Trends
The fashion industry is still sorting what we saw at the fall, 2009 shows (presented January through March, 2009) so let’s talk about what you will be seeing in the stores and on the street from April through August (Spring/Summer 2009). Some major trends are jewel embellishments (check out Alexander McQueen and Blumarine), fringe (Alexander McQueen, Jil Sander), Grecian looks (Valentino, Elie Saab), tribal looks (Armani’s turbans), super feminine looks (Chanel and Dolce and Gabbana), mixing fabrics (Marc Jacobs) and hints of sheer. On a more casual note, we are seeing a lot of slouchy pants, vests and 70’s floral vintage looks.
The next blog will have an overview of trends for fall, 2009. But, it looks like we will see really clean, unfussy, close to the body, lines from many American designers. (Francisco Costa’s geometric, slightly Japanese-inspired line for Calvin Klein is my current front-runner!) It appears Paris is showcasing very feminine, romantic looks with lots of black. And, with an eye toward the casual I think we will see more slouchy pants, plaid jackets and plaid shirts (ugh!), and furry vests. Let’s see what the buyers think.
Check This Out
Valentino, The Last Emperor is a feature film directed by Matt Tyrnauer. The films takes the viewer inside the professional and personal world of designer Valentino during the final two years of his career (www.valentinomovie.com). Among other US cities, it will be playing from April 3 to April 16 at the Landmark Theater at the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco. Check the website for times (www.landmarktheatres.com). This is a glimpse into a rarefied world. Don’t miss it.
Sewn Product Development and Production
Made in Oakland (www.madeinoakland.org) also known as MIO offers high quality, patternmaking, samplemaking, grading, marking and sustainable business consulting. MIO’s focus is to promote Bay Area-based emerging designers and companies who want to do all or part of their sample development and production locally. MIO provides 60+ living wage jobs with health benefits. In addition, MIO is hiring! (Experience is necessary).
Great Reads to Inspire
Yves Saint Laurent, by David Teboul
A fascinating, inspiring book of mostly photographs. Beautiful!
The End of Fashion: The Mass Marketing of the Clothing Business, by Teri Agins. Sounds depressing, but it’s not! This book is an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at fashion insiders, fashion licensing, and fashion hype and ego. The book was published about 10 years ago, but is a timely read given the state of the industry today. Until recently, Teri Agins wrote about the fashion industry for the Wall Street Journal. She is one of the most influential and well-respected writers chronicling the business and artistic complexities of the fashion industry.
Until next time!
Suzy Furrer