Designers have always found inspiration in the most unique things: nature, history, obscure inanimate objects, music – but one of the most prolific muses in the fashion is the silver screen. In an odd, coincidental relationship, many of the movies that we see today serve as a launch pad for what we will see on the runway at fashion week or what the “next big thing†will be for the trendy urban hipsters all across the state (and maybe even the world).
If this sounds a bit far fetched, let’s flash back to the inspiring cinematic styles of the past.
Remember those days of legwarmers and fashionable aerobic attire (circa 1983)? This phenomenon, which can now be seen as a faux pas, can largely be accredited to the sexy stripper-turned-ballerina 80s classic, Flashdance. As soon as Jennifer Beals strutted her stuff in off-the-shoulder sweatshirts and red heels, thousands of teenage girls made sure they had a considerable back stock of all the clothing needed to do a sweltering workout routine to “Maniac.â€
Traveling further back into time brings us to 1977 with Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. The masculine, yet cutesy, Chaplin-esque tailored suits and derbies adorned by Diane Keaton were soon echoed by women who fed on the meat of late 70’s pop culture.
More recently, we have been seeing styles on screen woven into the chic matrix of modern fashion. When Shrek came out, green was the new black. And not too long after that spotty rendition of the Trojan War came out (a.k.a. Troy), Greek-styled sandals were flip-floppin’ on the hip streets of metropolitan cities.
This trend theory is even evident in the most recent runway shows at Olympus Fashion Week. Designers like James Coviello, Tuleh, J Mendel, Nanette Lepore and BCBG – all utilized some sort of Japanese influence a la Memoirs of a Geisha. Even before fashion week, top designers Diane von Furstenberg and Stella McCartney stayed one step ahead of the game by creating some suitable kimono tops – take a look at them in this post.
Based on this ongoing fashion forecast, it’s only inevitable that the romantic western look of “Brokeback Mountain†will imprint its Oscar nominated claws into the style industry. More than that, the summer may bring sleek X-looks (X-men 3) or even have a color palette of red, yellow and blue (Superman Returns.) Although this can happen, I’m not too sure the world is ready for haute couture by means of superhero movies.
Posted by Dino on February 14th, 2006 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out |
Without further ado, Omiru presents "The Top 10 Trends of the Fall 2006 season!"
- Voluminous sleeves: Good for visual interest, but it can get theatrical. Aim for small puffs rather than Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt.
- Oversized Collars: Oversized jacket detailing in its most visible form.
- Capes and Capelets: Like we said, it’s The Poncho, Part II.
- Bubble Skirts: As long as they don’t invite Bubble Boy comparisons, we’re OK with them. Short girls beware though, as they’ll throw off your proportions…
- Vests: Time to raid the Wall of Vests at H&M!
- Sweaterdresses: The ultimate in comfort + style.
- Small and Square Sunglasses: Out with the bug eyes, in with sleek, technochic style.
- The Long Glove: This is the Huge Accessories Trend.
- Chain Handles on Bags: The Hottest New Bag Trend.
- Leggings and Tights: Great for layering.
For more details, see Omiru’s Fall 2006 Fashion Week Trend Roundup!
Posted by Trisha on February 14th, 2006 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out |
Grammy goers like Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Love Hewitt, India Arie, Kanye West, and LL Cool J aren’t the only ones donning white these days. Whether in a club, in the mall, or on the streets, San Franciscans are sporting the white trend like it’s summer all over again.
Posted by Melody on February 14th, 2006 in Street Style, Street Style, Trend, Women |
For your reading convenience, we’ve split the trends up into categories: Silhouette, Detailing, Garment Classifications, and Accessories. Enjoy!
SILHOUETTE
Waist Emphasis: Much like Spring 06, the focal point is on the waist.
It’d be easier to list the designers that Didn’t follow this one.
High Waisted Styles: Long-waisted women everywhere celebrate with a trip to the mall!
Calvin Klein, Zac Posen, Alice Roi
Powerful Working Woman: We’re just glad these pieces don’t have the 80s shoulderpads.
Carolina Herrera, Zang Toi, Richard Chai
Dresses over Long Sleeved Shirts: Reminds us of Marc Jacobs’ Mod collection a few years back. Anyone else thinking this?
Proenza Schouler, Willow
Voluminous Sleeves: Good for visual interest, but it can get theatrical. Aim for small puffs rather than Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt.
Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Three As Four
3/4 Sleeve Styles: Add 3/4 length styles here, and we’ve got Uber-Cropped jackets.
Proenza Schouler, Carolina Herrera
DETAILING
Oversized Collars: Oversized jacket detailing in its most visible form.
Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Willow, Richard Chai
Tuxedo Style Detailing: I wonder if this was inspired by March of the Penguins…
Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Behnaz Sarafpour
Fur Fur Everywhere: Let’s just say that PETA isn’t going to be happy.
Carolina Herrera, Trovata, Chado Ralph Rucci, J Mendel
Japan, anyone?: Can we say Memoirs of a Geisha? Let’s just hope anime-style clothing isn’t in the pipeline.
J Mendel, James Coviello, Nanette Lepore, BCBG
Ruffles: There’s just something so innocent and feminine about these ruffles.
Doo Ri, Three As Four, Oscar de La Renta
Grecian Draping: So Very Madame Grès.
Proenza Schouler, Derek Lam
Sheer over Solids: When done well, it can be great…but if not, it can be a little "Date Night with Barbie."
Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Donna Karan
Shearling: Somehow we keep thinking of those sheepskin car seat covers.
Oscar de la Renta, Lacoste, Sweetface
Penchant for Plaid: Reminds us of Trey from Sex and the City…only without the kilts.
Trovata, Zang Toi, Behnaz Sarafpour
Chevron Detailing: When you see plaid, you know that chevrons aren’t far behind…
Vera Wang, Calvin Klein
GARMENT CLASSIFICATIONS
Capes and Capelets: Like we said, it’s The Poncho, Part II.
Derek Lam, Monique Lhuillier, Narciso Rodriguez, Tuleh, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Bubble Skirts: As long as they don’t invite Bubble Boy comparisons, we’re OK with them. Short girls beware though, as they’ll throw off your proportions..
Doo Ri, Twinkle, United Bamboo, Calvin Klein
Vests: Time to raid the Wall of Vests at H&M!
Tomer, Twinkle, Diane von Furstenberg
Sweaterdresses: The ultimate in comfort + style.
BCBG, Lacoste, Behnaz Sarafpour, Y-3, Michael Kors
Short Sleeved Dresses: Maybe skin isn’t in?
Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Carolina Herrera
Boatneck Styles: Perfectly elegant and a way to show off a long neck (or make your neck look longer, as it may be).
Trovata, Rachel Comey, Carmen Marc Valvo
Hooded Trenchcoats: Why would you wear a regular trenchcoat when you could get one with a hood?
Lacoste, Three As Four
Toggle Coats: Can’t say how much we LOVE the toggle coat!
Cloak, Trovata
ACCESSORIES
Small and Square Sunglasses: Out with the bug eyes, in with sleek, technochic style.
Carolina Herrera, BCBG, Luella Bartley, Proenza Schouler
Nerd Glasses for Men: These will go Perfectly with your "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, All My Base Are Belong to You" T-shirt.
Trovata, Lacoste
Long (up to Elbow-Length) Gloves: This is the Huge accessories trend.
Badgley Mischka, Doo Ri, Richard Chai, Nicole Miller
Short Gloves: First, it was Marvel vs. Capcom. Now, it’s Short Glove vs. Long Glove. We’ll hedge our bets here, but we always like to support the underdog.
Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler
Handmade Looking Scarves: Straight from Grandma’s knitting club.
Tomer, John Bartlett, Twinkle
Long Scarves: Maybe not so functional, but oh-so-chic!
Marc by Marc Jacobs, Carmen Marc Valvo, Calvin Klein
Chain Handles on Bags: The Hottest New Bag Trend.
Heatherette, Narciso Rodriguez, Luella Bartley, Derek Lam
Leggings & Tights: Great for layering.
Rachel Comey, Twinkle, Yigal Azrouel, Trovata
Posted by Trisha on February 14th, 2006 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out |
Key Takeaways: The final four designers of the popular reality show for fashion groupies each showcased a collection – but only three of them will be accounted for on the season’s finale. The standouts for each designer are as follows: Santino Rice: unexpected clean looks from the over-the-top designer; Daniel Vosovic: frosty looks of femininity; Kara Janx: suburban granola-eating bohemian; Chloe Dao: sexy society girl who actual has a career.
Color Palette: Santino Rice: Heavy use of browns accented with the occasional autumnal reds and blues; Daniel Vosovic: Blacks, whites, browns and grays glossed with subdued light blues; Kara Janx: very fall, but lighter: fun reds, oranges, browns kissed with sky blues; Chloe Dao: besides the regular use of neutrals – deep greens, endearing blues, and confident pinks.
Silhouettes: With all designers, there was an ongoing theme of high waists. Other than that…Santino Rice: the use of delicate fabrics accentuates the very feminine outlines, but still, there is a very dormant edge. Daniel Vosovic: a balanced look of straight lines and curvy forms – strong shouldered jackets reflect off of perfectly formed skirts, while the casual wear is smoothly straight. Kara Janx: very thoughtful use of the high waist – a nice mix of informal whimsy and feminine flowiness. The dresses and skirts cascade down the body, and her slim cut pant suits shadow the body to a tee. Chloe Dao: a wonderful mix of puffy sleeves and diversified tailoring emphasizes different body parts in the most endearing ways.
Accessories Report: Santino, despite using a cape here and a coat there, barely accessorized. On the other hand, Daniel V. included a quirky, yet stylish, figure 8-handled handbag with one of his pieces. Chloe didn’t have anything, but her pieces were strong. Kara had a topical beanie-hat thing with each piece that looked like an everlasting gobstopper.
What’s Wearable: Each designer brought something to the table – Santino’s dresses are luxurious pieces for day parties and cocktail soirees. Daniel clearly designed for the working woman. His coats stand out as key pieces – very technical, yet creative. He also showed this exquisite pleated white skirt that was like vanilla pudding – simply delicious. Kara had a good handful of mix and match, street-friendly pieces of blazers and slacks that weren’t over the top. Chloe’s nice prints and fine tailoring give women great day-to-evening wear. One of her best pieces was a pinkish skirt with a detailed pleat adorned on the bottom – very chic.
What’s Not Wearable: For the most part, nearly all the pieces in the collection are wearable – and that may pose a problem. There wasn’t a real sense of fashion-forwardness woven into these collections – Kara’s collection may be the closest thing. Nonetheless, Santino had this corset, puffy sleeved thing that looked like a Victorian S&M costume. Many of Daniel’s pieces were too Banana Republic and even though Kara’s was pretty forward, there was this layered dress that made the model look like a pregnant cupcake. As for Chloe (my money is on her for the win), she made this unflattering, baggy debutant dress – it was very pre-glamorous drug-addicted Courtney Love.
Posted by Dino on February 13th, 2006 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Name: Jeenjoo
Found: 150 Post Street in front of H&M.
Style Philosophy: Don’t follow others. Wear what you want!
Wardrobe Staples: Hats, cargo/military pants.
Where I Shop: H&M, Club Monaco.
If I could save only one item from my closet it would be: Blue Jeans!
Posted by Melody on February 13th, 2006 in Profiles in Style, Trend |
Key Takeaways: A study in textures, shown almost exclusively in black. Key trends included: (1) sheer and solid fabrics combos, (2) chevron detailing, (3) bubble skirts, (4) hemlines at mid-calf, (5) fur detailing, (6) cutouts, and (7) long, thin scarves.
Color Palette: Black…and more black, with occasional splashes of red.
Silhouettes: 3/4 length jackets, high waisted styles, deep-v necklines, long sleeved styles, hemlines at mid-calf, bubble skirts, cutouts, and a lot of layering of sheers over solids.
Accessories Report: Thin belts with ingot hardware detailing, and long, thin, scarves.
What’s Wearable: We appreciated the concept of layering sheers over solids, but we found the execution lacking in most cases. Where it worked the best: a blazer with thin lapels over a sheer blouse and scarf over a bikini top (shown above). Another winner: the hip-length jacket with oversized collar and cuffs.
What’s Not Wearable: The super sheer outfits don’t leave enough to the imagination–I can see these being flagged down by the Fashion Police. The mid-calf length skirt lengths aren’t all that flattering either, save for the tallest of girls.
Posted by Trisha on February 13th, 2006 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Key Takeaways: Definitely not Vera’s best collection. She riffs on trends seen on the other runways: (1) high waisted styles, (2) bubble shapes, (3) a-line jackets, (4) sleeved styles, (5) chevron detailing, (6) long gloves, and (7) belts placed high on the torso.
Color Palette: Blacks, greys, browns, and blues.
Silhouettes: Silhouettes were all over the place–we saw high waisted styles, bubble skirts, long cardigans, wrap styles, short sleeved outfits, sheer draped dresses, oversized collars, 3/4 sleeved styles, a-line jackets, and dresses with pockets.
Accessories Report: High brimmed hats, belts placed high on the torso, long gloves, and a feather necklace.
What’s Wearable: We especially liked a classic black dress with a subtle bubble shaped skirt (shown above).
What’s Not Wearable: A yellow-green number with oddly-placed pleats, ruffles, and feathery straps.
Posted by Trisha on February 13th, 2006 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Photo Credit: NY Metro
Key Takeaways: This collection only reinforces why Zac Posen is one of the hottest new designers and why Sean “Diddy†Combs has a financial interest in the hip label. Swanky evening gowns demand the utmost attention, especially at the bottom where they drape dramatically. Zac has spiced up the traditional skirt suit, button-down white shirt, minidress, knit sweater, hooded sweatshirt, and tube top dress.
Color Palette: A Zac Posen girl would definitely not stand out because of her use of color. Every color used – navy blue, brown, black, ivory, white – is dimmed down.
Silhouettes: Zac takes the term wide and makes it even bigger. Long dresses are slim at the bodice and extremely baggy at the base. The classic white button-down shirt has been also expanded in the arms. Pantsuits are tailored close to the body and have slightly high shoulders. A Tarzan-style dress, cropped jackets, and high waists are also present.
Accessories Report: Leather belts, mini clutches, knit caps perched at the back of the head, and satchel-style bags made noise on the runway.
What’s Wearable: The jackets, pantsuits, and some simple dresses are worthy of sporting.
What’s Not Wearable: The wide-bottomed evening gowns are a bit too fancy even for the Oscars, while white shirt with large sleeves is too theatrical for non-actresses.
Posted by Melody on February 13th, 2006 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
Photo Credit: NY Metro
Key Takeaways: Fur is everywhere in this collection, and it serves as outerwear, trimming, and collars. Fur coats show up both long and cropped and are two-toned. Dramatic dresses were also prevalent, most long and movable.
Color Palette: Everything from black, blue, yellow, brown, fuchsia, off-white, green, and silver.
Silhouettes: Most pieces, especially the gowns, don’t cling to the body. There were many spaghetti-strapped short dresses, oversized coats, skirt suits, and an occasional tight trouser.
Accessories Report: Leggings made their comeback. Gloves and clutch purses also were seen. Some models carried (yes, carried) pashmina scarves. Long and thin silver necklaces had a pencil-thin silver object at the base. Arm warmers were also in sight.
What’s Wearable: The fur coats will keep anyone cozy on a chilly night. Many of the skirt suits can double as office and going-out wear. Only a handful of the dresses could pass as cocktail-wear.
What’s Not Wearable: A tiered lace shrug looks more like a peacock’s wings than an article of clothing. White tube dresses with a strap extending from one shoulder to the back of the neck looked like an Easter Sunday dress gone bad. Sure, it’s innovative for the runway, but doesn’t translate well into the streets.
Posted by Melody on February 13th, 2006 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |
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