FASHION 2007
BY CASSIE H.
As we close out 2006 and all the regrettable trends that went with it (High waisted pants? Bad idea! That means you, Victoria Beckham.) now is the time to turn our eyes to the future, with new, exciting looks to ring in the New Year. Before you empty your closets, here’s at look at the impulse buys you can be sure to keep, because some fads from last year will certainly prove to have staying power. However, if you’re still running around trying to look like Mary-Kate Olsen, I probably can’t help you. That said, get your pens to the ready and take notes!
Bigger is Better
If you saved your pennies and picked up a jumbo designer handbag last year, good for you, because we are going to see bigger and better accessories as we approach the new season. This trend is far from losing steam, and seems instead to be gaining momentum as women are finding they can load all of their must haves into one purse, while still looking great. Gone are the days of the bulky granny look, today’s large bags are stylish and contemporary, with top labels sometimes garnering more media coverage than the celebrities that carry them. As the public grows bored of the same old stories about La Lohan and Kate Moss, we are still fascinated by their Marc Jacobs or Balenciaga arm candy. It just goes to show that these are timeless pieces that will get a lot of mileage for your money. The supersize trend has extended far beyond the handbag, as fashionistas have embraced giant belts and celebrity sized sunglasses as well. My favourite lenses from 2006 come from D&G, rocked by stars such as Gwen Stefani and Paris Hilton. Even the advertisement was chic, which just goes to show that fashion houses are very much aware that this is the golden era of the accessory. (Pictured: Elie Saab)
Skin Deep
I haven’t seen so many layers since the Grunge movement as I did over the past twelve months. Wraps, cardigans, an assortment of hats, scarves, and what’s this? Sweater dresses and tights? What year is this again? Welcome to the new age. The layer is the hit of the season, paired with a rediscovered love for all things androgynous. Women dressed as blokes in crisp tuxedo shirts and tarty blazers while men embrace painted on jeans and eyeliner. Think Panic! At the Disco and old school Madonna; experiment with this look and find what works for you. The catwalks are showing us just how sexy a woman can look in a finely tailored suit, and you can be sure this gorgeous gender swapping is sure to hang around awhile, in many different guises. Shop for items that you can mix and match to suit your own tastes, from classic to shabby chic.
Pictured: Giambattista Valli and Balmain S/S 2007
Cast a Shadow
Fashion on the street this year has changed, as high end clothing becomes more readily accessible to the average shopper. The focus on many runways was on the silhouette, with nods to more flamboyant European and even Japanese styles and colours. Puffed sleeves and ballooned hemlines dominate, suggesting that women no longer see couture as pipe dream eye candy. More and more, these looks are making their way onto shop floors, and clothes horses in the know are taking these brave styles into the future. These exaggerated outfits are sure to continue into 2007, as more designers fall in line to embrace this evolving trend. Don’t dream it…be it! Scoop up a piece or two and update your wardrobe for the New Year. (Pictured: Ungaro)
The Year Ahead
What does the New Year hold? While fashion is most assuredly marching forward into the futuristic, complete with show stopping metallics and eye catching colour, vintage has made a stunning comeback. No longer satisfied with here today, gone tomorrow fads, the intelligent shopper is embracing looks that date far less quickly. Rising costs of ‘it’ fashion have made shrewd customers indeed, and less people are interested in paying top dollar for looks that will be obsolete by the first of the month. Here’s a quick look at some smart buys for 2007:
- Go eclectic with tribal, Indian, and Asian fashions and accessories. Ethnic inspired jewellery, animal prints and faux fur, wood, and stones from interesting locales are key for this look, updated with fine fabrics and gorgeous patterns.
- Pay attention to palettes, and step into a braver, brighter world. The old little black dress staple, while always an easy option, is now being eclipsed by dazzling colours. Want something on trend? Go white. Take it one step further, and glow in flattering red.
- Sky high hemlines will be everywhere this next season, so take the time to tone those legs! Miniskirts are back in a big way, and once weather permits, you can bet on short shorts making an appearance. Even if you’re not ready to show off your perfect pins, try a cropped pant for something a bit more demure.
- All things vintage will become a major driving force in the fashion world. Old brands have resurfaced (Who knew that Nicole Kidman could persuade the world that it’s cool to smell like your grandmother?) while the stars are showing us its okay to embrace those retro roots. Sorry, Christina Aguilera…you’re no Dita Von Teese. But Sienna Miller is bringing the sexy sixties back with her portrayal of Edie Sedgwick in Factory Girl; look for plenty of swinging fashion to hit the streets as we hotfoot it to the nearest charity shop. (Pictured: Chloé)
That's not all...That's just it for now. Stay tuned for your next fashion update by Cassie H.!
Photography by Stuart Grimwood