Archive for January, 2010
Predicting the Unpredictable: The Future of Fashion
Jan 25th
No matter what else is going on in the world, fashion will never cease to be a constant source of speculation, celebration and surprise. It is always influencing, never limiting and ever-changing. That being said, predicting the future of fashion can be a risky game, but therein lies the beauty of the sport. In this fashion-forward, anything-goes world, it can’t be argued that “getting there,” ‘there’ being the next memorable, change-the-way-people-think-about-fashion trend, really is half the fun. So with that in mind, here are a few fashion trends that will, inarguably, grace the catwalks of the next decade.
Green. Contrary to most shifts in the fashion world, experts predict that “green” materials, manufacturing, trade and shipping will become more of a lifestyle than a trend. And really, who isn’t on board with that? In fact, Julie Gilhart of Barney’s has already introduced a slew of green initiatives that she hopes will ring in the new decade(s) of green fashion. These include Philip Lim’s “Go Green Go,” a partnership between Keds, Loomstate and Barney’s, YSL’s “New Vintage,” and Theory for Barney’s Green. The phrase “better late than never” has never been so true.
Smart Clothes. While Spandex and Ultrasuede were the break-through fabrics of the last few decades, the next 10 years brings a whole new realm of new fabrics. There have already been some creative fabrics surfacing to kick off the new decade, such as DuPont’s Lycra T400, which does away with any practical need to wear a belt by creating a type of stretch jean which never loses its elasticity. But, as always, the fabrics of the future will be 10 steps ahead of even the latest inventions. “Smart clothing” is a fusion between fashion and technology (when you can’t beat ‘em, fuse ‘em…right?). “Wearable technology” has thus far consisted of jackets with built-in sony disc systems (made by snowboard maker,
Breaking the rules. Oh wait, there aren’t any rules left to break. The widespread popularity of creatively outrageous and original icons such as Lady Gaga is a good example of the manifestation of this trend. Love her or hate her, she follows no rules and lacks no confidence. This may be a foreshadowing of a more pervasive existence of niche fashion, meaning many fashion trends influencing different groups of people rather than one all-encompassing set of fashion rules. Either way, it’s the start of something new and more empowering for fashion lovers everywhere. Be confident in breaking the old rules and you might just end up contributing to the new ones.
Any way you look at it, the future of fashion is up to those who are bold enough to create it, so for those who don’t mind taking a risk, there’s nothing stopping you from making history. And for those who prefer to watch it unfold—get ready, you’re in for a wild ride!
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Top Ten Fashion Designers in 2010
Jan 25th
The fashion industry is buzzing as the top designers have released previews of their collections for 2010. Unveiled in the Fall of 2009, the world stands ready to cash in on the new designs. All signs are leading to fresh, fabulous and funky for the new decade. Let’s take a sneak peak at the top ten designers for 2010:
Chanel has once again created a moveable feast for the senses as the 2010 line was unveiled in
Mark Fast rocked the fashion world by daring to use normal-sized models in his launch. Continuing on with his classic designs, Fast promises more handcrafted body knits, and vows to keep the costs down again this year.
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How will we remember the fashion of the ‘00’s?
Jan 25th
If 2010 is heralding a new era in fashion, how will the 00’s be remembered? Will we look back and think of it as the decade that wanted to be the 60s again but couldn’t quite achieve it? Certainly the 90s had no clear definition of what it wanted to express. Perhaps the 00s will be a tribute to the resurrection of previous fashion eras that did not understand their influence at the time.
Gangsta rappers made fleece track suits all the rage, as well as jerseys and a mix of sporty urban and Ivy League styles. All this bagginess lost its appeal, however in 2007 when form fitting fashions and skinny-fit jeans became popular among hipsters and Scene kids.
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Finding the Perfect Valentine’s Day Outfit
Jan 8th
Regardless of whether you favor a stylish and demure little black dress or lean more towards the wild red stilettos and a short party dress, finding the perfect outfit for Valentine’s Day is all about combining taste, style and comfort. The fact that Valentine’s Day falls in February may not matter to most living south of the Mason Dixon, but in the north, women must do some creative planning to put together an outfit that can accommodate possible freezing temperatures and inclement weather.
No matter where a girl lives, there are some practical and steadfast rules to dressing for this sexy holiday. Remember on this special day of love, you want to look your best, but your best doesn’t have to mean expensive or over or under-dressed.
When dining out, keep things simple and dress according to destination. Being treated to a casual night? You can still look classy by combining pumps with your vintage tee and comfy jeans, covered by a fitted jacket. Try complimenting this with trendy jewelry, a bulky bracelet or funky watch, and an over the shoulder leather bag. Try a light application of pastel eye shadows and soft blush.
It always feels good to wear something special yet comfortable. For example, you can look very good and sexy wearing dark jeans and Carolyn Taylor Knit sweater. However, the steadfast rule is to wear what looks good on you. No one can better judge this than you.
Fine dining demands the famous little black dress with classic heels and a classy wrap. Accessorize with dangling earrings and a simple but fun clutch. Never carry a large bag with a little dress. Here you can go a bit heavier on the liner, and use a deeper and rich lip color.
For the clubs, let loose with something red or pink, and don’t be afraid to pair dressy boots – but avoid the shiny glittery look. A strapless dress always says sexy. And don’t be afraid to get funky with your eyes and hair.
If you and your sweetheart are planning an active date, don’t resort to worn sweats and old leggings. There are so many great brushed fabrics, and just make sure you don’t make the mistake of choosing an outfit that too baggy or big. Just because it’s active wear doesn’t mean it shouldn’t fit well.
Staying home to cuddle on the couch?
Try touchable fabrics in light purples and plum. What would this holiday be without a bit of naughty lingerie? Give yourself permission to feel good about being bad! But never wear synthetics. Only silk will do. Something in a pale beige or off-white, or, if you must go with black or red, wear solids. Feathers are passé, no matter how fun you might consider them to be.
Not in a relationship?
No need to be blue. Don’t let being single slow you down. Consider celebrating the love you have for yourself by dressing up in your most comfortable, flattering women’s clothing and heading out to hang with other singles. Regardless of the weather, destination or the company you keep, always find something that is comfortable and makes you feel confident, sexy and comfortable, for both you and your man.
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