October 2008

Runway Inspired

 

We looked to the styles strutting their stuff on next year’s runways as inspiration for some hot promotional looks. We’ve paired wearables from this year and next to pull together chic fashion for less.

By Katherine Schneider

In our first shot, our model looks like she’s headed to a lunch date at an artsy café. A perfect picture of bohemia, she’s covered from head to toe in an ultra-trendy, ultra-now, boho-luxe layered look. A rough-hewn cable knit sweater is layered under a folksy suede jacket, an earthy brown scarf is draped around her neck, and she’s sporting lambskin gloves and a chic hat. To bring in the high fashion, the look is finished off with a cashmere pashmina wrapped around her waist and a sophisticated black weekend bag.

You might think this look was pulled from a high-fashion magazine or a trend-setting Web site. Well, it is – just not in the way you might think. In fact, all of our cover story looks were inspired by 2009 runway show styles, but all the apparel and accessories were selected from wearables suppliers, whose catalogs now overflow with a multitude of trendy colors, textures, print and pattern combinations, and styles.

Wearables pulled fashion-forward pieces that reflect 2009 fashion trends from across the industry. For example, we found a flouncy chenille boa from Symphony Designs (asi/90452) that speaks to the trend toward soft, feathery, textured accessories. On the activewear side, fleece and outerwear, such as Bodek and Rhodes (asi/40788), are offered in flattering (and color-blocked) women’s silhouettes. In the corporate world, simple and classic looks reign supreme. We’ve included a sharp, corporate vest and white shirt look that’s softened by a fringed scarf.

In the land of graphics and designs, stark black-and-white contrasts appear often, as do sparkling rhinestones and crystals that lend a touch of bling to tightly woven casual cotton tees and tanks. Tattoo-inspired designs are also popular. Suppliers such as V-Twin Motorcycle Apparel (asi/94221) offer unique tees with printed hosiery sleeves that resemble sleeve tattoos – either in a Zen-like koi fish or floral print design.

Take a look at how well we were able to recreate runway looks with some unique and very fashion-forward pieces in the ad specialty industry.

Bohemia Bound Trend Alert: Boho-luxe looks abounded in Gucci’s fabulous fall/winter 2008/2009 collections. To achieve this look, you need folk-inspired leather pieces, scarves, lots of layers and some sophisticated accessories. What we found: Chunky sweaters with large knits paired with sweet suede and luxe pashminas speak to bohemian style, and scarves, lambskin gloves and leggings provide style and warmth in the colder months. > MORE		Chic Elegance Trend Alert: From rhinestones to trendy Swarovski crystals to haute couture-inspired screen-printed tees, bling and arty is in. Ripped jeans and the boyfriend jeans (the wearer cuffs men’s jeans) are in this season; while neither of these looks totally works for a professional setting, these looser-fitting, Western-cut jeans are perfectly paired with a classy screen-printed or multimedia tee. > MORE
Sleek and Simple Trend Alert: Anything military-inspired will continue to be hot next year. We pair a sleek turtleneck with a bold, yet classic, coat for a stylish, well-designed look. professional setting, these looser-fitting, Western-cut jeans are perfectly paired. > MORE		Flight of Fancy Trend Alert: This season, anything textured is all the rage. Also on the runways, designers are taking inspiration from nature and using real feathers (ostrich, peacock and marabou, and even wispy pink feathers at Blumarine) to decorate dresses, hats and collars. In the wearables industry, we’ve found that versatile chenille embodies both trends. > MORE
Sporty Chic Trend Alert: As athletic wear takes on a futuristic, stream-lined look, bold color blocking on ultra-soft-shell jackets and close-fitting caps are great for working out in brisk autumn weather. > MORE		’80s Wonderland Trend Alert: Retro inspiration is still hot. This look embodies a continuing interest in anything ’80s, such as the jersey dress silhouette, but it’s made current by the use of eco-friendly cotton and a fashion-forward, screen-printed design on the leggings. > MORE
Tattoo You Trend Alert: On the runways, you’ll be seeing some very unique imprinting techniques on armbands and leggings – especially looks that give the illusion of sleeve and leg tattoos. > MORE		Queen of the Jungle Trend Alert: Ladies can let their wild sides roar. Headbands are back in style, especially those with prints. > MORE

From Runway to Everyday

Here are some great style tips hot from the runways:
• Color, color, print: Bright and bold fashion colors are great additions to classic color lines. Look to fashion fuchsias and teals, but also include subtle plaids and natural colors for a complete offering.
  
• Fleecy chic: With an emergence of more women’s sizes in outerwear, performance fleece is definitely in. According to Jeff Rothchild, owner of Proforma Peak Printing and Promotions (asi/300094), his clients are leaning toward the new soft-shell styles, laser-cut and taped seams, and color blocking.
  
• For the bottom half: Remember that Internet photo of Katie Holmes wearing hubby Tom Cruise’s baggy jeans? The fashion-forward actress was right on with a new, loosening trend in jean shapes. Offer slacks with flared bottoms or an easy straight fit to clients and they’ll join Hollywood’s A-listers.
  
• Performing wear: Since the polo will forever be an industry staple, offer an up-to-date version of this classic by including moisture-wicking and lower-maintenance fabric options. “Our big point of interest is in wicking products. People are always looking for cooler and drier materials,” says Harris Anderson with Charles River Apparel (asi/44620). And, Edwards Garment Co. (asi/51752) has added wrinkle-resistant fabrics to its line of dress wovens.
  
• Room for one more: The sides of stylish bags are great spots for logo or design placement. Pitch practical day-bags to your clients as a useful and unique add-on.
   
• Smart and casual: Jersey dresses offered by trendy suppliers such as American Apparel (asi/35297) can be screen printed or embroidered. Pair them with a fashionable, logoed belt.
  
• Back to the ’80s: As the MTV generation moves into their 30s and 40s, the fashions of their youth are reemerging in the wearables market, as evidenced by a plethora of leg warmers, embellished leggings, fringe, fashion belts and epaulets. Encourage clients to invest in a few pieces, such as fashion legwarmers for fall or a few bright colors.

Katherine Schneider is a PA-based contributing writer.