FALL FASHION TRENDS
Now that Labor Day is behind us we’ve officially moved into fall fashion. Here are some of the hottest trends.
The “power pinstripe,” a reworking of traditional pinstripe suiting fabrics into fresh and interesting silhouettes, has been grabbing editor’s attention. It is a challenge to keep such a well-known staple looking new, but by playing with proportion, a typical fabric can be rejuvenated and transformed into an unexpected hit amongst the fashion crowd.
Power Pinstripe. Illustration by William Drummond.
Following along the theme of tailoring, we see the mini suit coming back into play, with an autumnal nod to the famous outfit made popular in the 90s cult classic Clueless. A large advantage to these two-piece sets is the ability to mix-and-match with other items, or wear as a complete look for a strong fashion statement.
Mini Suit. Illustration by William Drummond.
Continuing on with the wardrobe of this popular film, one of the most noticeable looks that will carry over from summer to fall is the t-shirt under a slip dress. This is an easy way to create a casual elegance with simple pieces. Cher, who plays the leading role in the film, embodies this 90s grunge look, and mixing & matching patterns and prints help elevate this simple, yet stylish trend.
T-shirt under a slip dress. Illustration by William Drummond.
Another key ‘It’ item for this fall’s chilly weather is the updated shearling bomber jacket, with a strong increase in attention to this outerwear piece made popular in the 70’s. A wide range of color and fit means that even the fussiest fashionista can find the perfect jacket to keep her warm this winter.
With climate change and sustainability hot on the minds of consumers, buyers are becoming more conscious of where their purchases are manufactured and how it affects the planet.
This year we saw the popular denim company, Levis, create jeans from recycled plastic bottles, furthering the question of recycling and waste. As it stands right now, recyclers are not able to fully recycle clothes into new items, and only a small percentage of garments can be shredded down, spun into fibers and then made into new fabric. With this topic becoming ever increasingly debated and the need to tackle mass waste apparent, fashion will hopefully lead the way in creating a much needed change.
We have seen quite a few departures of head designers at popular design houses such as Dior and Lanvin already this year, and it will be interesting to see how these changes affect the upcoming fashion shows. When Alber Elbaz was dismissed from Lanvin, the resulting impact was a badly reviewed show and an uncertain future for the brand. For the Spring 2017 shows, editors and stylists alike will be keeping a keen eye on what the new designers in charge have brought to their respective brands, and how they can bring their own style and ideas whilst keeping the brand’s integrity intact. Stay tuned.
Designer William Drummond wrote this blog post for I. Buss-Allan in honor of Fashion Week. He is a British fashion designer and freelance consultant, working with brands such as Theory, Tom Ford, Marchesa and K-mart. He is also a lecturer at the University of Fashion and is often sought out by independent designers for his extensive knowledge of the fashion, from design right the way to production. In addition, he consults for I.Buss & Allan.
