Lately, fashion has taken a back seat to the economic crisis(or as my friend calls it, economic freak-out), so the topic on everyone’s lips as the week started was the fashion industry’s reaction to the flat out “brokeness” of the country. Our nation’s lack of funds not only impacts how designers present(many labels, even well-known ones, opting for that cost effective presentation versus a runway show)their creations but also the inspiration behind and the final look of the collections. How will said collections turn out? Will they consist of ultra wearable and practical garments that can carry us through job interviews and networking cocktail hours, or will they be flirty flights-of-fancy that fuel our need for escape?
Deja-vu: My theory is that every season a memo is drafted and presented to every single designer, even thinking about showing or presenting during fashion week, in regards to certain themes or trends to make sure to include in whatever they’re showing. As to where this memo originates, I”m still pondering, and whether my theory is true or not, there is no denying that you can see certain elements appearing again and again in most of the collections. A big one this season is the 80′s: Now that we’re far enough away from that decade to look back on it without cringing, all things 80′s are cool again. Neon bright colors played a role in quite a few collections; those familiar si80′s dress silhouettes and looks featuring…umm… strong shoulders made appearances as well. Stud detailing on accessories and clothing(which is oh, so 80′s)popped up too. Another trend, which is a bit nearer to my heart, is all the feminine details that graced many a floaty frock(well other types of garments too but the part of my brain where alliteration resides is in over-drive tonight). Flounces, ruffles, pleats, bows,rouching…you name it, and some designer threw it into at least one of the looks; that is in addition to the use of silk, satin, chiffon,charmeuse – traditionally viewed as very “female” fabrics. Designers seemed to have been extraordinarily fond of the number one this season, with all the one strap, one sleeved, or one shoulder looks that they sent out. The colors blue and yellow got a lot of love too. More often than not they were paired together. A plethora of shades from colbalt to cerulean to aqua, as well as, screaming yellow, glittering citrine and warm amber graced the runways of fall/winter 2009. Now that you’ve gotten a peek at the memo, you can play the fashion version of “Where’s Waldo” while going through the photos or videos of this season’s shows…..Caren Kong
