FGI Highlights Global Fall '09 Trends
Against a gloomy backdrop of low consumer confidence, Fashion Group International’s Fall/Winter ’09 trend report said “the runways are filled with fashion in denial.” One of the top trends presented was designers’ escape to the 1980s, a decade of excess and conspicuous consumption manifested through jumbo shoulders on powersuits, frou-frou poufy skirts and peplums.
FGI’s global trend report, shown April 16 in the California Market Center, highlighted looks compiled from the ready-to-wear shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Many trends featured were an evolution from seasons prior, including the tuxedo jacket; fur; and leather, particularly in the bomber/motorcycle/aviator jacket form, as well as in leggings. The suit diverged in two directions, both with an upper-crust air. Ladies’ skirt suits dripped with rich, aristocratic sexiness, and the gentleman-inspired pantsuit was borrowed from “a man of manners,” as opposed to a boyfriend. In dresses, artful draping was a standout as well as the sleeveless or one-shoulder sheath dress, dubbed the “Obama factor” after the first lady’s affinity for bare arms.
Following the FGI slide show—which featured designs from powerhouse luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Donna Karan, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen and Prada—was a presentation of the “West Coast Fall Trend Direction” by trend forecasters Doneger Group and Directives West.
As Janine Blain of Doneger Group put it, these contemporary market trends were “much more for the real world.”
Plaid was cited as the leading trend that enveloped the juniors, contemporary and misses markets. The contemporary take on plaid, titled ’Into The Woods,’ was a rustic story, with wonder, fantasy and a whimsical mood. The “Dark Side” highlighted the skinny Gothic, punk, moto-chic and rock ’n’ roll look that is a West Coast hipster staple. In “Future Fashion,” tech fabrics, sculptural cocoon shapes and angular lines were key.
In addition to being a nationwide networking organization, FGI has local chapters that award annual scholarships. Prior to the trend presentation, FGI’s Los Angeles chapter awarded scholarships to six students attending Otis College of Art and Design and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Approximately 20 judges from the fashion community judged the 146 submitted entries from nine schools and awarded scholarships in eveningwear, swimwear and ready-to-wear categories for designs that were creative, unique and cutting-edge.—Rhea Cortado
