The Americana Trend for 2008
From Patriotic Stars and Stripes to Rock & Roll Monochromes
Spotted on celebrities such as Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and Kylie Minogue are the quintessential stars and strips of the American flag. From Chanel’s adorable star print blouses and dresses to all-in-one’s to YSL's star-spangled stilettos.
Celebrating American Independence Day
On America’s Independence Day (July 4th) its time to fly the flag in women;s fashion, with checks and denim of red, white and blue. From blue blazers and leather jackets to candy-stripe skirts, last season’s geometric prints are replaced with patriotic ones. Even the British based Marks & Spencer has jumped on the bandwagon with stars and stripes, Americana knee-high socks, and Top Shop fully embraced the trend with its stella constellations and horizontal stripes on tunics, tops, playsuits and dresses. Ever since style setter, Kate Moss was seen wearing a full-length Chanel gown covered in tiny gold metallic stars, (a gift from Chanel) for her birthday in January 2008, fashionistas on both sides of the pond have embraced the trend.
According to Aestheticspluseconomics, in their online article "Americana for Spring 2008," the use of 4th July symbolism by houses like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent for spring 2008, however, suggests that this trend may be a hankering for the nostalgic days when the USA’s status as a superpower remained unchallenged or simply a response to demand “from customers of emerging economies, for whom the stars and stripes may feel exotic.”
Stars and Stripes Trend for 2008
Men’s styles of the last season also reflect an Americana look, and lends itself well to children’s clothing too.
Taking it one stage further and we see giant, chunky stripes, not of the navy nautical kind, but of those black and white, which signifies Americana ‘50s Rock & Roll. Wide monochromed stripes are right on trend with celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Nicky Hilton and Erin O’Connor looking stylish in stripy tees, tunic tops, mini skirts and masculine shirts. Such strong stripes toughen up a feminine outfit, and look edgy under a fitted blazer or biker jacket.
Designer labels such as Just Cavailli, Salvatore Ferragamo and Erdem have some stylish outfits in both vertical and horizontal stripes. Anna Sui has a punked-up orange stripy tea dress, and featured in the Guardian newspaper’s online edition, “Stars and Stripes Pick of the Week” is a stunning McQ, Alexander McQueen star print cardigan, available from Asos at £229 and a sexy secretary style, double-breasted, star print jacket by Top Shop, at £60.
How to Work the Americana Trend
Working this trend well is tricky without being too overbearing or as if you are a campaigner in the American presidential elections. Use stripes to gloss up a plain outfit and add one piece of Americana to your ensemble. If these heavyweight stripes or Americana stars are not your thing, then simply give a nod to the trend with a stripy tote, star print scarf or necklace. Go one step further with stars on your feet with a pair of Yves Saint Laurent, look-at-me stiettos.
Wearing stripes can be tricky if you don’t have a killer body. Horizontal stripes can be very unforgiving, but following a few simple style guidelines will stop you looking wider and chunkier than you are.
According to Style.com, in their feature, "Stars and Stripes Trend —Yankee Doodle Dandee," stars and stripes will be forever American chic. The Americana trend is set to get even bigger through the fall fashion season.
