I’m sure many people love to tune in to Monday Night Football every week to hear Faith Hill kick off her revamped theme song “inspired by” Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” I enjoy football, but not this song. In fact, it makes me angry. Aside from partaking in a live collaboration with Miley Cirus on Oprah (just typing that stung a little), Joan Jett embodies the “no-holds-barred” feminine ideal in my eyes.
As a child of the ‘80s, I was too young to see her in concert, so I longingly admired her music videos on MTV and rocked out to the 45s (you know, vinyl) that my dad blasted on the record player. For purposes of this blog, not too many people could make leather look as good as Joan. And I’m happy to report that while her classic tune may have been watered down to a wholesome melody void of any edge, her style continues to inspire.
Last week, my fellow PM fashionista, Colleen McKenna, blogged about Spring 2013 trends, where she noted texture and detail, floral prints and soft colors. However, according to an article I came across in the Los Angeles Times by Booth Moore (“Fall fashion: Tough love”), “bold silhouettes, future shock, dark romance and drama” are replacing the pristine looks that we are used to seeing from the runway to reality.
This movement is more than just ripping off the boys. This “new tough” offers an alternative way for confidence to manifest through fashion. Moore remarked that while “Versace’s studded, second-skin leather dresses and Givenchy’s kimono-sleeve coats and jumpsuits” are left to action heroes in high-budget Hollywood films, everyday women might take to stretch leather pants and moto jackets.
Another trend is a bold silhouette, specifically “big on the top and bottom.” But, proceed with caution: This look is not for everyone and careful consideration should be given to making the plunge to oversized jackets and wide-leg trousers.
Finally, Ralph Lauren has taken to pairing “menswear-inspired houndstooth jodhpurs and pantsuits with rainbow-hued Fair Isle sweaters, colorful fox fur-collared coats and mini crocodile attaché cases” (for a complete list of trends, read the entire article).
This lends itself to the question: How do these trends translate into the promotional apparel world? And, furthermore, is it realistic or even possible to put a logo on a pair of leather pants—and even if it were, is that a good look? I’ve seen a lot of cool accessories that I would personally wear. Here are just a few:
GUESS Double Heart Necklace from Castle Merchandising
Snakeskin Trim Bag from Tiffany Leonard & Co.
Ladies’ Retro Vintage Jacket from Nucom
How do you define “bold” and what daring pieces would you like to see incorporated in our industry? Are you more Joan Jett or Faith Hill?
(Editor’s Note: Here’s the real deal.)
