Compiled by Scott-Patrick Mitchell
When it comes to trend predictions there are two schools of thought. The first is that there are no trends, simply style. Which, by and large, is true – as a lover of fashion you should use the experience to cultivate a style rather than a look, a philosophy of how to dress rather than a wardrobe which dictates your mood.
The second school of thought is that trends are there to be followed. These are the larger scope of ideas and products being pushed on to the public. They are the shapes and silhouettes that appear on the catwalk, filter down through popular culture and remerge on the streets.
The trick to trend predictions is to reconcile those two schools of thoughts: the need to be distinct and the need to need. One should only follow trends in an intelligent fashion. Find out about a trend, but adapt it to your lifestyle. Own it. Make that trend yours. If that means thinking it through to a point of your own personal understanding, then do so. After all, fashion is about having fun in an intelligent way, one which conveys your own personality.
This issue we look at what’s up for the boys. Next time we take a peek at what women will want.
LET’S GET DIGITAL
There’s an amazing amount of digital printing going on at the moment. Alexander McQueen is indisputably the king… or queen… of the digital print at the moment, his organic Rorschach animal and bone prints blowing away crowds who saw both his recent women and mens’ shows. The key to this look is a calculated, almost painterly, expression of colour and playfulness. In Australia, Fernando Frissoni has the digital print all wrapped up for both men and women. Fabric-wise think luxury and go the silks.
THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR…
Yes, it may be winter coming up, and yes, boots might be the perfect fashion accessory for such a cold climate, but if you watched the recent runway collections, boots are bigger than big this coming season. For men, the sturdier the boot the better. Think thick military soles, lots of details, some chunky zips and even some blistering buckles. Just think butch, think big and think on your feet.
CHILDREN OF THE EARTH
Earth tones will be big 2010. In fact, it’s all about the earth, even in so far as the eco-sustainable fabrics we use. Go with some dusty tones courtesy of Nathan Smith or grab some bamboo t’s from Arj Selvam. If you want to splash it up with colour, think berry or red wine, maybe a dash of phosphorescent purple or green, slightly luminous in an Avatar kind of way.
NOMAD’S LAND
This winter, think layers. Dress it up and layer it around. Think nomadic with an urban twist. Claude Maus for both men and women have this look wrapped up with leggings rounding off the aesthetic. If you’re looking to push it over the borderline into the wild dusty lands of the hinterland, then seek out some Chronicles of Never as they add blankets, man skirts and draped jackets to the look.
URBAN CHIC
If you like it preppy then be sure to streamline your look. Go for structure, even if it appears it’s falling apart in places. Silvers and greys round off this look perfectly, while heavy knits will add some beautiful nuance and detail. More than anything, use the city environment to reflect this look – steel, sharp lines, accentuated silhouettes and towering confidence.
MACHO MAN
One look which rang out wildly on the Paris catwalks was that of the macho man. Buff boys were in surplus, as was an athleticism layered with 1940’s modernism. Remember that your body is the foundation on which you build your fashion – make sure it reflects the look you want to achieve. And if all else feels, tightening yourself up at the gym will give you much needed confidence… and a new lease on fashion.
DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA
Ok, so this is easier for the women than it is the men, but it’s time to dress it up and out as a sense of drama enthuses fashion. Get heady. Think over the top with ruffles or a sense of embellishment, or completely streamline it a striking uninterrupted line, the kind which is daringly stark, constrained yet powerful. Some black feathers ala Ann Demeulemeester will add a spark of much needed drama for those brave enough to dare. Whichever way you do it, if you’re going to make a statement, make it loudly.
/ STOCKIST INFO /// Blaak for Cutler & Gross, Claude Maus, Goti, Numero 10, Vivienne Westwood @ Dilettante (08 9322 9678) // Claude Maus, Fernando Frisoni @ For-Tomorrow (www.f-t.com.au) // Nathan Smith @ Harry Highpants (08 9328 2635) // Sportsgirl (www.sportsgirl.com.au) // Chronicles of Never @ Wasteland (08 9481 8487) /// /
