CEBU, Philippines – Sure, the economists may have hit us with a gloomy forecast for 2009 and 2010 (what with the global financial crisis and all) but that doesn’t necessarily mean that fashion has to take a back seat and that we have the license to dress down.
As the economy prepares to hit rock bottom (well, you know how they always come up with somber forecasts), there’s more reason for the rest of us to dress up to counter the gloom. After all, if we’re really seriously heading down, we might as well all go down in style.
Here are some of the up and coming trends as we gear up to enter the middle of 2009.
All That Glitters
Glass, crystals, precious and semi-precious stones—name your ice because jewel encrusted pieces are bound to make a huge comeback this season. These classier versions of bling have made their way into jeans, jackets, blouses, and shoes, breaking the notion that bejeweled pieces are only meant for the elegance of the evening gown.
Take your cue from the runway designs of Alberta Ferretti who went all out by mixing these gorgeous gems with feminine fringing, Alexander McQueen who thought out of the (jewelry) box by coming up with eclectic jewel-encrusted shoes and cat suits, and Zac Posen who gave this trend an exotic Egyptian twist. Translate these pieces into everyday wearable garb by not piling up on your statement pieces. Instead, pick out one jewel-studded piece and make it stand out.
Fringe Benefits
Modernized and pulled-out from its theme-party-slash-showgirl origins, the party-perfect fringed ensemble has been brought back to life. For 2009, the fringed piece is sleek meets sexy meets feminine meets now as designers Gaspard Yurkievich, Elie Saab, Alberta Ferretti, Jil Sander, and Alexander McQueen breathe new life into it.
Fringing is all about movement, so choose the fabric carefully, taking note of how it shimmies and shines as you strut. You wouldn’t want to be showing off fringes that clump unattractively together. Fashion suicide! Long, toned legs will do very nicely with a fringed mini dress while those who are a bit wanting in the legs department will do best to be cautious with this trend.
Spotlight on the Shoulder
Perhaps you’re not so much of the boobs and legs person. Don’t fret and don’t look too far because the answer to your fashion query simply lies on your shoulders—which are by the way, a tad more mysterious than the cleavage, and higher on elegance than the legs. After having made it big in the horizon of 2007 with Kate Moss’ Topshop endorsement, the one-shoulder number is back and bigger than it was back in 2008.
In 2009, we see how the one-shoulder trend has grown out of its Grecian roots by leaning towards the more futuristic side as we usher in the end of a fab decade. Think of this style as a slight cross into the cut-out trend revealing a glimpse of flesh. Balmain’s rock creations move a little away from Balenciaga’s space dresses with a one-sided thin strap giving the impression of a ripped-out effect. Sophia Kokosalaki on the other hand, keeps it sweet, straight, and simple by sticking to simple cuts and straps.
Waisted Efforts
Disclaimer: this trend works best following a jillion sit-ups in the morning. I’m not kidding. With the exposed tummy trend following the muffin top and the hipster trend, ladies, it’s about time to hit the gym pronto. This trend definitely won’t look fab with flabs. This is not to cause a body-image crisis here but seriously, err on the safe side with the exposed tummy trend by making sure that your tummy is worth the exposure.
This trend works best if you pair it with any of the other 2009 trends like a one-shoulder blouse or a tribal top. Wear this alone and you’ll risk looking too raunchy or tarty.
Going Global
Globalization has become a bigger buzzword than ever especially in the fashion scene as more and more designers like Christopher Kane and Paul Smith are looking into Africa and Asia for inspiration. This trend started out with Yves Saint Laurent’s safari jumpsuits and has made it all the way into 2009 with Kane’s animal prints (think cheetah and leopard print tops), fancy geometric skirts in earthy hues (amber and grass green), flowing kaftans, turbans, and sheer fabrics reminiscent of Egyptian queens.
To pull of the tribal look, don’t stock up on all of them at one go. For a day time look, you can try out beige shorts and simple sandals. Skip wearing a sheer jumpsuit with a leopard print cardigan, please. For a more updated gala look, sheer flowing fabrics and elegant drapes speak nothing short of regal.
Greek Boutique
Fashion—and history—repeats itself this 2009 with the Grecian and Romanesque trends. Closely related to the single shoulder trend, think about graceful drapes and flowing fabrics with this number. Take advantage of the on-going rave on gladiator sandals if you’re keen on trying out this trend.
For a more casual look, pair that Grecian number with flat buckled sandals that are a bit low on the strappy side. You can also try out a lush flowing gown with more strappy heels. Throw in some exotic statement jewelry to add some pizzazz into a plain dress to update it a bit.
Seek inspiration for this trend from the runway hits of Elie Saab, Chadwick Bell, James Coviello, and Valentino.