Isa Arfen

Isa Arfen

TOP 10 TRENDS IN 2019

Top 10 Items for Juniors Fall/Winter '19 Forecast

The juniors customer, always ready for something fresh yet wearable, will have plenty of new items to choose from for next fall. Below are the top 10 picks from MintModa, an innovative online subscription trend service led by noted forecaster Sharon Graubard.

The Exploded-Image Pullover

photo

Adam Selman

photo

Marques Almeida

Graphics for tees are no longer confined to a small mid-chest motif or a

subtle back placement. The newest imagery for cut-and-sew knits is

magnified and printed over every inch of a garment, from neckline to hem

and from shoulder to banded-trim wrist.

Wearers can express themselves and their passions with imagery ranging from

endangered-species photo prints to graffiti slogans. Digitally printed

grounds imitate watercolor blurs, tie-dye or marbleized “notebook”

textures. Some designers show mixed effects, as in a pop art–printed

sleeve. Sweatshirt silhouettes are key and often extra large.

The Performance Base Layer

photo

Marine Serre

photo

Prada

For a more body-con approach to cut-and-sew, juniors can opt for a

performance knit. These are in lightweight, stretchy jerseys, smooth or

micro-ribbed and in a blend of fibers, including nylon, polyester, bamboo

and elastane. These fabrics may have value-added capabilities such as

moisture-wicking or anti-microbial properties.

Visible seams or contrast stitching emphasize a contoured fit, and crew or

band necklines key into the new covered-up aesthetic. Placed chest stripes,

zipped turtlenecks, branding appliqués and graphic color blocking add more

interest. Many of these new knits are longer, perfect for tucking into

pants or wearing over a soft skirt.

The Big Cardi

photo

Marco de Vincenzo

photo

Miu Miu

Sweater knits are always a must-have for fall. Some of the newest sweaters

are cardigans—especially oversized, slouchy ones. Juniors can wear these

over everything from jeans-and-tee ensembles to flowered dresses or lacy

slips, evoking a kind of grunge-era Courtney Love nonchalant glam.

Fluffy mohair yarns provide a textural update. A wide, floppy collar like

the ones Miuccia Prada did for her Miu Miu collection brings freshness to

the silhouette. Other desirable design details are button-off sleeves,

placed intarsia patterns and highly dimensional cables. Extra-long sleeves

emphasize the too-big fit.

The Modern Bustier

photo

Christian Siriano

photo

John Galliano

The bustier evolves from undergarment to standalone top to layering piece,

worn under or over other garments. For next fall, look for techno-sport

interpretations such as a strapless nylon bustier with zip pockets, making

it a hands-free option for street- or clubwear. There are also shiny patent

looks and satin versions with boning or underwires. All are meant to peek

out from under an open shirt or be worn on top of a more oversized piece,

bringing a bit of structure to fluid silhouettes. Closures include tech

zips, metal lingerie hooks, corset lacing and Velcro.

The Heroine Blouse

photo

Bock

photo

Isa Arfen

Female power is expressed with romantic blouses. Many of these have

Victorian overtones, bringing a bit of femininity to juniors ensembles,

which often include androgynous items such as baggy jeans, rave pants or

tech cargos.

Details make the difference: There are high necks, lace insets and placed

gathers at the shoulders that give way to special sleeves. Peplum effects

look new again, often defined with smocking or grosgrain-ribbon trim. Tiny

covered buttons or button-and-loop closures work well here. Fabrics for

these tops include bleached muslin, supple or stretch velvets and plaid

taffetas, making this item holiday appropriate.

The '80s Mini-dress

photo

Adam Selman

photo

Isabel Marant

There is an old saying in fashion: "If you are old enough to remember it,

you are too old to wear it." If that is true, then the current interest in

'80s-era fashion is perfect for young customers who have never had the

pleasure of synthetic shine, extended shoulders, frankly fake animal prints

and up-to-there lengths.

The newest dresses are body skimming and short, with interest at the top.

There are puff sleeves, one-shoulder cuts, sweetheart necklines and

high-banded necks. A shapely torso is emphasized with a bit of gathering or

princess seaming. Prints work well here, especially leopard spots, tiger or

zebra stripes, and lush florals. Shimmery jacquards or sequins add more

gritty glam.

The Liquid-Liner Pant

photo

No. 21

photo

Olivier Theyskens

Another '80s-flavored item is the super-shiny pant. The finish can be ultra

high gloss, satiny smooth or oil-slick iridescent. With current technology,

it's impossible to tell at a glance whether today's shiny fabrics are

glazed wovens, lacquered jerseys, vinyl or even patent leather. The

wet-look effect can also be achieved with pavé sequins for a clubbier take.

These glossy trousers can be skinny or pegged, with most hitting just above

the ankle. Hems are accented with narrow cuffs or zippers. Slits or undone

zips give the silhouette a slight flare.

Something Plaid

photo

Rick Owens

photo

Marco de Vincenzo

Plaid is shorthand for so many fall-related references-think back-to-school

uniforms, preppy jackets, swingy kilts, grunge flannel shirts and woodsy

vintage blankets. All of the above are inspirations for next fall's cozy

looks. Any kind of plaid will work, from traditional tartans to boxy

buffalo checks and tweedy Prince of Wales layouts. Plaids are renewed in

unexpected color combos and over-scaled layouts, perfect for outerwear or

skirts, pleated minis, elevated shirt-jackets or fun, flare-leg pants.

Plaid items are often styled with other (mismatched) plaids or with

camouflage prints or leopard motifs for an irreverent pattern-on-pattern

effect.

The Playful Puffer

photo

Burberry

photo

Marco de Vincenzo

Puffer outerwear is a juniors staple. For next fall, these cold-weather

favorites move from neutral activewear items to eye-catching statement

pieces. Rainbow stripes-symbol of the key juniors value of

"inclusivity"-uptrend for knits and accessories and work perfectly for

horizontally quilted vests and coats. The stripes can be clear and graphic

or have a blurred ombré effect. Next fall's unexpected explosion of florals

have a place on puffers as well; when printed on fluffy duvet jackets,

these traditionally springtime motifs take on a decidedly autumnal spin.

The Collectible Bomber

photo

Dolce & Gabbana

photo

Miu Miu

The bomber jacket is still relevant, updated with surface treatments and

fresh proportions. Oversized versions emerge, with voluminous bodies and

full sleeves; dropped shoulder seams add to the roomy feel. At the opposite

end of the fit spectrum are abbreviated jackets with cropped lengths and

snug fits. Embellishments include embroideries and sequined appliqués for

fanciful interpretations or buffalo-checked patches for a more casual look.

Tweeds and nubby plaids are key, often accented with leather. Wide rib-knit

trims, channel elastic or sporty toggle drawstrings provide the

all-important gathered effects that give these blouson jackets their

signature rounded shape.