Directives West: 'Fashion Loves L.A.' Contemporary, Juniors and Girls' Fa

Los Angelesshy;–based retail consultancy Directives West tackled Fall 2008 trends with a runway presentation April 7 at the California Market Center. Held in the CMC’s penthouse space, the fashion show welcomed an early-morning crowd of majors buyers looking for Fall’s must-have pieces and styles. Carryovers from previous seasons include skinny jeans and menswear-inspired styles, with newness coming in the layering of textures, denim printed with prints and plaids, and volume in the form of blousons and wide-leg jeans. From color-saturated skinny jeans to deep-indigo wide-leg trousers, denim styles ranged from slim to voluminous. Washes and treatments also got a workout, with colored acid wash; printed plaids and stripes; and faded, vintage-inspired washes.

Texture and layering—especially in knits—will be key for Fall. Sweaters, dresses, tights and jackets in Fall colors and a variety of weights combined for a West Coast take on bundled-up fashion. Special details included draping, cowl necks and quilted surfaces.

Androgynous styles—from military-inspired overcoats to blazers, tailored suits and athletic-inspired fashions—got glammed up and girlified. Masculine prints, including bold plaids and checks, emerged as key accents.

Erin Barajas