Industry News
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Trending Euro-Style

The Doneger Group’s Creative Director David Wolfe once again conducted a series of provocative seminars during last month’s MAGIC in Las Vegas, California. Besides headlining Spring ’08 Men’s and Women’s Designer Trends, his insights to Euro-style via St. Tropez and Barcelona captivated the minds of those who filled the room each session.

“St. Tropez is not only a fabulous place to shop,” began Wolfe, “But it is one of the world’s best trend spotting destinations along with Barcelona.” Despite the fact that sex and bling has sold fashion through at billions during the past several years, Wolfe believes the winds of change are subtly blowing our way. Simpler styles yet dynamic prints along with shape shifting silhouettes including the bubble, empire and the drape are true testaments that fashion is transforming. The skinny jean remains a staple, and, yes, the legging still has legs but it is updated by wearing with a pair of shorts. And speaking of shorts, tucked pleats in the front are emerging as one of the hottest new looks. The shortest of short and the longest of long, either extreme and in between are considered fashionable when it comes to dresses and skirts. The ability to accentuate the hips with wide belts is also forwarding fashion for next spring.

Some of the trendy looks feature the “utilitarian” appeal with the shirt dress as its mainstay while camouflage continues to wane. “Athletic” has adapted to authentic by offering soft textures and juicy velour. “Romantic” inspires the inner wear as outwear concept through slip dresses and other lingerie details. “Newness is what sells,” offered Wolfe. The “handcraft” emphasis directs embroidery motifs and cording as embellishments. Embellishments, too, are morphing from decorative to those featured in the textiles themselves. Prints (paisley, floral, geometric, Pucci) are perhaps the most compelling; however, faces, verbiage, metallic foil, plaid and checks, and open work (cutwork and eyelet) also demand the attention of fashion’s fabric spotlight.

What would trending be without color? Ironically enough, white in every shade, every look for both men and women will always be foundational. Black, too, is not going away but it will not be as prevalent. In essence, more white and the lessening of black have resulted in grey becoming the new favorite colorless color. Neutrals are a natural along with slightly washed brights and pale, lightened pastels.

Accessories of all assortments are amazing…shoes with high heels or no heels, enormous sunglasses and hats, the proliferation of “IT” handbags, novelty jewelry and each of these items available nonetheless among the metallic rainbow along the streets of St. Tropez.

According to Wolfe, some of the biggest trend setters also travel to the Barcelona based trade fair to experience the next big thing. Where the mood of minimalism is pure, it’s enhanced through the excitement of prints. Styles are simple, dresses/skirts are long, pink is popular and white shades are hot. But perhaps the important immerging trend to us is the idea of leg art…put your thinking caps on.