Designer Trend Secrets Revealed

May 2, 2008

Marie Green is a fashion stylist and writer from San Diego California. She is the Fashion Editor of FINE Homes and Living Magazine and her column, “Fashion Focus” has appeared in FINE Magazine as well as LaJolla Light, The Del Mar Times, Del Mar Ink, The Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe Record, and The Solana Beach Sun. Marie is also the co-founder of SheWants.com.

Have you ever wondered why most of the designers show the same trends at the same time each year? It’s like they all get together and decide what to show season after season. Well, last month, I learned their secret when I attended a very informative and enjoyable Fashion Group International event featuring trend analyst, David Wolfe, “one of the fashion industry’s most quoted and popular authorities.”

Fashion Week: Admission One

Designers use trend forecasters. Is there anything wrong with designer copycat creativity? I don’t think so because fashion is a craft and should be shared. I’m not talking knockoffs here, which are not ok, but I subscribe to the “something borrowed/something new” theory.

According to many designers interviewed and observed by the trend forecasters, many designers are often inspired by other’s work and then add their own unique twist.

The trend forecasters at the Donegar Group say there are six “Stages of Style” today. Do you fit in to any of these groups?

  1. Kids: They are now born to be fashionable and become fashion conscious at an early age.
  2. Teens: Buying things to belong is an instant reaction to teen peer pressure.
  3. Fashion Ideal (18-34): This group has upward style mobility, are brand and celebrity conscious, and they’re seeking status and position.
  4. Safe and Secure (35-43): Stylish but busy, they have most likely solved their fashion dilemmas and can be their own stylists.
  5. Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964): Ego driven and still misunderstood, the boomers are still groundbreaking as the decades roll by. They’re the most powerful economic group of all the stages.
  6. Great Beyond: Don’t count them out. This is an untapped market.

Currently, there is a strong movement towards non-restrictive age appropriateness. We’re getting back to basics with simple yet modern classics because in these challenging economic times, we crave familiarity which breeds contentment and confidence. This retro-vintage trend hails back to the early 60’s when simplicity was super chic-like Jackie O’s style.

Trends Trends Trends
Fashion Week March 23-30, 2008

As I wrote in my last column, green is more than just a color. Green is a movement and it’s everywhere. Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious even in fashion-it’s called eco-chic. Nature is the inspiration for the beautiful florals you’re seeing now in many designer collections. For example, Louis Vuitton did a collection with artist Richard Prince and Prada did a dress collection with James Jean, with illustrations that look like wearable art. Yes, art is hot. This month’s Allure Magazine did a gorgeous three page spread in the “Hot List” section, and Harper’s Bazaar did a section on the appreciation of art and how it is experiencing resurgence as the new international luxury pursuit, especially modern art.

Another trend we’re going to see more of this year is the re-birth of patriotic pride. With the excitement surrounding the election and the upcoming Olympics, we’re going to see the influence of stars and stripes plus red, white and blue in fashion. In fact, in this month’s People Style Watch, there is an “All American Style” section featuring cute sporty striped dresses, t-shirts and skirts as well as star-printed tops, dresses and accessories worn by trendy celebrities. Even Chanel, the most expensive clothing in the world, is showing classic stars and stripes in its current collection that are great for any age. Wouldn't Betsy Ross be proud?

Trends are basically on a treadmill and fashion is constantly evolving. Sometimes I think it’s moving too fast, but our world is moving fast and ever changing style trends reflect this. For the non-believers that belittle the importance of fashion, consider how fashion often reflects what is happening in our society. In the tumultuous times facing the world today, fashion gives women power and joy. Our favorite clothing and accessories can infuse us with confidence and allure, and who wouldn’t want a little of that?

INSIDE SCOOP: Join in a spring celebration at the Charity Fashion Show Luncheon benefiting the Jenna Druck Foundation (Young Women Leadership Program) with fresh new creations from Paradise Grill in Del Mar and TRE Clothing at Flower Hill Promenade, Friday, June 6 at 11:30. Tickets are $50 per person. Reservations are required as there is limited seating available—it's sure to be a sell out! There will be a raffle drawing and a special discount packet for every guest. The latest spring and summer fashions as well as delicious food and fun atmosphere. Please call 858.350.0808 for information and reservations.