TREND I-SPY

In a rather bland runway season for Fall 2011, one non-shoe or handbag accessory has been ubiquitous. The wide-brimmed portrait or picture hat has symbolized many fashion eras, most recently the 1970s. Iconic fashion figures from Bianca Jagger and Angelica Huston to Cher and Lauren Hutton have been photographed wearing one.There is something wonderfully ladylike and yet bohemian about these hats. For Fall designers used a wide range of sophisticated colors from cloudy pink and nude to deep teal, purple and ochre Marc by Marc Jacobs, Fall 2011 Christian Dior, Fall 2011 Chris Benz, Fall 2011   Gucci, Fall 2011

I think it's safe to say that it has been a very snowy winter thus far, both in Europe and here on the East Coast of the US. Even "Down South", which never gets hit, has had more than its fair share of the white stuff this season. So it doesn't take much to surmise that this was a major influence behind so many designers sending so much fur and parka-type outerwear down the runways. Oh I hear you say, so what's new about that? Well, I'll tell you what and I think I know where it's coming from too, Snow Monkeys!!! Who can resist these exceptional creatures?; as gorgeous as any super model. I have been reading all about them. The Japanese Macaque lives in mountainous areas of Japan. It survives winter temperatures below -15 °C (5°F), and is perhaps most notable for the amount of time it spends in naturally heated volcanic hot springs in Snow Monkey Park located in the town of Yamanouchi , Nagano Prefecture , close to a historical hot spring area named Sh...

Phi, S10 Phi, F09 Sadly, Style.com is reporting the demise of New York brand, Phi. Designer Andreas Melbostad became a favorite in recent seasons due to his success at executing the sort of hard-edged body-con looks favored by it-girls, models and fashion editors. Interesting then that Style.com is proposing a possible end to this tough girl look, mainly because the New York Times is reporting on its popularity amongst that same demographic. Meow! Now now girls, don't forget it's Christmas. " The New York Times has wised up to the tough and sexy model-off-duty look everyone’s channeling these days (pictured) and has summoned psychologists and trend forecasters to break it down. “It’s not cool to be demure,” one stylist polled reported. We’re guessing this means the trend’s life span is just about up. Bring on the chintz!" As reported in Style.com on 12/24/09

Chanel Pre-Fall 2010 For the Chanel show the designation was Shanghai and naturally enough Karl Lagerfeld included a whole host of Chinoiserie and Red Army detailing. But amongst the cheongsams, Qipao gowns, Mongolian tapestry boots and shaggy furs was hard evidence that over-the-knee and thigh high boots will be as important next year as they are now, more parade uniform styling for overcoats and what is fast becoming a Pre-Fall 2010 basic requisite, leather leggings.

Versace Pre-Fall 2010 To paraphrase Heidi K, in fashion, one day it's Spring and the next day it's already Pre-Fall. Versace's collection showed that trends continuing from this year will include lingerie-inspired dresses and corsets, a fuller-on-top, skinny-on-the-bottom silhouette, peaked shoulders, leggings (again!!) and fun fur gilets. So if you decide to only buy one thing for Pre-Fall next year, make it a really great belt because they go over EVERYTHING.

Roberto Cavalli F09 Several designers showed thigh high black leather boots this year and they have every sign of staying around for F10 making them a great investment. Why the longevity of the trend? It's part of a general desire to wrap up in layers that protect against the slings and arrows of our modern world! These photos are from the Cavalli show for Fall 09. It was interesting to me that this designer so well known for Luxe Hippie and overly-embellished Italian styles showed more severe, body-conscious black-on-black looks trimmed with gold grommets. Perfect for the modern Warrior Woman! Jimmy Choo for H&M, $299 Here is another version from Jimmy Choo, part of a great capsule collection from H&M. Again the styling evokes Medieval knights!