Fall 2014 Fashion Trends REESE TIMBERLAKE
1) The Matt Williamson Fall 2014 RTW Collection featured many graphic and visual effect prints. The eleventh look of the collection captured a more traditional illusion that artists have recreated in the past to captivate the viewer. This collection never saw a dull moment from the illusionistic designs. Source: Style.com 2) Keira Knightley showed off a slim waist in a Chanel dress at the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week. The outfit created an optical illusion, making Knightley look even thinner than she already is. Although critics seem to think the look makes her look too thin, I personally find the look to be very flattering and will continue to work on other women as well. Source: Huffingtonpost.com 3) Bottega Veneta showed off multiple graphic printed designs in the Fall 2014 RTW collection. Look number 17 in particular really amuses one’s eye. Source: Style.com
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4) Peter Pilotto is known for eye catching designs and his Fall 2014 collection was no different. The monochromatic geometric shapes make the eye dance in delight. Source: Glamourmagazine.co.uk
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A FASHION TROMPE L'OEIL
The French would call certain fashion trends today a type of “trompe l’oeil,” meaning, “to trick the eye.” Whether it be the silhouette and structure of the garments or a design created on the actual material, the fall 2014 fashion trends are creating illusions. In fashion we are constantly trying to play games to some extent in order to please the eye. Whether it be belting a dress to define the waist, wearing nude heels to elongate the legs, or Chanel’s innovative crop top making Keira Knightley look even more thin, we are constantly playing tricks in order to look the way we want. However as this trend is becoming more popular it does pose a more serious question: are these illusions tearing us away from reality?
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Stella McCartney
A Detacher
Yohji Yamamoto
The Row
SWEATER WEATHER
Celine
Fall 2014 brought many new shapes, styles, and materials to the surface for the fashion industry. A re-occuring item among many of the fashion designers was the sweater. Some used the sweater as a dress, some as a top, while others saw it more as an entire collection. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen came across this 900-gram cashmere sweater material and couldn’t get enough of it. They loved it so much that it played a key role in their collection, and all that was left to decide was the shape and structure of the garments. A sweater is nothing new and certainly almost every woman probably has one in her fall wardrobe, however, this season the multitude of ways the sweater can be used is what makes it so interesting and something to certainly focus on.
The functionality of the sweater is something to consider. A sweater is a go-to item for most because of the comfort and warmth it brings. So it really is no surprise that so many designers wanted to make an entire outfit or perhaps an entire collection out of such luxurious and comfortable materials.
Moschino
Chanel
CONSUMER CULTURE Consumerism has always been a reoccuring trend in the United States, and now it’s a trend in the world of fashion. Consumerism has taken over works of art in the past. Andy Warhol became famous from his use of consumerism with works of art representing Campbell Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe. Now fashion designers like Moschino, Chanel, and Rodarte are using inspiration from consumerism to create entire fall 2014 collections. These trends have caused a bit of a controversy, however I think they are quite genius and represent a great deal about our culture. Fall ReadyTo-Wear fashion shows in Paris, Milan, and New York all share this same fashion trend. Whether it be Moschino’s inspiration of McDonalds, Chanels inspiration of the Supermarket, or Rodarte’s inspiration of Star Wars, all three designers were inspired by Consumerism and pop culture in someway.
Rodarte
HEROES ON THE RUNWAY The public is used to seeing capes on figures like superman or wonderwoman, however now one can see them on the fall 2014 fashion runways. The cape seemed like an interesting trend to focus on this season for a few reasons. To begin, the cape is a bit mysterious to us since we do not know the correct functionality behind it. Does it serve as a coat? Or simply as an accessory to drape over the shoulders? I think most would agree that it’s definitely a statement piece. Across the world in Milan, Paris, London, and New York, designers used the cape as that little extra “umph” to finish the outfit. Valentino used it in a ready-to-wear collection in many materials such as lace, leather, silk, and chiffon. Ralph Lauren also used it in his ready-to-wear collection but in a more elegant fashion. Valentino used a cape with a hood to send off a more casual aesthetic, while Ralph Lauren tied the silk cape around the models shoulders for a more graceful look. Overall the cape proved quite successful on the runways. The question remains now, will it be successfull off?
Valentino
Alexander McQueen
Ralph Lauren
Gareth Pugh
Thom Browne
Kenneth Cole Collection Chanel
Moschino
BACK TO SCHOOL
Rag & Bone
Backpacks are no longer just for kids. The Fall 2014 collections used backpacks as a featured accessory. Instead of the standard clutch, crossbody, or traditional handbag, the backpack has come into style. The functionality of the new accessory is what makes it so widely accepted. Not only is it more spacious than the smaller previous trendy hand bags, but it is comfortable for almost anyone to carry. With comfortability becoming one of 2014’s mega trends, the backpack definitely falls right in line, and has great potential for success amongst consumers.
Loeffler & Randall
Vince Camuto
Cole Haan
BLENDING IN The fall 2014 fashion trends have been straying away from skinny jeans, fitted pieces, and uncomfortable outfits, and instead following a more cozy approach. Rather than trying to stand out from the crowd, the trend seems to be to blend in. Boyish separates, sporty accessories, slouchy silhouettes, and neutral basics have all shown up in the fall 2014 trends. "Casual Friday," has become an everyday of the week happening with comfortability being the key to a successful outfit. Looking at only street fashion in particular we can see this trend clearly. Fashion weeks are a time to show off new trends and styles, not only for the designers but for the viewers as well. This year a trend on the street was for viewer’s to dress casually and comfortably, “blending in” as a way to stand out. The casual chic look with minimal effort required has been a thing for quite some time in the world of fashion, however now it isn’t just an effortless style, it is a trend. In the year 2014 less is definitely more.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME Sportswear takes on a more literal approach this fall 2014 season with baseball being a large inspiration. Designers created playful pieces based on the baseball jersey with celebrities like Rita Ora, and model Cara Delevigne representing the quirky new looks. Jeremy Scott used a transparent black mesh material to make his designs more unique, while Comme Des Garcons utilized pattern to differentiate themselves in the trend. This trend caught my eye in particular because of the aesthetics and styling. It seems the trend is taking on a more casual approach, as one would assume because the inspiration comes from the uniform of baseball players, however celebrities have taken it as a good outfit to wear to events. It’s exciting to see designers create pieces that are wearable, comfortable, and stylish for the fall 2014 collections. The question may be now, will this trend continue? Or maybe the trend simply opened up a door for more literal sportswear pieces to arise in the future. I’m sure everyone in the fashion industry is excited to find out!
Comme Des Garcons X Supreme
Jeremy Scott
Rita Ora
Cara Delevigne
CROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT The midriff has increased in population this season, and can be worn in a multiple of ways and settings. Crop tops used to be exclusively for music festivals or events requiring minimal clothing, however now the fall 2014 runway shows have incorporated the midriff bearing top. Helen Lawrence and the Top Shop Unique lines utilized the crop top as a new take on a sweater, while the Cushnie Et Ochs line used it as more of a bralette. The crop top can be worn in a multiple of ways, which makes it a tricky piece of clothing because the way you wear the crop top can determine how others perceive you.
Top Shop Unique
With a nice skirt or pant the crop top can be dressy, it can be used as a layering piece, or with jean shirts or a light material maxi - skirt it can be appropriate for an outdoor activity or music festival occasion. With such a wide variety this season, how will you wear your crop top?
Cushnie Et Ochs
Helen Lawrence