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].

^TOP