Fall 2007 Forecast From Doneger

Among the biggest trends for Fall ’07 are new shapes and new proportions. The new look includes full silhouettes worn over skinny bottoms, as well as kimono sleeves, high waistlines, and micromini dresses and skirts.

That was the Fall forecast presented by the Doneger Group on April 10 during the Los Angeles Majors Market at the California Market Center.

The dresses and minis go shorter and shorter and are worn over leggings and tights, said Roseanne Morrison, Doneger’s fashion director for the East Coast, who was in town with Abby Doneger, president of the New York–based retail consultancy. About 75 buyers and retail executives turned out for the presentation, which included a tour of Los Angeles’ top shopping neighborhoods, presented by Doneger’s West Coast director, Janine Blain.

Another key trend for Fall ’07 is social- and ecoconsciousness— something the Doneger Group has dubbed “Hip to Care.”

“The whole organic movement is so very important,” said Morrison. “We coined the term ’organomics.’” The broad trend encompasses everything from an interest in eco-friendly materials to healthy living to social issues such as the plight of the Sudanese people in Darfur.

Mod styles continue in Doneger’s trend “Pop Shop,” which includes 1960s influences such as iconic model Twiggy. The look includes simple shapes and mini-dresses in geometric patterns and bold, bright colors. Black, gray and white are given a pop of vibrant color.

The 1920s return in the “Belle Epoque” trend, which includes drop-waist dresses and art deco details inspired by the upcoming Paul Poiret exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. And British preppy looks turn up in “Sloane Square,” which gives chunky hand-knit sweaters and lumberjack plaid a feminine makeover with girlish shapes that can be layered over leggings and tights.

In “Get Sporty,” track pants and other activewear clothes are mixed with sportswear for a hybrid look. Gray is a dominant color accented with splashes of yellow. —Julia Behm and Alison A. Nieder