Trends for Fall 2007: Part II

Ever the economist, I like to think of trends as fitting into a sort of framework. Therefore, I've decided to break down the Fall 2007 runway trends not randomly but by category. First we'll look at materials. Coming soon: colors, silhouettes, details and embellishments, themes and influences.

Shag at Max Mara, Fendi. Also seen at Prada, Malo, Stella, and 6267 among aothers. While at times this trend has indeed resulted in somewhat bizarre looks--Style.com's Laird Bordelli described one Malo coat as having "hirsute beaver sleaves"--shag is suprisingly wearable paired with sleek separates such as skinny pants or pencil skirts.

Black leather at Christopher Kane, Burberry Prorsum, J. Mendel.

Synthetic-looking sheen at Burberry Prorsum, Y & Kei,
Cavalli, Jil Sander. At the tents in Bryant Park, I heard a lot of buzz about lurex. I am not sure if the above looks incorporate lurex (I am an economist, not a fashion student after all!) but one thing is for sure: shine in all forms will continue to be a major trend through the winter of '07-'08.

Satin at Sofia Kokosalaki, Bottega Veneta.

Feathers at Andrew Gn, Balmain, Marchesa.

Patent leather at Marni, Burberry Prorsum, Missoni, Max Mara. If the idea of wearing lots of this somewhat wild material does not suit your tastes or your lifestyle, try it in smaller doses--opera length gloves, ankle boots, a wide belt, or a bag are all good bets.

Chunky Knits at Calvin Klein, Proenza Schouler. 

Black and white tweed at Behnaz Sarafpour, Thakoon, Zac Posen.

Velvet at D&G, Sofia Kokosalaki, Balenciaga, Marchesa.

Fur at Fendi, Christian Dior. Designers are making liberal use of fur this season--not only in coats but as trim on dresses and sleeves as well. Perhaps this could be the reason PETA has upped the ante in their annual fashion week demonstrations? (If you haven't heard, the organization has had members jumping naked onto Paris runways in the middle of shows this week. View From the Fourth Row has a hilarious first-hand account on her blog for anyone interested.)

Fringe at Bottega Veneta, Marchesa, and Balmain. Now is that Marchesa dress beautiful, or is it beautiful?

Also noted but not pictured here: Sequins and paillettes, treated mohair, astrakhan, a bit of moire here and there, thick square weave (I cannot for the life of me find the correct term for this, so if any fashion students, editors, designers or reporters are reading this, your help would be appreciated), down, and a few interesting fabrics which can only be described as having a "crinkled" or "bubbling" texture.

Well, did I miss anything? ;)

What do you look forward to wearing?

Comments

[shirley]

i am loving the synthetic shine stuff from Cavalli...and for me, fur will never go out of style. it may be something primodial or something. even if when it's faux i'm smitten...