Despite the tendency to “go big or go home” on the runways of New York’s Fall Fashion Week, it’s important to keep things in perspective. At least designers weren’t insisting we accessorize with a live snake or a headdress made out of bubble wrap. This time.
Anyone who follows fashion knows that sometimes, what we see on the runway isn’t exactly doable in real life, and by extension, not even remotely feasible as a promotion. But the trends can have a place in our industry—the key is finding ways to fit them in. With an increasing pull toward retail, it’s wise to keep these in mind as you put together your next wearables program.
’80s Redux
Are visions of shoulder pads dancing through your head? At Fashion Week, they weren’t just a dream. But don’t run away screaming just yet. According to Style.com, there are a few other ’80s looks that can be distilled for fall without leaving clients looking like they got lost on their way to a Frankie Goes to Hollywood reunion tour. Neon, for one thing, is experiencing its “Day-glo revival,” says the site—but as an accent or highlight. Also, bags and totes are reemerging with an emphasis on hardware (chains, grommets, etc.) and leggings will continue to reign.
A Leg Up
Boxercraft—Love ’Em
Leggings
Great for junior, youth or college-age end-users, leggings have had staying power over the past year. Plus, they’re seasonless, as they can take a dress or tunic-style top from spring to fall with ease. (800) 914-7774
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Precious Metal
TRG Group—Soren Sideline Grommet Tote
Laid-back grommet accents give the bag-hardware trend a home, without drawing attention from a tote’s marketing message.
(888) 698-0717
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Light Bright
Blue Generation by M. Rubin & Sons—Men’s and Ladies’ Long-sleeve
Signature Twill
“Neon” doesn’t have to be shocking. Simply infusing a basic woven with an unexpected color choice (such as kiwi or violet, both shown above), can take it from staid to stylish in one fell swoop.
(888) 336-4687
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Seeing Red and Thinking Pink
Yes, at the same time. Designers egregiously flaunted the breaking of an age-old color rule, and as such, regardless of shade, red and pink made a big impression on the fall runways. “Fall 2009’s Fashion Week’s Most Wearable Trends,” on Glamour magazine’s Web site, issued the ultimate call-to-action: “Pull out all your Valentine’s Day-color clothes, play a little mix-and-match and prepare to set pulses racing.” But in order to not give anyone a heart attack from color overload, it’s perfectly fine to stick to the aforementioned hues in singular shades.
Blush or Bashful?
Bodek and Rhodes—UltraClub Ladies’ Legacy 80s/2-ply Cotton Broadcloth Shirt
The 100 percent cotton button-down comes in a variety of colors including pink (shown) and pink-patterned. Regardless of shade, pink will lighten and brighten any outfit.
(800) 523-2721
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Better Off Red
Charles River Apparel—The Adirondack Fleece Pullover
With its standout red-and-black pairing, the ultra-plush fleece is an on-trend way to stay cozy when the weather turns chilly.
(800) 225-0550
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
No Need to Argue
PremiumWear—Jockey Ladies’ Noveau Classic 3⁄4-Sleeve Cardigan
Cranberry complements any complexion, and with natural stretch properties and a flattering jewelry neckline, the cardigan becomes a versatile promotion for fall.
(800) 347-6098
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
What a Waist
Though we don’t do a lot of belts in the promotional wearables industry, there is an opportunity here for apparel that can accommodate the look. Try styles that are a little longer or more free-flowing so end-users can accessorize as they see fit. Or, to give the trend immediate relevancy, jackets that naturally nip in at the waist as well as styles that incorporate color blocking also work to define middles without restricting them. In her Fashion Week video roundup on New York Magazine’s blog, The Cut, fashion director Harriet Mays Powell noted that defining the waist was a response to the shoulder-pad trend (shudder). “Another way to kind of take away from that new silhouette was to bring the waist in,” she said. It seems the experts have spoken.
It’s a Cinch
Dunbrooke—Lady Savannah
The wind- and water-resistant jacket has a drawcord at the waist to help give end-users a much-wanted hourglass shape.
(800) 641-3627
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Belt it Out
S&S Activewear—Van Heusen Ladies’ Easy Care Wrinkle Free Royal Oxford Shirt
With figure-flattering darts on both the front and the back of the shirt, it can easily be belted without bunching or bulging.
(800) 523-2155
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Block Party
Vantage Apparel—Side-blocked Jacket
The contrast color-blocked insets on either side of the jacket creates a trim, fit silhouette around the middle.
(800) 221-0020
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Show (a Little) Skin
It seems counterintuitive to fall weather patterns, but shoulders and collar bones got some love this time around, as designers showcased cut-out, one-shoulder and keyhole styles. But despite the insistence that skin is in, Elle magazine’s “Top 10 Trends: New York Fall 2009” was quick to clarify the designs “still leave much to the imagination.” Of course, to pass muster for, say, a corporate-apparel promotion, “much more” needs to be the qualifier, but it can still work for our industry. Using V-necks or burnout T-shirts, distributors can bring this trend (safely and appropriately) to end-users.
The Illusionist
Bella—Canvas
Burnwood Burnout Tee
Sometimes all a promotion needs is the power of suggestion. Here, the fabric is lightweight and a unique dyeing process gives it its tone-on-tone appearance.
(877) 727-2001
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Coming Up Necks
Broder—Alternative Women’s Sheer Long-sleeve V-neck
Wearers can decide just how low to go with the deep V-neck T-shirt. On its own, it’s a chic, laid-back look. Over a button-down or camisole, it can be taken from weekend to work with ease.
(800) 521-0850
Visit www.promomarketing.com/infocard
Hide-a-Key
Edwards Garment—Jewel Neck Blouse
Though its jewel neckline provides demure coverage in front, a subtle keyhole closure in the back is a feminine, subtle detail that ups the ante on the ordinary blouse.
(800) 253-9885