Kelly Murphy FASM 215
Professor Monika Jonevski
Trend Journal
Winter 2017
Contents Entry I Entry II Entry III Entry IV Entry V Entry VI Entry VII Entry VIII Entry VIX Entry X
The Trends “the shoulder” “the new athleisure” “utilitarianism, u ready?” “bra bender” “romantic twist” “PETA’s worst nightmare” “welcome to the wild west” “couch chic” “va-va-velvet” “plaid power”
entry 01 “the shoulder”
Dearly beloved 80’s, we welcome you to 2017. Naturally we have been waiting in anticipation for this trend to make its proud return and our patience has been rewarded. Here we pay tribute to the ladies of the 80’s. We honor Madonna, Flashdance, and almost every “brat pack” movie for giving us this “bad girl” shoulder look.
Simply known as “the shoulder,” this trend gives the appearance of innocence while one slyly exclaims “oops! did my top fall again?!” At the same time this look incites a feeling of suggestion rather than an explicit cry for attention. So work those collarbones and pull out your best over the shoulder smile because that shoulder is going to be causing a load of commotion in no time. Vogue.com
DVF
Self-Portrait
Rosie Assoulin
This trend recently hit the runways in the Spring 2017 New York Fashion Week and has subtly made its way into street wear. Labels such as DVF, Self-Portrait, Rosie Assoulin took the opportunity of fashion week to reincarnate this iconic look. InStyle.com
I think this trend has some serious potential and is underappreciated by the fashion world. I hope it gains the proper attention it deserves in street wear today. I appreciate how it truly is subtly sexy and just gives a hint of skin without being too revealing. Not many people would think that a bare shoulder/collar bone duo would look so striking but clearly those people need to revisit this trend.
Pinterest.com
entry 02 “the new athleisure”
Good old athleisure wear...a word that in itself is actually a contradiction because athletic and leisure are words with slim to nothing in common, yet they merge together in harmony to form a stylish and comfortable trend.
Most of us have tried out this easy trend that has been gradually rising to the spotlight ever since Lululemon came along in 1998 with their premium priced and attractive athletic wear. Though it feels as if athleisure wear has been making a splash for quite awhile, it really adopted its title in 2014 when suddenly everyone began wearing their workout clothes on the street...when they weren’t working out. Then, as expected, a myriad of brands began making their own form of athleisure wear (though in truth most of it was entirely impractical for actually working out in but gave the wearer the appearance of being like sporty spice). Pinterest.com
So what is predicted for this trend in 2017? We shall call it “the new athleisure,” though really the modifications to the trend are not so new. Take the traditional concept of athleisure wear, add some sex appeal to it, and boom, you have “the new athleisure.” Fashion houses such as Alexander Wang, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana have already struck the runways with this trend; showcasing form fitting athleisure wear that focuses more on hitting the streets rather than the gym. These looks are effortless while possessing the appearance that one put in a lot of effort to look that good with the added bonus that people might think you actually go to the gym.
DVF
Self-Portrait
Rosie Assoulin Elle.com
Versace
Dior
All I can further say for this trend is for it to continue doing as it is. Strut the streets in sporty style. Keep being impractical for workouts yet endowing the wearer with the confidence as if they could workout if they truly wanted to. It looks good. It feels good. And it is the look that will be all the rage for 2017.
Harper’sBazaar.com
entry 03 “utilitarianism, u ready?”
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, utilitarianism is “the doctrine that the useful is good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences.” Apply that doctrine to fashion and you often get outfits with pockets galore and army-like color palettes. So when I call this trend “utilitarianism, u ready?” I automatically assume the answer to that question is yes because you’ll be equipped with all you need in the myriad of pockets accompanying this trend.
Pinterest.com
Proud supporters of this trend include Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, and Celine, all of whom showcased outfits of utility on the runway during fashion week. These looks include box shapes, pockets, buttons and zippers all accompanied with a uniform-like precision. Jump to the streets and you’ll begin to identify those who have been secretly longing for this time to arrive. A time when khakis can be celebrated for their useful nature rather than scoffed for the excess of pockets they possess. A time when boxy shapes and neutral colors are presented as attributes of excitement rather than deemed as dull. The typically unfashionable male can rejoice in that this trend gives him the opportunity to be fashionably on point without having to look any further than his own closet. Women can revel at their equal opportunity to finally have pockets to store little necessities, rather than the typical storage space in their bras.
Stella McCartney
Balenciaga
Celine Instyle.com
I’d say I’m about 63% in favor of this trend. Maybe it’s 12 years of Catholic school uniforms talking, but I like a little spice in my outfit. I want something that doesn’t follow the rules and play it safe. On the other hand, when I purchase a dress and discover it has pockets, I tend to get a little overly enthusiastic. I also enjoy a look that is clean and visually geometrically pleasing. So all in all, I think this will carry on as a trend but will soon fizzle out due to the lack of variety and excitement. Sorry khaki lovers, all good things must come to an end.
Pinterest.com
entry 04 “bra bender”
Many of us have heard the expression “suns out guns out,” well, this trend carries a similar sentiment only it’s more difficult to find words that rhyme with bra. Bras have had a tough go at life and have really put up with an awful lot. First, they had women who did everything in their power to conceal them and pretend they didn’t exist. Then, they transitioned to the time when women wanted to simply hint at their bra via see through tops and the show of a bra strap here and there. Now bras are finally entering into the center spotlight with a trend that is showcasing the bra as the main event. Honestly, I think if bras were capable of thought processes they would be on the verge of a mental breakdown due to the indecision of their status in an outfit. Pinterest.com
Designers like Victoria Beckham, Tory Burch, Giambattista Valli all have come to the aid of the bra during fashion week by making it the focal point of some of their looks. Some, took the bold approach and treated the bra like a top, while others highlighted it more subtly by having the bra under an open jacket or shirt.
Victoria Beckham
Tory Burch
Giambattista Valli
This look has taken to the streets and will likely continue to grow even further as women feel the need to show off their stylish undergarments. This also sides for the argument of purchasing expensive pretty bras because now you can show it off to someone other than yourself or your significant other. Harper’sBazaar.com
I am all for this bra bender trend. It’s not like bras are some big secret that need to be hidden, they serve a very important purpose and deserve to be shown off and celebrated for all the hard work they do. Plus, if we can change the concept of the bra from simply being holders of fleshy mounds to beautiful fashion statements I believe that would really help with the status crisis bras seem to be having. And yes, it is normal that I humanized the bra.
Pinterest.com
entry 05 “romantic twist”
Do you ever get in those moods where you’re all “I want to dress really romantically and delicately with lacey frills but then make it badass with a leather jacket”? Well if you don’t, you will soon come to see this mood I am referring to once this trend hits up the fashion world and beyond. This “romantic twist” could be considered a merger of Marie Antoinette meets badass Sandy from Grease. A little sweet and innocent mixed with a biker chick and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll. Slightly contradictory, but wholly satisfying. This trend isn’t exactly original, seeing as Madonna worked it once upon a time, but it definitely will make a splash in its comeback. Pinterest.com
In fashion week already, we had Rodarte, Chanel, and Dior working the spiced up romance look. From afar everything looks all delicate and relaxed but upon further examination one comes to realize the looks have a special something to them, a romantic twist if you will. The streetwear interpretation of this trend is where things really become exciting as we begin to observe pairings of lace with leather for a soft/hard look.
Rodarte
Chanel
Dior Harper’sBazaar.com
I feel satisfied when I observe this trend, there is no other way to phrase it. Two looks are coming together to form one and it simply satisfies even the pickiest of fashion gurus. I like that this look has the capability of keeping people guessing about your disposition. Is she a badass? Is she super sweet and romantic? They’ll never know and that’s the beauty of it. Plus I think every romantic is secretly a badass anyways, just take Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice as a prime example.
Pinterest.com
entry 06 “PETA’s worst nightmare”
I’d like to begin by dedicating this segment of my journal to Macklemore, because I think he deserves a little credit in the prediction of these vintage furs as a future fashion trend. If this dedication is unclear, please listen closely to the lyrics of his song “Thrift Shop,� then continue on reading this post. The foundation of this trend rests in the authenticity of the fur actually being vintage, but the rules will likely be reinterpreted as anything fur or resembling fur as game.
Pinterest.com
For the runway, designers such as Michael Kors, Yeezy, and Vetements utilize fur with vintage-style fur coats. These coats are typically mid-to-floor length and resemble my grandmother’s fur coats, which are equally as big and bulky. On the streets, the interpretation of this trend ranges from the proud debut of a thrift store purchase to a faux fur coat in far from natural colors and prints to again faux fur that appears real.
Michael Kors
Yeezy
Vetements
Elle.com
This trend gives me mixed feelings, because I do feel very sauve while wearing fur, but then I start to think of the little animal that died in order for me to wear it and my sauve hype turns to flat out weeping. I understand not all animals are put to death in order for fur coats to be made, some die naturally, but still it just feels wrong. Though I doubt I’d go throw red paint on anyone who did choose to wear fur, it doesn’t make me THAT upset. I will likely go for the alternative interpretation of this trend and stick to my faux furs, because honestly, if it resembles fur, it will still bring about that sauve confidence I do enjoy so very much.
Pinterest.com
entry 07 “welcome to the wild west”
*cue the good ol’ country song about going through the desert on a horse with no name and with that theme in mind we are brought to our next trend. Welcome to the wild west. This trend takes the classic cowboy style of steel-toed boots, waist-cinching belt buckles, and leather vests and adds a slight modern touch to it. So grab a nameless horse and prepare for a wild ride through the west....or you can just dress like that’s what you’re about to do. Pinterest.com
Designers were really passionate for this cowboy-inspired look with fashion houses such as Alexander Wang, Adam Selman, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger bringing a “giddy up and go� feel to the runway. Denim seemed to act as a common link between many of the collections shown at fashion week. This denim link also shows up in street style, often as a staple to pulling off the ultimate wild west look. Many have additionally included fringe and a nice pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat to really give the appearance as a rodeo attendee.
Alexander Wang
Adam Selman
Calvin Klein
Tommy Hilfiger Elle.com
This trend brings me so much amusement, don’t get me wrong I do enjoy it, I just feel like it’s a costume instead of a real style. Then again, coming from Arizona, I know there are actually people who dress like this and are quite serious about it. I do admit wearing cowboy boots makes me feel extremely tough, but I don’t believe I will ever purchase a cowboy hat. Ever.
Pinterest.com
entry 08 “couch chic”
Another shoutout to Macklemore for being on point about this trend too (again refer to “Thrift Shop� for clarification). In short, this trend stems from really any floral upholstery pattern you have encountered, only transferred to garments. So if ever was it your goal in life to blend in with floral furniture, this could be the trend for you.
Pinterest.com
Clearly, Calvin Klein, Ulla Johnson, and Brock Collection all shared the common couch thought and sought to bring couch chic clothing to life. These prints channel perhaps that couch your grandma had in her house that was ugly and cute at the same time. Street style is loving this opportunity to act as a couch set, though many have favored the cute print rather than ugly side of granny’s floral print couch.
Calvin Klein
Ulla Johnson
Brock Collection
Elle.com
In all honesty, I have a strong desire to have a custom made floral couch and outfit set. I really want to have a bunch of people over and then go camouflage in my own home and just trip everyone out. I think this trend will last because when it comes down to it, it’s simply floral patterns and florals are typically always in style.
Pinterest.com
entry 09 “va-va-velvet”
Velvet. The fabric that’s satisfying to feel one way, but feel it in the opposite direction and things get weird. This velvet trend pays homage to the 80’s and 90’s crushed velvet craze. Growing up, I have fond memories of wearing a black velvet dress with glitter stars on it for days on end so velvet holds a special place in my heart.
Pinterest.com
Designers have been all about utilizing the natural beauty of velvet for everyday wear, but now we see it’s use blossoming into formal attire. Altuzarra, Tome, and Self-Portrait all took to velvet formal wear in bold jewel tones to liven up the runway. Street wearers of this velvet craze have broadened their use of the fabric to include everyday and formal velvet attire in a wide range of colors. Velvet has been transformed into dresses, top, pants, matching outfit sets, and basically anything else the heart might desire.
Altuzarra
Tome
Self-Portrait
Elle.com
I’m on board with velvet. It’s comfortable, inviting, and is now acceptable to wear in a formal setting. This trend has inspired me to go on a hunt to find my childhood velvet star dress, hopefully in an adult size but I would settle for a children’s extra large. Sadly, I think this trend is going to be short-lived, only to resurface in another twenty years. It will be fun while it lasts though and I look forward to seeing the formal attire that is produced.
Pinterest.com
entry 10 “plaid power”
When I say “plaid power,” I’m referring to the bright and colorful plaid of the 1970’s, rather than the dark 90’s grunge plaid. It’s the free-spirited, flower power plaid that fully emerges you in the feel of the hippie feeling plaid of the 1970’s, or at least what we assume was felt as a hippie in the 1970’s. I think of the matching yellow plaid set worn by Cher in Clueless when I think of bright colorful plaid. A good matching plaid set used to be hard to come by but I think this trend will change the accessibility of plaid so there is a perfect set is available for everyone.
Pinterest.com
Supporters of the plaid hippie movement include Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Tome, and Public School, each transforming plaid into skirts, pants, coats, and more. Yellow is a common color included in the their plaid power palette. On the streets, we see a lot of plaid sets and overcoats each unique in their own way. Plaid is going to be big and I think it will stick around for awhile as a classic closet essential.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh
Tome
Public School
Elle.com
I wore a uniform to school for 12 years, which entailed a plaid skirt, so I can appreciate this trend. Though I find the free-spirited nature of it rather ironic because the plaid skirt I wore was enforced upon me. I still enjoy the consistency the uniform provided and will likely be purchasing a plaid set in the near future.
Pinterest.com
Kelly Murphy FASM 215
Professor Monika Jonevski
Trend Journal
Winter 2017