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March 7, 2003
A seasonal look at what's "in"
KATY BRODSKY SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
It's that time of the year again when shops are filled with new
and exciting fashions for spring and summer shopping. This season,
dressed-up casual is in, but extreme casual is out. The key is good-looking
comfort.
For men: According to Alfrud Lam, a merchandise manager for
Harry Rosen in Oakridge Mall, the trend is to soft pastel colors
with a washed-out look to them for men's fashions. He adds that
men are becoming more accepting of color and so there is also a
trend emerging in terms of brighter color combinations, more abstract
and bold patterns, bigger checks and more variety overall. More
casual clothing and jeans wear is selling well, however don't expect
the classic to suit to go out of style. According to Lam, basic
black/blue/gray arrangements are still in and there is no decrease
in demand for the likes of Hugo Boss and Armani.
Shoes and Accessories: David Freedman, assistant manager
at the Granville location of Freedman Shoes, has also been noticing
the emergence of pastel colors, as well as softer versions of reds,
blues and pinks in shoes and accessories. The spring palette is
land- and sea-inspired, with a strong emphasis on white. He also
observed a significant increase in details on shoes. There are more
applications, stitching, shells, strips of leather and buckles.
A light blue, soft, worn denim look is used to dress up sneakers,
short high heel ankle boots, cowboy boots and western mules, among
others. There is also a predominant ethnic, tribal look. Organic
colors and materials such as shells, wooden beads and animal prints,
especially leopard, inspire fashion.
In terms of the shoe design itself, the trend is to wedge heels
and pointy toes, as well as open shoes with trim heels, according
to Freedman. Espadrilles, rope wedges, ankle wraps, gladiator wraps,
summer boots, slides high or low, dress flats, macramé
and raffia uppers, canvas and liberty floral printed uppers are
in.
Some of the most popular shoe designers at Freedman Shoes include
Franco Sarto, Nine West, Enzo Angiolini, VS and Amalfi, an elegant
designer geared more towards middle-aged women.
In terms of accessories, just like with shoes, the trend is to a
lot of fine details. Especially prevalent is white or gray stitching
on bags and the usage of organic materials. Designers such as Kenneth
Cole have adopted this trend with great success with customers.
General trends: Micarl Lim, the buyer for the designer boutique
Leone on West Hastings, travels around the world to fashion shows
in order to research the very best designs. According to Lim, Asian
influence is very strong in fashion right now. Exposed zippers and
zipper details are very popular, as are cargo pants. It appears
as though clients are already getting ready for summer, accounting
for the great soar in mini-skirt and floral chiffon dress sales,
according to Lim. The runaway look is all about white, silver and
color.
"Black is in the back seat," says Lim. The use of metallic
thread shows up in much of the wardrobe, as well. Lim also mentions
that silver sandals are in, as is the use of accessories.
This time of year, the most popular lines that Leone carries include
Prada, Miu Miu, Rena Lange and Cavalli, according to the store's
manager, Kevin White. He also vouches for the popularity of Balenciaga,
a designer favored for his funky style by celebrities at award shows.
Leone is introducing three new lines just in time for spring: Barbara
Bui Initials, Paul Smith and Dsquared.
Delighting in the details this spring and summer, the beauty of
organic dressing propels fashion. Leather and denim jazzed up with
beading, appliqués, flounces, et cetera, appeals to a wide
audience, supported by strong textiles.
What else is in? Blazers; polka dots on simply styled, straight-cut
summer dresses; Asian, African, prairie and Australia styles; Victorian-style
lace on blouses; the romantic look; infusion and excitement; for
colors: white, aquamarine, sea-foam, coral, turquoise, pearl, pale
gray, shell pink, tangerine/orange, lime, rust, burgundy and sangria.
Katy Brodsky is an entertainment writer living in Vancouver. She
can be reached at [email protected].
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