Breaking it down for 2010
This one won’t put bets on either Mayweather or Pacquiao. And we’re not touching anything concerning the May elections either. Over here in YStyle, predictions are centered on ballots cast on the catwalk and bouts between the old and the new. Here is a forecast on what 2010 will be all about.
The death of rock
We’ve had enough of graffiti shirts, lace leggings and zippers that don’t even zip to anywhere. The trend hyping ’80s rock ’n’ roll is slowly petering out. Remember Michael Jackson; forget the gold-trimmed band jacket. —AGK
Fashion bloggers as the new authority
They’ve been around for a while now, snapping street style, taking on the latest trends, and becoming minor celebrities in their own right, appearing at the front row of the hottest shows. But this year and onwards we will see how they actually begin to wield palpable influence on the industry as tastemakers, muses and, by god, editors. —ANC
China as a fashion powerhouse
Not only is China the second largest market for luxury goods, it’s also becoming the leader in boutique luxury manufacturing, which 3.1 Phillip Lim has worked to its advantage since 2004. Since the clothes are manufactured in labor-cheap China, the brand has been able to market contemporary sportswear at affordable-luxury prices that are in step with recessionista spending habits. Many other high-end labels are sure to follow its lead, or face bankruptcy. —ANC
Future warrior
Demi Moore on the cover of W (the one with the missing leg flesh Photoshop controversy) wearing a gold Roman soldier outfit is where we’re going next. Ancient military meets tribal and given a sci-fi twist featured heavily in Balmain, Balenciaga, Rodarte and Rick Owens’ spring/summer 2010 collections. With metal plates, leather, studs and torn tights, it’s a return to the dark ages by way of a dystopic future. A comment on the present day, perhaps?—ANC
More RTW-designer collaborations
H&M and Target have been doing it for years. On the local front, it’s also fast becoming a norm. Asking a designer to create a capsule collection for your brand will more than contribute to great marketing. 2009’s most recent tie-ups were Randy Ortiz and Plains and Prints, and Kate Torralba and Paperdolls. —AGK
Trickle-down fashion extends it reach
Locally-produced fashion pieces, from Bea Valdes’ stone-encrusted bib necklaces to Rhett Eala’s Philippine map shirt for C2, were so big in ’09 that they spawned imitations and copycat wannabes, most of which sold at more affordable prices and reached out to the mass market. Trend following has become so rampant even among the mass consumers and brands are more than eager to give them what they want. —AGK
The demise of fast fashion
…Is the return to individuality. Crafters and hobbyists have been finding a profitable home on Etsy.com, selling their chunky knit scarves and handmade greeting cards. Internet-only boutiques and designers will continue to grow as customers get comfy in their niches and microworlds, not always following the dictates of the fashion gods, the magazines that feature them, and the mass retailers that copy them. —ANC
The rise of the Asian designer
Alexander Wang was on everyone’s search tab this year. Derek Lam’s label was bought up by Labelux (the same company that owns Bally). Andrew Gn piqued interest apart from his unusually-spelled name. Designers with Asian roots are moving up the fashion ladder. Here’s hoping 2010 will make room for a Pinoy fashion creator. —AGK
Knee socks
Forget Blair. The new knee socks, as a spring transition from those thigh high boots, are anything but prep school. Quite possibly a tricky look to pull off, but think of them as an alternative to leggings. —ANC
