adding high heels or different textures, designers have shown that the creeper isn’t just for ska lovers. For example, Jil Sander and Saint Laurent have done their creepers in fun, bright colors and animal prints that add a pop of color to the look. Creepers have also been a big hit in Hollywood and in street wear. Fashion superstar Rihanna has often been seen sporting the trend on the streets and even on stage. Having an edgy and eclectic style, creepers have fit into her wardrobe perfectly. Other celebrities who have been seen embracing the trend include Mary-Kate Olsen, Miley Cyrus, and Jessie J. In street wear the trend is seen anywhere from casual attire to business wear. The popular shoe brand, Converse, has even picked up the trend by designing their iconic sneakers with an updated, thicker sole. While the creeper is an edgier trend to try, it can really add something unique to a girl’s look. It’s a perfect statement piece that looks great paired with anything from skirts to jeans. Creepers are a great way to show off your style without losing the comfort of a sneaker. Not to mention, they gain you an extra bit of height. So no matter what your style or how you wear them, these creepers are keepers.
Sources:
http://www.stylesight.com/fashionoffice/board-dynamic. php?lang=en&mypage=12&boardnum=51759
Sheer Dressing 5/16/14
This season sheer dresses were all over the runway! Taffeta, tulle, organza, and chiffon were all used in creating these elegant, body-skimming silhouettes. The gowns looked weightless and romantic as they floated across the runway. Designers who took part in this translucent trend included Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Elie Saab, Emilio Pucci, Mary Katrantzou, Nina Ricci, and Michael Kors. They all brought their own aesthetic while spicing things up with dresses that were subtly, or not so subtly, sheer. The dresses almost looked like tattoos on the body. The most dramatic of the sheer dresses included those of Nina Ricci, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Elie Saab, and Marchesa. These designer’s dresses were all done in black, floor length sheer fabrics that glided beautifully over the body. In contrast, designers Valentino, Mary Katrantzou, Burberry, and Christian Dior took a more colorful route with their sheer designs. My personal favorite sheer gown was done by Alberta Ferretti. I think the gown incorporated the sheer trend in a very tasteful and wearable way along with incredible embroidery details. Sheer dresses have also been appearing in street wear; however, they are done quite differently than those on the runway. Coachella goers styled sheer dresses over bodysuits, high waisted shorts and crop tops. The silhouettes were loose, body-skimming, and seemingly weightless. White was the dominate color of the dresses ranging from crisp to a vintage-fade. And to finish off their looks, many of the girls just added ankle boots and a hat. Almost every designer showed sheer fabrics in their collections this season making it one of the hottest trends right now. Sheer dresses are continuing to be designed in various ways, making them appropriate to be worn to formal events or to music festivals. Somehow this trend has managed to make its way into every style classification whether it’s grunge or preppy. Sheer is the perfect way to add femininity and show off a little skin in your wardrobe. It’s edgy, elegant, casual, and sexy all at the same time making it everything a girl could want from a designer.
Sources:
http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/041414_Fall_2014_Trend_Report/#!trend-report/slideshow/go/119