fashion journalism: trends

TREND REPORT

TROUSERS WITH A TWIST

A brightness that cannot be ignored is dancing down the streets of Paris for summer and fall 2011. Legs adorned in the colors alluding royalty and passion; in colors that make bold statements and others speaking softly in delicate blush tones. Nothing is off limits; nothing is too much to show off the legs by covering them up in pants.

Once put on, colored pants can take you anywhere be it a stroll in the park, a romantic picnic, the cinema, a quick bite to eat, dancing, loud concerts, or shopping for more colored pants. While available in countless hues, colored pants are most popular in red, blush, and green. More careful variations of the color pants are black, gray, and white versions. These colors are still set apart from the standard denim color but make much less of a statement.

Where did this trend begin and why has it taken root? It may have started with the olive pants, which were a part of the military looks of previous seasons. It may have begun because of a hopeful outlook for the economy in the upcoming months. Or perhaps the rainbow of options is yet another way to focus in on the legs because these tones certainly draw attention to themselves. The list could go on and on but where the colored pants trend began is really a chicken or the egg phenomenon. Will the bright colors lead to further standout fashion styles? Can intense trends help excavate an economy buried under political problems? Subdued colors are safe and easy as they can be worn again and again without being recognized but a bright pair of pants must be in a careful rotation to avoid wardrobe scrutiny. These pants symbolize frivolity and a carefree attitude. Even if they prove more than a fad, each season will bring new colors and another reason to shop again for a new pair. These are not the careful, wear anywhere denim jeans. These pants shout to be looked at and must be worn with a bit of gusto and confidence. As one person wearing red pants said, I feel optimistic when I’m in these pants. It’s like everything good is coming in my direction.” It is clear now that it does not matter where it exactly began but instead where this trend will go. Several designers featured colored pants in their Fall 2011runway, including 3.1 Phillip Lim and Prabal Gurung. Phillip Lim’s relaxed fit ankle pants were tailored enough for some, albeit risky, business casual looks and the pants played a contrast to muted tops. Prabal Gurung used red and hot pink as accent colors on the runway. There is no better way to accent an outfit than with the pink flare pants from this line.

Now these pants can be found in various lengths and styles it is possible to match up personal style to this sought-after trend. Blush chinos could make for a casual chic look while red cigarette ankle jeans could breath new life into street looks. Travelling down the spectrum from safe to quite daring, one way to wear this style is in a monochromatic look pairing shades of the same color together from head to toe. No matter how it is worn, bright colors and anything but regular denim will certainly be on par for the coming months.

Design Project

Last week I worked on a project for my CAD class. The assignment was to create a presentation board for the line we each began to develop. Later we will create our designs on the computer.







All these designs are mine, don't copy them!

The One Shoulder

It's been awhile! Whew! I was just working on a project for the upcoming student fashion show at Seattle Pacific University and pondering the current one shoulder phenomenon. I saw it coming a mile away and had mixed feelings at first but now I have come to really respect the one should style that is so prevalent in this season's dresses and tops.

This style has so much potential! It is asymmetrical and gives a far different look than strapless or a two shoulder look. It can be done in long sleeve, tank, jersey, organza, silk...there are countless varieties. Not convinced yet? This look also keeps it covered up! I have yet to see the one shoulder in a low cut look (I'm sure it's out there, but don't go there- keep it classy). It reveals the shoulder but keeps the bust covered. For formal wear it is still interesting while actually providing more coverage than most other evening styles. It is a great style that's in right, so wear it while you have the chance!


Blake Lively pulls off the one should quite nicely!

If you are going to wear it, don't confuse anyone as to your intentions. I was recently in line and the guys behind me were discussing whether the girl in front of me intended to have her shirt sleeve off. They weren't really sure whether the shirt was made that way, or she just had a dressing fiasco. The problem was, she was wearing a tank top underneath and had all these straps showing, so the one shoulder was not apparent. Make sure if you wear it, wear it alone and don't show any straps. Also, as with all your clothes, make sure it fits you well. In the words of Coco Chanel, "Dress shabbily, they notice the dress. Dress impeccably, they notice the woman."

Cutting Edge Children's Wear

I work with children for my summer job and have noticed an interesting trend in children's wear- light up shirts. I remember light-up shoes and I can sort of understand light up backpacks but light up shirts don't make much sense. It definitely wouldn't be comfortable to wear and little LED light lighting up a princess shirt doesn't do much to enhance its aesthetic value. It is interesting to see such an impractical trend take root. It's probably a good idea to leave this one at the store and hope it doesn't last long.