We asked: Is Eco-Friendly Fashion In or Out?
You said: In! A whopping 79% of you voted Yes for Eco-Friendly Fashion.
Omiru’s take: It should go without saying that we’re glad to see that the fashion community is pro-environment. But environmentally friendly fashion as a trend–that can be good or bad. One of our readers, Kamo, said: "I think it’s a problem when [eco-friendly fashion] is reduced to a trend…it should be a way of life, like eating well, volunteering, recycling, etc. I would hope that eco-friendly isn’t “in,†because that would mean (as trendy cycles go) that it will soon be “outâ€!" Dawn took the opposite view: "Be grateful for the trend while it lasts, and capitalize on it. If you capitalize on it while it’s hot, you can start up programs like recycling (from the 70’s) and saving whales and food gleaning ( from the 80’s), and make them everyday mainstream institutions." Both excellent points–and we hope that this renewed interest in sustainable style does make a lasting impact on the industry.
Style tip? You don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Environmentally friendly fashion is just as chic as it’s less earth-friendly counterparts. If you’re not convinced, check out Clothes-Pin for introductions to the most promising up-and-coming eco-friendly fashion and jewelry designers. Or take a spin over at Beklina, an online boutique dedicated to surfacing the best in sustainable style.
Next question: Having just gotten back from New York Fashion Week, runway trends are still on our minds. One of the big detailing trends we noticed was, interestingly enough, Sequins. Could be good…or could be bad. So, we ask you, what do you
think about Sequins? Tell us, are Sequins In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Myth and Ritual Tuxedo Blouse | $195 at Beklina.
Posted by Trisha on September 17th, 2007 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out |
Knee Length Skirts
Knee length or a little above or below the knee creates the most flattering leg line. 
Pictured: Carolina Herrera, Milly, Peter Som.
Dresses with Pockets
Form meets function. Plus, you can go out without a purse.
Pictured: Peter Som, Cynthia Steffe, and BCBG.
The Oversized Collar
Provides a dramatic frame for your most important feature: your face.
Pictured: Zac Posen, Peter Som, Max Azria.
The Belt
If you have a defined waistline, belts draw attention to
your thinnest point. And if you don’t, belts help create the illusion
of a waist.
Pictured: Milly, Peter Som, Reem Acra.
The Color Purple
Quietly bold, there’s a shade of purple to fit every complexion.
Pictured: Reem Acra, Tuleh, Vera Wang.
All photos courtesy of Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz.
Posted by Trisha on September 14th, 2007 in Trend Predictives, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out |
Maxi Dresses
Unless you’re six feet tall, maxi dresses look as if they swallowed you alive. 
Pictured: Diane von Furstenberg, Cynthia Steffe, Zac Posen.
Mini Dresses
Great to wear…if you’re blessed with flawless (and long) legs.
Pictured: Zac Posen, Nanette Lepore, Temperley London.
The Bubble Skirt
A visually interesting but awkward-to-wear silhouette. Fun for stylists, less fun for you.
Pictured: Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, and Temperley London.
Sheer Fabric
Done tastefully, sheer fabric can be gorgeous. But it’s
tough to pull off during the day–and the transparent nature of the
fabric often shows a little more than you’re intending.
Pictured: Diane von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Zac Posen.
Feathers
Absolutely fabulous on accessories, tough to wear on clothes.
Pictured: Oscar de la Renta, BCBG, and Zac Posen.
All photos courtesy of Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz.
Posted by Trisha on September 14th, 2007 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out |
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz
Key Takeaways: Inspired by the countryside–the Shakers and the wheat fields of the Great Plains, Zac Posen created a Spring 2008 collection that was at once restrained and unashamedly sexy. And probably frowned upon by the Shakers. In his runway tour of the midwest, Posen picked up on a number of key Spring 2008 trends: emphasis on the waist, colorblocking, the use of sheers, feathers, asymmetry, (tiered) ruffles, the pouf skirt, the long blazer, voluminous sleeves, and the oversized collar.
Color Palette: Wheat tan, yellow, red and shades of blue added color to Posen’s black and white.
Silhouettes: Day looks included an emphasis on the waist, high necked blouses, vests, skinny pants, blouses with voluminous sleeves, structured coats, boxy jackets, long blazers, oversized collars, cuffed pants, and short shorts. Despite Posen’s chosen theme, his eveningwear exuded dramatic sexiness, with structured bustiers, tiers of ruffles, and unashamed asymmetry. One slinky black dress was belted at the knee and featured a pool of fabric and feathers likely 5 feet in diameter. And his closing set of dresses, featuring clouds of drapey, marbled fabric, was anything but Shaker-esque.
Accessories Report: Belts at the natural waistline, the fedora (feathered), and structured handbags (including the clutch).
What’s Wearable: The structured coats and boxy jackets were very wearable, along with the tops with oversized collars.
What’s Not Wearable: We’d recommend passing on the poufy minidress with the metallic wheat appendage. A bit too literal of an interpretation of the Great Plains, if you ask us. Careful also with the short shorts and skinny pants for obvious figure flattery reasons.
Previous Zac Posen Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Zac Posen
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Zac Posen
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Zac Posen
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Zac Posen
Posted by Trisha on September 13th, 2007 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
Key Takeaways:
The emphasis on the waist, classic cuts, and grown-up glamour. Reem Acra showed ethereal fabrics, saturated jewel tones, voluminous sleeves, full Dioresque skirts, tiered skirts and column skirts.
Color Palette: Citron yellow, royal purple, vibrant kelly green,and bold red lent vitality to classic eveningwear. Classic black and white combinations also made a bold statement. Dove grey and silver also added drama and sophistication to the vibrant palette.
Silhouettes: Figure flattering cinched waists, peasant cut blouses with lean skirts, classic Grace Kelly-esque full skirts with feminine puff sleeve blouses, sexy sheer skirts revealing lace tap pants. Rich grey skirts with purple crinolines peeking out from under the hem. Pure femininity was displayed in the cut of every sleeve, skirt and dress.
Accessories Report: Jewel toned wide belts at the natural waist line and classic pumps. We loved the splashes of color on a rich purple dress with a bright yellow belt and green pumps.
What’s Wearable: Every piece of clothing was more or less wearable–and sure to make you a knockout.
What’s Not Wearable: The sheer blouses may not be for the faint of heart, but the fabrics and embroideries were so breathtaking that one might throw caution to the wind.
Previous Reem Acra Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Reem Acra
Posted by Trisha on September 13th, 2007 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz
Key Takeaways: A body-conscious collection of dresses and separates in solid colors. The neutral-colored collection was loosely fitted, with volume being cinched in at the waistline.
Color Palette: White dominated the collection, along with grey and beige. Splashes of spring green, light blue, and turquoise added visual interest.
Silhouettes: Of note was: (1) the loose fit of the garments, (2) the emphasis on the waistline, (3) the skirts that ended at mid-calf, and (4) the voluminous sleeves.
Accessories Report: Strappy gladiator/orthopedic style shoes.
What’s Wearable: Most of the collection was wearable–favorite pieces included a grey, cap-sleeved dress with a high front slit and the blousy white overcoat with the kimono sleeves.
What’s Not Wearable: Skirts that end at mid-calf are tough to wear without looking short.
Previous Calvin Klein Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Calvin Klein
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Calvin Klein
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Calvin Klein
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Calvin Klein
Posted by Trisha on September 13th, 2007 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Photo Credit: NY Magazine
Key Takeaways: While Marc Jacobs’ namesake collection was all about theatrics, his Marc by Marc Jacobs collection provided much more wearable looks. Of note was the often-subtle asymmetry seen in the collection–perhaps one shirt panel done in a different fabric, or having a rounded corner hem on one jacket side and a square corner hem on the other. Key trends included: the high waistline, colorblocking, dots, bows, short shorts, emphasis on the waistline, and nautical influences (e.g. sailor pants, horizontal stripes, navy blue).
Color Palette: Neutrals plus navy, red, brown, and olive yellow.
Silhouettes: For women, the most important trends were: emphasis on the (high) waistline, boxy dresses and jackets, the cropped jacket, skirts that fall at mid-thigh,and skinny pants. Key detailing included oversized pockets and the v-strap neckline. For men, skinny pants, short shorts, and tiny collars on collared shirts.
Accessories Report: For women, belts at the waist, wide-brimmed hats, tall newsboy-style caps, shoulder strap handbags, the clutch…and luggage. The Marc by Marc Jacobs woman is a jet-setter. For men, too-short ties, medium width ties, sport sneakers, and aviator sunglasses (hung in the pocket, not worn).
What’s Wearable: Silhouettes, minus the short shorts and skinny pants, were generally wearable–though the subtle asymmetry of the garments is harder to pull off. Our favorite wearable look for women was a silk tie-neck polka-dotted blouse paired with a high-waisted navy skirt fashioned to emulate sailor pants. On the men, we loved the 70s inspired safari coat.
What’s Not Wearable: If you’re uncomfortable with the untraditional, skip this collection.
Previous Marc Jacobs Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Posted by Trisha on September 12th, 2007 in Men, Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Photo Credit: NY Magazine
Key Takeaways: Is ugly the new pretty? Marc Jacobs seems to think so. Jacobs’ Spring 2008 collection, staged in reverse, featured ironically constructed half-finished garments composed into fully finished looks appropriate for all of the different high school cliques: the goth kids, the drama kids, the cheerleaders, the nerds, and even the prom queen. Despite the theatrics of the collection, Jacobs wove some key Spring 2008 trends into his collection: colorblocking, sequins, an emphasis on the waist, high-waisted bottoms, and the colors purple, pink, and orange.
Color Palette: Neutrals accompanied by pinks, purples, blues, yellows, and oranges.
Silhouettes: All over the place. Of note were the high-waisted pants and skirts, the short shorts, and the capes–which are coming back for Fall 2007.
Accessories Report: Nerd glasses, short necklaces, gloves, Attitude.
What’s Wearable: Specific pieces were wearable: a heather grey high-waisted knit skirt, a cropped black jacket with pockets at the shoulder. But the looks were designed to stay on the runway.
What’s Not Wearable: Let’s just say that Marc Jacobs didn’t design this collection for wearability. But for good measure, we’ll say: ditch the witch hats.
Previous Marc Jacobs Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Marc Jacobs
Posted by Trisha on September 12th, 2007 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz
Key Takeaways: Oscar de la Renta presented a refined collection of ladylike clothes for the ladies who lunch.
Color Palette: Creams and whites, with red, sky blue, and shades of green as primary accent colors.
Silhouettes: Much like Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta showed a small-over-big silhouette. Both woven and knit tops were fitted, while bottoms left more room for volume. Pants were cut both high-waisted and wide-legged, while skirts featuring controlled volume tended to fall just above the knee line. Spring 2008 trends included: the hip length jacket, wide legged pants, high-waisted jeans, knee-length skirts, boxy jackets, the vest, and the tiered skirt. Details included ruffles, the v-strap neckline, bows, textured knits, and the bubble hem.
Accessories Report: The giant clutch as a handbag, sunglasses (extra points for colored frames), cuff bracelets, and belts at the natural waistline.
What’s Wearable: Most everything in Oscar de la Renta’s Spring collection are items that could have come out of a Park Avenue socialite’s closet. Favorite looks included a double-breasted cap sleeved coat-dress in navy and the epitome of old-school glamour: a feather-adorned floor length black and white gown (pictured, middle).
What’s Not Wearable: Pattern-on-pattern action for both the skirt and the jacket is a bit much, unless you’re blessed with a model’s figure.
Previous Oscar de la Renta Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Oscar de la Renta
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Oscar de la Renta
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Oscar de la Renta
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Oscar de la Renta
Posted by Trisha on September 12th, 2007 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Photo Credit:Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz
Key Takeaways: Carolina Herrera declared that Spring 2008 is all about flowers, which she planted all over the dresses and skirts in her runway collection. The sweet collection featured key Spring 2008 trends: knee-length skirts, belts at the waist, voluminous skirts, tiered ruffles, and the elbow-length sleeve.
Color Palette: Black, white, and tan neutrals accented with bright red and a lilac tinged blue.
Silhouettes: Small over big: fitted tops over voluminous (and mostly knee-length) skirts. Herrera’s floral motif was executed in prints as well as feathers, jet beads and sequins arranged in floral patterns. Key details included the bow (a Herrera favorite), tiered ruffles, knee-length skirts, elbow-length sleeves, and the belt.
Accessories Report: Red, red lips and giant bug-eyed sunglasses. And in line with Spring 2008 trends, Herrera emphasized the natural waistline with belts and bows tied at the waist.
What’s Wearable: Fitted tops with voluminous skirts are a great way to balance out wide shoulders and narrow hips. Favorite looks included a sand colored embroidered slipdress with a wide bow tied at the waistline and a ribbon-tied crimson dress with tiered ruffles.
What’s Not Wearable: Giant flowery shorts. Like the camera, they add 10 pounds. Instantly.
Previous Carolina Herrera Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Carolina Herrera
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Carolina Herrera
Fall 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Carolina Herrera
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Carolina Herrera
Posted by Trisha on September 11th, 2007 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
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