Emerging Women's Fashion Trends for Spring 2009
From Jackets to Jumpsuits — Highlights from New York's Fashion Week
Sep 17, 2008
In the true spirit of fashion , this year’s NY fashion week for Spring 2009 was just as lavish as normal. You would never know that economic turmoil is going on outside — from the bottle of champagne on every seat at Donna Karan’s DKNY 20th anniversary show to the hedonistic bashes thrown by Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and the like. Ledgendary designer Halston, even recreated his own townhouse for his lavish show, complete with furniture and a gray carpet. Who ever heard of a credit crunch?
Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon is quoted by Liz Jones in her Daily Mail article, of 15th September, 2008, “A New York State of Mind,” as saying, “'I am not worried about the recession at all. We have made sure our distribution is comprehensive and we have moved the label on. The proportions are more modern, the clothes are sexier.”
According to Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey "I think the good thing about the recession is that it has focused people. Am I doing what is right for my customer? It makes designers more creative."
Designer Drama for Spring 2009
There was certainly plenty of “creative” on the runways last week. From the Marc Jacobs collection of dramatic over the top unique fantasy-like outfits to the ever-colorful Diane Von Furstenberg, who abandoned her simple shirt dresses in favor of a dramatic global bazaar of exotic holiday prints and bohemian power.
Some UK girl power came in the form of ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) whose show was greeted with enthusiasm by the fashion press. Beckham showcased (in a private suite at the Waldorf Hotel) a line of stunning and dramatically simple, silhouette-hugging dresses, in her trademark lean signature-style. According to the Daily Mail's Tamara Abraham in “Posh’s Frocks Rock” of 9th September, 2008, exclusivity will be key, as only 400 dresses will be made in the first season.
What You’ll Be Wearing this Spring
In Saks' online newsletter of September 16th, 2008, "Trend Wrap-Up from NY," Michael Fink, Women’s Fashion Director and Vice President of Saks 5th Avenue summarizes some of the main looks for Spring 2009.
Finks highlights some up-and-coming spring 2009 trends as long and lean silhouettes to sparkling sequins, and slouchy jumpsuits to novelty heels. Vests take on a new meaning this spring, along with caftans and exotic prints.
Jewelry is big and bold and heels are clunky and cut-out. Says Fink, “It's a season of platforms, color, and novelty. Chunky heels, even when there's a cut-out, provide support. Beaded strappy sandals at Marc Jacobs provide drama.”
Colors and Prints
Spring and summer is the time for exotic prints, large polka dots and romantic blooms. Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) can always be counted on to embrace the season, with her vivid colors and spicy tones. Forget the African tribal prints of last year, her Spring 2009 collection goes global with vivid colors and adventurous prints of Peter Som, Milly and Nanette Lepore .
There’s intense energy from Michael Kors dramatic polka dots and the blossoms of Thakoon (favored designer of Michelle Obama) and Oscar de la Renta. Colors from understated pale peach to rich persimmon, to a zesty lemon. The Panetone Color Report for Spring 2009 reveals its top 10 colors, including 3 greens,a dusky pink and fuchsia red and variations on lavender.
Stunning Silhouettes in Urban Chic
Sleek and sexy is a springtime look with long and lean silhouettes which shout sophistication. There are dresses and rolled-up slouchy pants in understated pale green, peach, gray and oyster in shimmery, weightless fabrics.
Jumpsuits
Love them or loathe them jumpsuits are here to stay for yet another season, featuring heavily in both the New York and London runways. Jumpsuits have been volumed-up with a luxe feel, including Diane Von Furstenberg’s gold cowl-neck cropped version and Proenza Schouler cream slinky suit with spring-like camisole-top.
Vest Jackets
The vest has been reinvented as the new look in summer jackets. Long-length or cropped. This relaxed, easy look has been smartened-up in two-piece skirt and pants sets as in Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone and Brian Reyes.
Shimmering Sequins
Shimmer and sparkle for spring in the form of tops, jackets, skirts and pants, including feminine evening gowns from Oscar de la Renta and shimmery and slouchy sequined silver trousers from Proenza Schouler.
London Fashion WeekWith the lights now dimmed on New York runways, fashion fever now moves on across the pond, where more spring trends emerge at London Fashion Week.
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