10 December 2009
19 November 2009
10 November 2009
09 November 2009
Another Key Sportswear Trend
Both Skechers and Reebok have recently released lines of athletic shoes that supposedly help tone the wearer's legs and glutes faster than regular trainers. The method to their madness is that the creation of instability on the soles of the shoes will make muscles work harder to maintain balance, thereby allowing increased tone in the same amount of workout time. These companies claim that wearers can simply walk their way to sleeker legs. This is a product that will likely appeal to athletes and non-athletes alike. For athletes, the shoes will provide more bang for their workout buck, so to speak, while non-athletes will see the product as an easy-out way of toning without putting in any actual effort. In this way, these products are reflections of the modern value of instant gratification (and possibly laziness as well). They indicate our reliance upon technology to help us as we become less and less likely to put in the work for ourselves.
Feeling Grey?
I have discovered Polyvore.com and it is fabulous. I was really inspired by some of what I was seeing, so I researched what people were putting together in the world of grey, just because it's that important right now:
08 November 2009
Pantone Color of the Year 2009
PANTONE Color Of The Year For 2009:
PANTONE® 14-0848 Mimosa
Mimosa Embodies Hopefulness and Reassurance in a Climate of Change
CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 3, 2008 - Pantone, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 14-0848 Mimosa, a warm, engaging yellow, as the color of the year for 2009. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.
"The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."
Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue.
Pantone, Inc.
Pantone Color of the Year 2008
Pantone Selects Color of the Year for 2008:
PANTONE® 18-3943 BLUE IRIS
A Multifaceted Hue Reflecting the Complexity of the World that Surrounds Us
CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 10, 2007 - Pantone, Inc., the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris, a beautifully balanced blue-purple, as the color of the year for 2008. Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.
"From a color forecasting perspective, we have chosen PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris as the color of the year, as it best represents color direction in 2008 for fashion, cosmetics and home products," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays."
Pantone, Inc.
Pantone Color of the Year 2007
COLOR OF THE YEAR 2007: Chili Pepper
CARLSTADT, N.J. - January 16, 2007 - Pantone, Inc., the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selects PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper, a deep, spicy red, as the color of the year for 2007. This engaging, resonant hue strikes a high note for fashion and personal expression as its boldness is appealingly eye-catching, sophisticated and enticing. In a time when personality is reflected in everything from a cell phone to a Web page on a social networking site, Chili Pepper connotes an outgoing, confident, design-savvy attitude.
“Whether expressing danger, celebration, love or passion, red will not be ignored,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “In 2007, there is an awareness of the melding of diverse cultural influences, and Chili Pepper is a reflection of exotic tastes both on the tongue and to the eye. Nothing reflects the spirit of adventure more than the color red. At the same time, Chili Pepper speaks to a certain level of confidence and taste. Incorporating this color into your wardrobe and living space adds drama and excitement, as it stimulates the senses.”
“In 2007, we’re going to see people making greater strides toward expressing their individuality,” says Lisa Herbert, executive vice president of the fashion, home and interiors division at Pantone. “The color red makes a bold statement. We’re seeing shifts in people’s opinions on current events and major changes in the way they are expressing themselves through new technology. People are open to the possibilities of the future and Chili Pepper celebrates that.”
Pantone, Inc.
Color Trends for Children for Spring/Summer '08
The Spring/Summer 2008 season had some surprising color trends for kid's clothing. Black and white combinations were shown in strong, graphic sportswear separates and in delicate prints, breaking away from the traditional bright hues for children's apparel. Colors were more sophisticated and subdued, with various shades of blue being particularly popular. The important color trends we noted were:- Seascape: blues in pale sky to deep, inky navy
- Apple pie: a tart apple green makes a fresh accent when paired with blues
- Black and white combinations
- A new take on pink: designers added a dollop of warm brown to the color and teamed it with dusty lilac and deep pinky cocoa, but clean tones of true pink were still popular as well
- Lilac haze: lilac with a touch of brown or gray took the sharpness out of the hue
- Navy: paired with white or mixed with lighter shades of blue
- Silver metallic and sometimes gold, often paired with white
- Pure sunshine: soft yellow teamed with pale gray looks sophisticated
- White with splashes of silver or gold paired with strong colors such as fuschia or black
- Light blue, cream, olive, and other neutral colors for boys apparel
Style Trends for Children for Spring/Summer '08
Children's apparel took on a laid back style in Spring & Summer of 2008. This season's styles did not have obvious references to earlier eras, but presented modern, casual looks that were very simplistic and elegant. Some of the key trends we saw were:
For girls:
- Light, gauzy shapes in all shades of blue
- Country style--plaids and prints on loose A-lines
- Embellishment--a little metallic woven into knits, cottons, and linens
- Loose A-line and empire waist dresses in lightweight, floaty materials
- Trench coats in various fabrics from lightweight denim to metallic linen, in mini to mid-knee lenghts
- Flapper style dresses
- One-button swing jackets and shrugs
- U-shaped necklines
- Grosgrain ribbon for bows at waists of dresses and laced through necklines
- Puckers adding detail at the bodice
- Tulle peaks from beneath hemlines
- Sequins
- Crocheted flowers, fabric rosettes
- Vintage motifs on distressed T-shirts
- Red, white, and blue looks
- Leander shapes in shorts and pants
- Hawaiian inspired prints in clean shades of blue for swim trunks
- Boxy jackets in ticking stripes
- Bomber jackets
- Military style
Style Trends for Children for Fall/Winter '08
In Fall/Winter 2008 we saw a move towards more modest, conservative trends for children's apparel. The season offered a large range of trends that were parent friendly and fun for kids. Some of the trends we saw were:
For girls:
- Solid dresses in bold colors
- Colorful tops and sweaters (esp. in rich, saturated hues)
- Leggings
- Dark denim
- Layering--cardigans, vests, shrugs, etc.
- Flat shoes and boots
- Baby doll tops
- Longer tops gathered and banded at the bottom
- Tops with puffy sleeves
- Embellished shirts
- Cargo pants
- Camouflage pants
- Bermuda short, skimmer shorts and capris
- Colored and embellished denim
- Halter-style, dropped waist, and empire-style dresses
- Pleated denim skirts, tiered ruffle skirts, and skorts
- Minimalist looks
- Florals and lace
- Plaid
- Less baggy pants
- Lots of pockets
- Camouflage prints
- Shirts influenced by sports icons and surfing
- Layered-look polo shirts
Sources: Fall Fashion Trends Adapted for Children, The Color Me Happy Look for Winter 2008, Helium
Color Trends for Children for Fall/Winter 2008
Fall/Winter 2008 was all about hot color combinations. Saturated colors like fuchsia and jewel-tones were paired with dark hued basics for a big punch of color. Multi colored plaids and retro prints were also prevalent. Some of the most popular color combinations included fuchsia with black, lime green with navy, a turquoise with chocolate brown and plum with black. The most prevalent/important colors were:
- Pinks and roses
- Cream and taupe
- Reds and chocolate
- Plum and wine
- Retro earthy tones
- Golds and mustards
- Grays
Sources: Fall 2008 Children's Wear Fashion Trends, The Color Me Happy Look for Winter 2008, Helium
Trends for Spring/Summer 2008
Spring/Summer 2008 presented a theme of simplicity--think oversized shirts with a patent belt to cinch in the waist, ¾ length coats, blazers and classic white trousers. We also saw lots of ethereal and romantic themes on the runway in various collections (i.e. John Galliano). Hippie style was also a hit in mainstream retail stores, inspired by collections like Dolce & Gabbana. Americana styles were modeled by Chanel's collection and inspired many mainstream trends. Here is our list of the important trends for Spring/Summer '08:
- volume - Short full dirndl swishing skirts - Belted volume, fluid dhoti pants cropped or long
- romance - Tiered ruffles , frills and roses on skirts, dresses, tops, blouses, necklines
- Asymmetric draped dresses, tea dresses, maxi dresses
- underwear effects - Transparent chiffons - layered sheers, see through construction dresses, jackets
- eclectic patchwork - Multi coloured mixed materials in frocks, t-shirts and footwear, jarring to exquisite
- jumpsuits - The all in one jumpsuit go anywhere outfit, cut for evening and day, deluxe or safari style
- trousers - high waist flared jeans - Coloured skinny jeans, cropped narrow jodhpurs, wide trousers
- military safari - Practical pockets, easy shirt stand summer dresses, military touches
- blue denim - Frayed and faded with white shirts or whitework Victoriana prairie blouses
- nautical tailoring - Blazers, trims, shoulders, tuxedo shawl collar white narrow/wide pantssuits.
- Americana - Traditional stripes, spots and celestial stars. Navajo and Rockabilly looks
- decoration - trims or braids - Folkloric embroidery, cutwork, laser cutting, bead embellished fringes
- African safari
- British punk
- art deco
- impressionist movement
- modified military
- deep V tops and jackets
- baggy jackets
- sleeveless jackets
- collarless jackets
- shrunken jackets
- white suits
- evening jumpsuits
- translucent tops
- wide notch collared blouses
- boat-neck tops & dresses
- one-shoulder dresses
- shift dresses
- belted dresses
- shirt dresses
- full mini-skirts
- straight below-knee skirts
- baggy capris
- baggy pants
Sources: Spring/Summer 2008: Trend Report, Key Fashion Looks for Spring & Summer 2008, Spring - Summer 2008 Fashion Trends, Spring and Summer Fashion Trends of 2008
Trends for Fall/Winter 2008
This season, key trends include structured black suits, luscious purple gowns, oversized tweed coats, cartoon dresses, throwback cardigans, rocker booties and gigantic bags. We saw a lot of sculpted architectural shapes, as well as nipped in waistcoats, belted swing coats and edgy pencil skirts. The little black dress was also given an update with toughened sculpted versions, such as Balenciaga’s dramatic shoulder cut-out design. Some of the trends we saw were:
- sequins and gloss
- tuxedo style
- half sleeves
- jumpsuits
- form-fitting pieces
- layering
- late 50's/early 60's inspiration
- South American inspired looks
- Russian Doll Folklore Trend
- futuristic looks
- Eastern European looks
- grunge looks
- luxe overcoats
- oversized jackets
- boucle jackets
- boxy biker jackets
- turtleneck sweaters
- deep V cardigans
- cropped cardigans
- tunic tops
- banded, twisted, overlapping tops
- ruffly white blouses
- fitted gowns
- gowns with bell skirts
- one-shoulder dresses & gowns
- tunic dresses
- thick ribbon dresses
- oblong balloon dresses
- shift dresses
- strapless dresses
- black sheath dresses
- pencil skirts
- knee length full skirts
- miniskirts
- wide-leg trousers
- high-waisted pants
- skinny pants
Sources: Women's Fashion Trends for Fall Winter 2008, Fall/Winter 2008/2009 Trends, Fall-Winter 2008 Fashion Trends
07 November 2009
Color Trends for Fall/Winter 2008
Fall 2008 was described as the "season of change" defined by rich, elegant and vibrant hues. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute states that "fall is traditionally a time for subdued, quiet colors, but this season we are seeing a shift toward cool hues with bright, exciting undertones". Gill Hart summarized the 10 colors:
- Blue Iris - This is Pantone’s color of the year for 2008, according to their report. A rich beautiful blue with purple undertones which has been a firm favorite amongst such designers as Leger, Costello Tagliapetra, Diana Von Furstenberg and Oscar De La Renta. Combining the regal richness of purple with cool and calming aspects of blue.
- Royal Lilac - Dramatic Royal Lilac is a combination of bluish purples and cheerful red undertones. undertones.
- Shady Glade -It provides a willing companion to shady glade, a mossy green base color which is a departure from the more traditional greens of the past.
- Caribbean Blue -Evokes memories of tropical vacations which adds intensity to its color companions.
- Twilight Blue - Twilight Blue is a twist on a classic navy, a strong, powerful steady color.
- Aurora Red - Reds and purples are a keynote combination for Fall 2008. Given its dash of energy and vitality to the palette Aurora red is not exception.
- Withered Rose - Moving on to dusky brownish pinks, Withered Rose blends with almost any shade.
- Burnt Orange - Powerful and robust, Burnt Orange is subtle enough to be worn by most skin tones, but steady enough to be a backdrop and strong enough to be at the fore front of an outfit.
- Ochre - Adding a touch of lightness traditional autumnal color is Ochre with a hint of mustard against mellow yellow.
- Shitake - "The color of a Japanese mushroom, this complex yet modest shade is intriguingly understated," states the Pantone report, "especially when teamed with the robust colors of fall" '08.
Other important colors were:
black (especially as base color)
grays - charcoal, medium gray, light gray
gold
purples - magenta, royal purple, dark purple
scarlet red
fuchsia
black & white
olive
cowboy brown
camel
royal blue
raspberry
orange
Source: Pantone, Fashion Colors for Fall 2008, Pantone Fashion Color Reports, Fall Winter 2008 Fashion Trends
Color Trends for Spring/Summer 2008
For Spring/Summer 2008, Pantone released a pastel heavy palette with an emphasis on metallics. According to Pantone, "refreshing splashes of invigorating brights punctuate classic, versatile neutrals as designers offer a playful spring palette for endless exploration and creative combinations. Variations on popular colors such as energizing red, cool, waterborne blue and eco-friendly greens also play a key role in this season."
- Snorkel Blue: Your dependable navy but with more sophistication and animation
- Freesia: Warm and cheerful, a friendly, inviting color to which people are naturally drawn
- Rococco Red: An exciting, attention-getting classic
- Spring Crocus: Deep pink undertones in this flowery hue make it among the prettiest, most wearable purples
- Daiquiri Green: Revitalizing; a bright and cheerful version of the popular earth-tone yellow-greens naturally associated with eco-awareness
- Pink Mist: Delicate, subtle pink with blue undertones
- Cantaloupe: Luscious, warm, nurturing, and sweetly appealing; great with chocolate browns
- Silver Gray: Glitzy, has a sheen reminiscent of the popular metallics that will continue to add a touch of excitement to any outfit
- Croissant: A warm, enticing hue with beautiful undertones; a delicious base for spring's more exciting accents
- Golden Olive: Trans-seasonal; another distinctive staple and tasteful accompaniment to 2008's newest shades
Other important colors were:
white
light/muted gray
beige/khaki
navy
yellows (all shades - light, banana, bumblebee, mustard)
red (all shades)
orange (also all shades in brighter tones)
cream
black
grape
melon
lime green
turquoise
lavender
pastels
Source: Pantone, Pantone Spring 2008 Colour Palette, Spring - Summer 2008 Fashion Trends
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