Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Runway Analysis F/W 2011- Bike Shorts



Although active influences hit their stride few seasons ago, there was still plenty of subtle inspiration to be found on the , especially as utility, performance and comfort become high priorities in fashion. The emergence of items like draped tees, pegged leggings, chic sweatshirts and casual ponchos reflected the ongoing dialogue between ready-to-wear and active. Many collections also had a futuristic bent, utilizing techno fabrics and sophisticated engineered knits that were just right for this market. Bike shorts continue with new fashionable details such as floral and geos, curved panels, front zippers, tape trimmings and football tight inspired styles. What better way to hit the pavement than with this fashion forward gear that will have any cycilist in Seattle giving you the green eye.

ISPO- Munich Mania



An essential trade show for any designer in the active market, ISPO highlighted the most innovative new companies while maintaining steadfast relationships with the classic brands that have been setting the standard for the past century. Materials and hard and soft goods abounded, as vendors honed in on sustainable technologies, pushing the envelope at every level.
SHOW FACTS:
2,267 exhibitors
# of Attendees: 80,000+ from 106 countries
Venue: New Munich Trade Fair Centre
Next show date: January 29 to February 1, 2012

Eddie Bauer Fall 2011



Focusing on casual weekend-wear, “Down Time” is what Eddie Bauer is known for. This upcoming f/w 2011 there is much more form and function in the design, thinking still of practical but keeping in mind fashionable, thank you finally someone has noticed. Looks mix the technical with the casual, focusing on cozy fleece and rich, textured wool sweaters. Über-lightweight neon puffer vests and jackets filled with patent-pending microtherm down are paired with slim-fit drawstring sweatpants in luxe jaspés and waffle knit hoodies. Soft cotton Henleys and plaid flannel shirts are ideal layering pieces under heathered jackets and chambray shirts. Wooly knit caps, feminine fringed scarves and sturdy utilitarian bags complete the look. This will be perfect for rainy reasons in Seattle and I'm sure you will see a hipster or two donning this look.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

How to get noticed on the road

One of the most important technologies coming out is an improvement in reflective materials. Being visible to cars, cyclists and pedestrians mean the difference between life or a new date. Most cyclists know enough to have a rear and front light on their bike when riding in low-light conditions, but the addition of reflective materials on their clothing can make them even more visible. Runners often try to fit their training time into a hectic day by running at dawn or dusk and many think wearing white will help them be seen. In the beam of a car’s headlight, reflective material can be seen at much greater distances than a white shirt, giving drivers more time to react. The new and exciting 3M Scotchlight reflective material uses retroflective material. Just like the eyes of a cat its especially designed to return lights back directly to its original source. This is done by using glass beads and prismatic technologies. Whats next? 360 visibility, yes front, back and from the side. 3M you have me sold, but buyers beware and make sure to look your best, you will be seen at every angle!




Skate and Street WearTrade Show Trends




Current trends spotted at trade shows last year have emerged into the current style for skate wear design and influences.

Men: Olive and Tan palettes, Sturdy Canvas, Preppy Wovens, Nautical (lightweight jackets, red, white, and blue colors, horizontal stripes), Utility Stamping (tag on the outside branding), Overprinted graphics, 90's pop culture influences, Photo manipulation, Plaid, Bright colors.

Women's: Floral Patterns, Geometric Patterns, Ethnic Influences, Thin cotton for summer, Demure Hemlines, Preppy schoolgirl touch, Bold Statements.

Future trends spotted at trade shows for the upcoming A/W 11/12 season is clearly showing trends that are evolving and adapting into new styles based off of current and past times. Some trends are here to stay such as plaid, but new styles and themes especially for womens wear should cause some excitement. Both men and womens wear looks to vintage America for inspiration. From decades such as the 50's and 90's. But instead of bright 90's themes, inspiration is pulled from preppier styles of the 90's. College/varsity blues heavily influences both men and womens wear. Women's wear takes on new cuts, very long styles for jackets and dresses. Girls clothing also takes on a stronger durable style. The typical work wear theme for men continues into this season with subtle changes. Some of the popular current trends for both men and women, such as bright colors seem to appear in the A/W 11/12 season. But a new twist on colors is also spotted, bright colors are now evolving into faded brights, a vintage style.

Fortunately more new was introduced than old, which I think is a very fresh direction. Skate and street wear is meant to be durable, and durability is a huge theme for both men and women. I also think owning durable yet fashionable clothes is an investment for your wardrobe and a comfortable factor for the owner. I feel the same palettes, patterns, and layering trends have been dragging on for about 5 years now, its time to switch it up!

Spotted trends for both men and women for the A/w 11/12 go as follows.
Men: Earthier tones, Bright colors are more focused towards outerwear, Toned down 80's, Bright graphics updated into asymmetrical prints, Hunter/camouflage prints for jackets, Heathered textures on jackets, Work wear/vintage out doors continues, Rusty colors, Snow friendly denim, Varsity jacket, key item for street wear, Embellished backpacks

Women's: Longer cuts for jackets, skirts, and dresses, Rusty colors, Cape cut, Embellished backpacks, Larger selection of styles for jackets (feminine, bright colors, genres), Over-sized layering, Pleat front continues, Prep college influences continue, Nordic prints

Graphics: Experimental Photography, Animal inspiration is still heavy, Attitude Expression, Rude Humor, Vintage America, Skulls are still present, Optical graphics is a large trend (liner expressions), Art and science infused,More print techniques are being explored (rubberized gloss prints)



Un-buzzworthy breakthrough, so what can be next?








Columbia Sportswear is first and foremost and outdoor product company, but their family of Omni technologies always considers consumers comfort in mind. Insect Blocker technology you say? Mad scientist I say, who have created a revolutionary defense in the battle for those who dread mosquitoes, ants, ticks and any other biting bug! You know who you are, fear not your days of painful itching are over. Using a synthetic version of a naturally occurring insect repellent found in a very special species of chrysanthemums it offers protection that is integrated right into your clothing. It requires no re-application or special care of any kind, which is convenient on your wallet and perfect for those grab and go days. There are only a few articles of clothing in this line, but if this specific line doesn't have your color don't forget Omni Technology offers 11 other core technologies, ranging from sun protection to blood and gut shield. Whats in the future if we have every major and or minor worry fixed by a magical fabric blend? Well my thoughts are leaning towards geo tracking body suits!



Patagonia introduces the feminine side of the trail


This season Patagonia gives us a whole new reason to hit the trail, skorts! With the weather finally starting to warm up in Seattle, you will definitely see more and more people head to the hills to enjoy the fresh summer air. Thankfully, Patagonia has an answer to my number one question, what do I wear? With adorable skorts offered in a variety of colors it's easy to see why hiking has people running to the hills. The downtown Seattle Patagonia has a beautiful display which will inspire even the most forest phobic of people, such as myself, and show that hitting the trail doesn't mean you have to give up a feminine silhouette, bright summer colors, or a little bit of sass.

Women's outdoor wear is becoming increasingly popular and you will definitely see feminine designs making their way into this market. My prediction over the next couple of years, innovative accessories that are functional and dresses of course!