A few of the trends we're seeing in the Fall 2008 collections, in no particular order. (Click on any image to view larger.)
Floral prints at Vera Wang, Thakoon, Behnaz Sarafpour, and Paul Smith.
Sharp, sculptural lines at Calvin Klein, YSL, Jil Sander, and Bottega Veneta.
Lace at Givenchy, Prada, Givenchy and Balmain.
Exaggerated shoulders at Balenciaga, Marni, Nina Ricci, and Bottega Veneta.
What to make of the Americana trend present in the spring 2008 collections?
When circle skirts and leather jackets returned in force in the 2008 resort collections (see Gucci for a prime example), it seemed merely a pendulum swing back to American sportswear and classic fifties fashion after years of ethnic, bohemian, and new minimalist styles.
The use of Fourth of July symbolism by houses like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent for spring 2008, however, suggests that this trend goes a little deeper.
Does it reflect nostalgia for the days when the United States' status as the world's lone superpower remained unchallenged? Is it simply a cheeky response to the waning of American preeminence by Parisian brands? Is the product meant to appeal to the growing numbers of customers in emerging economies, for whom the stars and stripes may feel exotic?
In any case, there are major shifts happening in the global distribution of wealth and influence (both cultural and geopolitical). The Youtube video Did You Know 2.0 provides a succinct and compelling overview of these changes.
Photos: Details of the Chanel (left) and YSL (right) Spring 2008 collections from Style.com.
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.
Black opaque tights with a slight sheen have been a popular choice among stylists working the fall 2007 shows in New York. Stop by your local costume or dance wear store and snag a pair if you're looking for an easy way to update your look!
Photos: Shiny black tights at Oscar de la Renta, Temperley, and Malandrino.
If we take a look at the trends running through New York Fashion Week and select pre-fall collections, we can develop a pretty clear idea of the fall 2007 fashion landscape. A few patterns that have emerged:
Color Block
Tracy Reese, Naeem Khan, Rag & Bone.
Sporty
Spring's sporty theme continued at Reyes, Thakoon, Derek Lam, and Narciso Rodriguez.
Velvet
Several designers have used velvet in their fall collections, but few have managed it as successfully as Marc Jacobs, Chaiken, or Behnaz Sarafpour (pictured above); Oscar de la Renta, Terexov, Temperley, or Douglas Hannant (not pictured).
We are only three days into fashion week fall 2007 and already it's clear that a number of trends from spring 2007 will last all year long. If you liked the metallic looks Aesthetics + Economics presented after fashion week in September, go ahead and invest in a silver, pewter, platinum, or gold piece. From a utility standpoint, you'll get a lot of use out of it!
Designers from left to right: Naeem Khan, Carolina Herrera, Tracy Reese.
Clockwise from top left: J. Mendel, Louis Vuitton, Sophia Kokosalaki, Sonia Rykiel, Vuitton, Vena Cava, Burberry Prorsum, Hermes.
Alongside bright colors like magenta, acid green, and lapis, designers favored a range of pastel tones for Spring 2007, including the shades lavender pictured above. As these colors are less saturated than the pastels you might associate with, say, the Rococo (or Marie Antoinette), this is a great season for lovers of neutrals (myself included) to add color to their wardrobes!
Although nude leather shoes--even nude ankle boots--do appear to complement pastel ensembles very well...(I am loving the Burberry Prorsum look, can you tell?) Thoughts?
Photos: Style.com
From the looks of things, I'd say that checks are to Spring 2007 what plaid was to Fall 2006. Left to right, top to bottom: YSL, Chanel, Emanuel Ungaro, Alice Ritter, Missoni, Akris, Jeremy Laing, Missoni. More after the jump.
Some of these looks incorporating the black and white stripes we saw in resort are more wearable than others. Clockwise from top left: Doo.Ri, Gianfranco Ferré, Luella, Ruffian, Marni, Givenchy, Chanel, Balenciaga. More after the jump!
