In the last few weeks, while the promotional product industry was traveling to Orlando and Vegas (and many other trade show locations), the fashion industry was doing the same for Spring 2013 Couture and Fall 2013 Menswear. So here are the trends you should look out for in 2013.
FOR MEN:
Fall 2013 Menswear lines showed a mix of layering with detailed jackets and sweaters. Raf Simmons had belt-less trench coats, long shirt cuffs and sweater vests. Hermes and Raf Simmons showcased turtlenecks, which are good for cold weather. (I found this one by Bodek and Rhodes if you are looking for one to try.) Hermes showed pops of orange (PMS 1585 C) and vibrant yellow (PMS 13-0858) on shoelaces. 3.1 Phillip Lim’s collection showed a mix of neutral colors with accents in the form of shoulder detailing, tapered suit pants and diagonal zippers. Cable knit leather jackets were the most memorable pieces from the 3.1 collection and might be good inspiration for future outerwear campaigns. Patterned pants with matching patterned book bags also appeared. Notable colors were navy blazer (PMS 19-3923), auburn (PMS 18-1343) cloud cream (PMS 12-0804), oxblood (PMS 19-1524) and leather brown (PMS 18-1142).
FOR WOMEN:
Spring 2013 Couture focused on suiting and artistic embellishments. Frank Sorbier showed blazers with cinched waists and painted-on, pop art or newspaper designs. Adeline Andre showed jackets with high collars, sash belts, and color blocking of neutrals and brights. Bouchra Jarrar showed a collection that I think is the most relatable to promotional apparel, with jackets, sweaters and suits, all in corporate-friendly colors or patterns like hounds tooth. The main takeaway for corporate programs should be the layers of patterned blazers over suits to add texture and glamour to an ensemble (and keep you warm on cold trade show floors). Colors to keep in mind for women in 2013: brown stone (PMS 19-1322), estate blue (PMS 19-4027) and lily white (PMS 11-4301).
Refer to Pantone’s website or color finder for more information on colors.
