Directives West: Moderate Fashion Show, quot;L.A. Blueprintquot;
The varied looks of Fall ’07 showcased by Los Angeles–based retail consultant Directives West for the moderate market on April 10 at the California Market Center ranged from cozy neutral knits to spicy animal prints.
Titled “L.A. Blueprint,” the fashion show opened with knitwear that made a statement with interesting space-dye, open-weave patterns and cardigan shapes. The earth-tone–colored sweaters had a casual weekend look when paired with jeans, corduroy pants and khakis. Clean washes dominated in jeans, leaving the design flourishes to shape, including straight leg, utility cargo style, shiny finishes and trouser cuts. Traditional menswear fabrics were given a womanly touch, such as a plaid jumper dress that was livened up with metallic thread, and a smart blouse was paired with a pin-striped skirt. A chic side was shown through attention-grabbing leopard prints, repeating geometric prints in silky fabrics and a standout sequinedstripe tunic topped by a faux Persian lamb coat.
For the finale, “Big Ideas” highlighted the most important items of the season while incorporating the previous themes. Two-fer combinations were a “must have,” including vests and button-down shirts or turtlenecks layered under dresses. The baby-doll shape continues to be strong, as well as tunic-length sweaters and vintage cardigan knits in swingy shapes. —Rhea Cortado
