Gaze at Fall in My Crystal Ball

So what did the fall/winter 2013 fashion weeks have to tell us, besides the fact that Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs still can rock the runways, and that Tom Ford is back (and we’re mighty happy to see him)?

The trends that showed up over and over were:

• Leather and fur everywhere, from trims to entire ensembles. And leather was intermixed with other fabrics to create some truly intriguing jackets, coats, even sweaters.
• Bad news for us full-figured gals: pants legs are still skinny and straight. Guh. Tuxedo stripes were also showing up on pants legs, and lots of exercise wear motifs crept into other pieces.
• Knitwear rages on, with texture, mixed media, and animal prints. Textures were often mixed–heavy gauge knits with light-weight knits.
• Black and white, guys and gals, black and white still rules, along with abstract and geometric prints. Houndstooth is peeping out every so often–hooray!
• Embellishments are shiny and not subtle–metallic hardware, studs, and sequins adorned many outfits.
• Tartan is showing up–and if Marc Jacobs can wear a kilt, why can’t we wear tartan pants? Hand in hand, equestrian looks were still out and about.
• Quilted fabrics–even fur!–and tweed showed up to the party in lovely designs.

All of these trends are fun, and promise a fall retail season with some wearable, long-lasting pieces. And some of these trends can be found in consignment and thrift shops, so the hunt will be on. So, thank you New York, London, Milan, and Paris. See ya in the fall!

Lace and Animal and Pow Prints, Oh My!

Tom Ford’s Fall 2013 RTW show did not disappoint, not by a long shot. The clothes were so beautiful, so textured, so lush and layered that I felt drunk after about ten looks.

The black and white geometric prints were so starkly dramatic against the deep floral prints, yet created a lovely harmony. What wasn’t to love–the animal prints? When was the last time you saw a quilted animal print coat? The tautly edited use of fur and lace? The pop of color among neutrals? The gorgeous mix of textures? This runway show exhibited the hand of a master.  What an exquisite collection–welcome back, Mr. Ford!

As for the makeup on the models, it was in keeping with the fall trend of smoky eye, nude lip and face. I read that brown shadows were used on the eyes, with a dab of Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream to set the shadow in place. I loved the nude colors of lipsticks and nails, all from Mr. Ford’s make-up collections–Coco Ravish, Sable Smoke, and Blush Nude on the lips; Mink Brule and Toasted Sugar on the nails. I rushed right over to Nordstrom’s website and purchased a lipstick and nail polish in those shades to use as raffle gifts for our spring fundraiser. Vive l’autumn!

Another Fashion Week, Another City

OK, fashion fans, we’ve traded the Empire State for Big Ben. But beyond flying across the pond, what is there to look forward to during Fashion Week in London?

Two events have excited my interest, and I am looking forward to curling up with WWD and Vogue online later today.

The first is Tom Ford‘s first formal showing since 2004, when he left Gucci. Not that Mr. Ford has been idle–he has a gorgeous line of cosmetics, his men’s wear is impeccable, and I understand he has dabbled in film successfully as well. But I am in a state of high anticipation to see his designs. He has always showed a deep empathy for a woman’s body, and his clothes accentuate all that is lovely in the feminine figure. How has his vision matured over this near decade? Can’t wait to see!

I also want to see L’Wren Scott‘s first London show, if for no other reason that to see how visible Mick Jagger will be during the show and afterwards. Ms. Scott is an interesting designer, and while I am not always drawn to her efforts, she has a degree of creativity and vision that must draw respect.

I love Fashion Week(s). Beyond the fantasy and beauty, I love to imagine how clothing this coming fall will reflect what’s hot at these shows, and what we should look for as we accept incoming clothes for consignment (I know fake fur pieces and accents will be high on my list!). So, I’ll be glued to my iPad when I get home from work to see what’s hot as a pistol in London.