Fall Fashion Trends for 2008
From Shaggy Fur & Cossack Hats to Maxi Skirts & Monastic Monochromes
As previews for fall fashion 2008 hit the runways we can take note of the new trends in velvets, shaggy furs and fringes, and exotic Russian and Oriental inspired pieces.
Whilst mere mortals in the western hemisphere are just preparing for the onset of spring, the haute couture women's fashion world is one step ahead, already looking to Fall - Winter 2008.
Elle magazine’s online edition has just released a sneek preview of what we can expect for this fall’s major runway trends,“Pre Fall 2008 Trends – Fall in Love.” Amongst them are some surprising new trends and the continuation of some old favorites.
Says Elle, “as pre-fall collections were rolled out over the past few weeks, it seemed the inclination towards major style statements was here to stay.”
A Preview of Pre-Fall Trends 2008
Themes range from Russian Royalty – Cossack and Russian Doll inspired pieces to muppet style shaggy furs, fringes and velvet. There is also an austere, somber look to winter with flavors of monastic monochromes and a masculine but equestrian feel to many outfits. Blacks are softened with beiges and grays along with some rich colored velvets.
New Trends:
Russian Royalty
- Yet another powerful style statement emerges with Cossak hats and Soviet style coats and suits. This includes Donna Karan’s Russian Doll inspired outfit with short double breasted jacket and pencil skirt. Lanvin’s Cossak zip up coat, shapeless yet stylish and Versace’s black and grey go anywhere Russian-look wide pants and polo neck. The Cossack theme is heavily accentuated in men’s fashion for fall-winter 2008 too.
Rich Velvets
- Sleek, soft rich velvet in back with simple line knee-length and maxi dresses and bubble skirts in beiges, this season's keynote inky blues and purples, and classic black.
Shaggy Furs
- A big hit is likely to be the muppet and yeti inspired three quarter length shaggy fur jackets and coats, reminiscent of the height of the '60s and '70s. Chloe, Donna Karan and Missoni all get in on the act.
- Shaggy-dog-like fringes appear on everything from dresses and coats to shoes and bags.
Equestrian Chic
- Riding boots and jodpurs provide inspiration for fall’s beige pants and cropped leather jackets. Dolce and Gabbana and Lucca Lucca both offer classic, chic and wearable combinations, with a slight masculine feel.
Monastic Monochromes
- A somber, monastic look is set to be a keynote statement, including Louis Vuitton’s long black governess style skirt and puritan blouse and Balenciaga's austere black jacket and long split maxi skirt.
Oriental Origami
- A taste of Japan with Oscar De La Renta’s origami pleats and folds and Roland Mouret’s grey suited origami inspired breast pockets.
Continuing Trends:
The '70s Look
- Wide pants are here to stay, with turnups, flares and pleats. Bill Blass’s very wearable short cropped jacket and sweeping matching trousers will take you from business to bar with ease. Blouses are pussy bowed or edged with retro-look cravats.
The Maxi Skirt
- A firm favorite for covering a multitude of shin, the maxi dress and skirt is still with us for fall 2008, Having emerged in early 2007 it’s popularity is providing value for money in the fashion stakes. Chloe’s chic boho skirt with asymmetric lines teamed with slouchy boots, and Nina Ricca Gatsby inspired 30’s pieces are sure to be a winner.
Over the coming weeks more runway trends for fall and winter will emerge but already we are seeing some powerful women's fashion themes and influences for the latter part of this year.
