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Kicking It Up for Holiday ‘07                      by Karen Koza
There’s Great News in Ho – Ho Hosiery

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care…..”

Popcorn-and-cable-knit slipper socks: $18.00

Novelty Tights: Babies- $14, Girls- $16

Argyle Trouser socks: $9.00

Clearly, hosiery has been an integral part of holiday celebrations since the original Saint Nicholas reportedly tossed three coins down the fireplace of a trio of needy sisters. Each of the coins surreptitiously landed in three individual stockings that had been hung by the fire to dry, and today, children all over the world hang stockings to welcome a similar bounty.

In the modern interpretation of the holiday, socks and sheers of all varieties and shapes and sizes just might find their way into the stockings of lucky men, women and children, says Betsy Thompson, Director of Public Relations for Talbots, the multichannel retailer. “Socks and hosiery are a consistent choice for stocking stuffers and add-on gifts because, let’s face it, they’re practical. Choosing sizes is relatively easy. Choices can range from warm and basic to stylish and sometimes sexy and playful.”

“The good news for the hosiery industry this season is that current fashion is dictating a more dressed leg,” says Patricia Pao, founder of The Pao Principle, a retail consultancy in New York. “The good news for retailers is that the stores are packed and with hosiery items running from just a few dollars to several hundred dollars in the luxury market, there is something for every shopper.”

With the electronic gift card expected to once again be an extremely popular gift option for holiday gift giving, the addition of a pair of socks to the overall presentation can lend a warm and intimate effect. “They can add a personal touch to a gift card without breaking the bank,” Thompson adds.

“I’ll be home for Christmas….”

Thoughts of home and kith and kin dominate any thoughts of the holidays and Thompson sees an important role for hosiery in moments of quiet celebration, reflection and relaxation. “Call it ‘couch potato couture,” but people are enjoying the comforts of their own homes in pajamas, spa suits and cozy slipper socks. Cable knit tights, argyle socks and popcorn stitch slipper socks conjure images of leisure without voicemail and kicking back reading the Sunday paper or relaxing by the fireplace.”

“Don we now our gay apparel……”

Women and girls can expect to find some festive choices when dressing for holiday celebrations or for stylish gift-giving.

“Fun colors and patterns are key, especially for the younger girls, who can pull off wearing lots of horizontal breaks of color and pattern with adorable ease, “Thompson details while adding, “Unlike their moms.”

On a style note, we’re noticing more mixing with tights,” she relates. “Moms will still buy tights to match a certain outfit but not exclusively. A fun tight can add a cute punch to a simple denim skirt or velour dress.”

As Thompson has detailed, it certainly appears that savvy yet practical gift giving for children of all ages begins at the hosiery counter.

“And to all a good night……!”

“Seven Swans a Swimming…………..”

Thompson sees several trends in legwear for stylish women this Holiday 2007; including:

1) Argyle Trouser Socks
2) Novelty Socks
3) Cable Socks, Tights and Leggings
4) Tights With Subtle Texture
5) Sheer Gray Hose
6) Sheer Nude Shades
7) Spa Sock

The Tastemakers Sing the Praises of Hosiery This Season

Hosiery News asked noted style experts about the legwear on their must-have lists….

“I am a nut for tights, from bold colors to varying gauges to even some prints; fun tights are a must have! Pair them with riding boots and a chic dress and you’re good to go!”
- Alle Fister, founder of Bollare, a West Coast publicity firm and style commentator on “The CBS Early Show” and “Soap Talk” on Soapnet, a cable channel

“We love to wear warm textured tights with boots or pumps to pair with all of our amazing Vanitas mini dresses for this holiday season."
- Taryn Band, designer and co-owner of Vanitas of California, an emerging brand

“The buckle cuff leg warmer is a really hot item on Stylehive. I'm seeing them all over the streets outside of our Soho offices.”
- Chris Kensler, Editorial Director, Stylehive, an interactive fashion community

“Cashmere socks. Whether you just wear them around the house or with your boots on a chilly day, they are so comfortable, luxurious, and will never go out of style.”
- Darren Gold, co-owner of Alpha, which sells “Gear for Gents”

“I'm crazy about the new Zac Posen for Wolford stockings-- beautiful!”
- Erin Caruth, spokesperson LaRoc, a popular line

“Tights! They flatter the body.”
- Patricia Pao, founder, The Pao Principle

*photos provided by Talbot's