Trends that Transcend
By Raymon Donis
Pantone predicts the following colors will appear in F/W 2011.
BAMBOO - a warm, vibrant yellow hue with a hint of
green undertone
EMBERGLOW - a radiant shade of reddish orange reminiscent
of the glow of a fire
PHLOX - a deep shade of purple that adds an air of
sophistication and drama
HONEYSUCKLE - a fun and bold reddish pink nominated by
Pantone as the color of the year
CEDAR - a neutral mossy green that alludes to nature
DEEP TEAL - a strong and mysterious blue-toned green sure to
make a statement
COFFEE LIQUEUR - a deep, rich brown tone that serves as an
ideal neutral
NOUGAT- a balanced mix between camel and khaki
ORCHID HUSH - a cool grey tone, with the slightest undertone
of pale purple to add warmthQUARRY - a medium grey with a hint of blue undertone
Give these colors a polished look with bronze, copper, gold,
and silver accents, to create a sense of luxury.
MODERATION - Quality rather than quantity is the rule of thumb.
Forget about mass consumption of fads that you know will
quickly end up buried in your closet, and focus on timeless staple
pieces that you’ll be proud to wear in various ways.
FUSION - Be fearless when it comes to mixing and matching
colors, patterns, and textures to create one-of-a-kind looks.
Combine classic, refined style with eccentric, ethnic aesthetic to
create a fresh image.
VALUE - Concentrate on acquiring basic as well as unique pieces
that will have longevity in your wardrobe. Be conscious of the
quality of your clothing: How well the garment is made will
determine how good you’ll feel in it.
PRACTICALITY - Thinking not only about aesthetic but also about
functionality puts everything into perspective. Style doesn’t have
to compromise comfort. Fashion is meant to complement your
lifestyle, not contradict it.
BACKCOUNTRY - A more relaxed and fluid mindset that steers
away from severity is the way to go. Simple, organic lines that are
inspired by the outer banks of nature are favored: Fashion should
look and feel effortless, not forced.
Fall 2011 suit trends combine the best attributes from past
fashion eras to create the ideal silhouette. References include
the formality of the Victorian age, the instinctive charm of the
1930s, and skinny detailing from the 1960s. The preferred
shape should broaden the shoulders, slim the waistline, and
elongate the leg to achieve a leaner and stronger appearance.
For a twenty-first century modern suit, timeless styles and
precise workmanship will be updated with contemporary fabric,
an impeccable cut, and fresh details.
SINGLE BREASTED SUITS: These suits will always have a
place in fashion. For a more conservative look, stick with a
small- to medium-sized lapel or shawl. If you like to stand out
a little more, go for the peaked lapel that gives you a more
prominent presence.
PATTERNS:Glen plaid, Damier check,
herringbone, Harris tweed, and pinstripe
are relevant patterns for fall 2011.
Matching lines at the seams and pockets
are a sign of quality. Patterns add interest
to a suit and make it dynamic, so don’t shy
away from them.
The great thing about suits is that you can
wear the pieces as separates. Wear the
blazer and/or waistcoat with straight leg
jeans, a crisp tee, and a textured scarf. Pair
your trousers with a cardigan and a casual
button-down shirt.
DOUBLE BREASTED SUITS: This suit is definitely
on trend, as its cut accentuates the ideal V-shaped
silhouette. Peaked lapels work best with this kind of
suit. If you are not completely confident about your
body, this may be the ideal choice, as it will definitely
create a favored frame.
THREE PIECE SUIT: For the fashionforward
man, this suit is yours to conquer.
It consists of a jacket, a waistcoat, and
trousers. Make sure that these three
components are cohesive (mismatching is
not that creative for suits this season). You
need to be a risk-taker to pull this look
off, but you will be richly rewarded by
envious glances.
TIPS: The single button that falls lower
on the chest makes you appear shorter
than you might actually be. Multiple
(two to three) buttons help elongate
the body. If you are looking for a more
formal suit, choose a structured, angular
shoulder. A rolled shoulder gives you
a less prominent shoulder angle and is
more casual. Add a turtleneck or cowl
neck to get a fashionable layered effect
while keeping warm. Try the burnt sienna
(rich orange tone) and the cadet (mix
between grey and blue) colors to stay on
trend. Pocket handkerchiefs are a great
way to make a suit unique and give it
dimensionality. Remember that suits are
made to complement you. If the suit does
not fit correctly right off the rack, invest in
tailoring in order to get the best fit.
FABRICS: Wool is the dominant material
for suits, as it molds to the body and is
durable. Cotton is a good choice, too.
Velvet is the fabric to keep an eye on this
fall, as it is on trend to make a statement
with its luxurious appeal.
SINGLE BREASTED SUITS: These suits will always have a
place in fashion. For a more conservative look, stick with a
small- to medium-sized lapel or shawl. If you like to stand out
a little more, go for the peaked lapel that gives you a more
prominent presence.
PATTERNS:Glen plaid, Damier check,
herringbone, Harris tweed, and pinstripe
are relevant patterns for fall 2011.
Matching lines at the seams and pockets
are a sign of quality. Patterns add interest
to a suit and make it dynamic, so don’t shy
away from them.
The great thing about suits is that you can
wear the pieces as separates. Wear the
blazer and/or waistcoat with straight leg
jeans, a crisp tee, and a textured scarf. Pair
your trousers with a cardigan and a casual
button-down shirt.
Classic silhouettes will be complemented
by modern prints to create a timeless yet
current look. Rich, natural colors fortify
your presence. Sheer feminine fabrics
will be smitten by the boyish charm of
cool textures. It is always on trend to be
sophisticated and intellectual, and this fall
is no exception.
DROP HEMLINES, ELEVATE STYLE: A-line,
flared, and pleated skirts are longer, for
a more sophisticated and sensible look.
The shape and cut are traditional, but
vibrant colors and bold geometric, Gothic,
and neoclassical inspiration give classic
silhouettes an edge. These skirts should
sit just above the waist, to elongate the
body. A high leather or suede boot with
a fitted blazer or belted cardigan will take
this trend to another level.
SHE’S THE MAN: Women’s suits are
not a new concept, but they are being
reinforced as a staple look in various
collections. Form-fitting blazers are
being paired with a more relaxed, wider
leg trouser that creates an effortless,
chic, smart appearance. The structured
blazer secures and defines a feminine
shape while the trousers produce a lean
extension of the leg. Add a turtleneck with
a deep saturated color to elevate your
sophistication.
HAUTE COATS: The 1950s swagger
coat and the military coat are the two
more prominent styles for fall 2011. The
roomy swagger coat is both practical and
elegant with a classic, A-line silhouette.
The military coat has been a favorite for
some time now and with good reason:
It is structural and edgy, and it evokes
confidence. Rich colors, complementary
prints, and refined textures will give these
coats an eccentric and contemporary look.
For fall 2011, classic construction will
combine with innovative concepts to
unite past and present. Vintage classics
will gain new life through modern design.
Traditional, sophisticated neutrals will
complement rich, vibrant color. Relaxed
silhouettes will be accented with sleek
structure. Although our economic stability
fluctuates, our fashion taste will not be
compromised, as our expectations are still
strong. Nothing will go to waste this fall
season as old is transformed into new. |
