Everything old is new again -- and reimagined, judging from what came down the runways during the fall 2015 shows held earlier this year.
According to the websites of several leading fashion magazines, the biggest of the fall trends will be fringe, which continues from fall 2014 and spring 2015; carwash skirts; the '70s in general -- earth-tone colors, patchwork looks and flared-bottom pants -- and fur, dominating collars and cuffs and enveloping foot gear. "Say what you will about these shoes that sort of look like they came from Chewbacca's wife's closet, but they ... are definitely super chic," according to an article at Elle.com.
Other highlights include neo-Victorian elements. Think high, ruffled collars and opulent sleeves (especially those darlings of '80s wedding gowns: leg-of-mutton sleeves). Capes and pantsuits also make a strong showing.
But what trends will be picked up by women in the Natural State? We asked a few people in the know.
• Jill Ricciardone, co-owner, Feinstein's boutique
Fringe may be the most prevalent, Ricciardone says. "Fringe is enormous -- leather fringe, suede fringe, on sweaters, on handbags. It's in every price point, in every age group."
She's also seeing a resurgence of the longer vest. "Imagine, in your mind, Maude," she says, referencing the 1970s sitcom character played by the late Bea Arthur. And, notes Ricciardone, "fur is hot." As are luxe fabrics, in general -- leather (Ricciardone cites some ombre leather pieces Feinstein's is carrying), suede, fur, cashmere, shearling.
• Sheila Scott, designer, N'chole Feroce line
"What I've been seeing more of as far as what clients are requesting have been jumpsuits and items with movement," Scott says. Larger sleeves and longer, circle-cut dresses that are set in motion when the wearer moves are being sought by customers.
She also expects to see a run on capes. "I've been getting numerous requests for those in all different styles," she says. "Capes are such classic pieces to have in a wardrobe."
• Tiffany Robinson, merchandise manager, Barbara/Jean Ltd.
Look for lots of suede, Robinson says. "Leather has been the 'go-to' texture of choice for designers over the past few fall seasons," she acknowledges, but "this fall we are seeing more suede. It has a softer look and feel. It reads more casual but [is] still luxe, which is where the market is headed."
She, too, names fringe. "We have tops with fringe trim from Proenza Schouler that are amazing, as well as handbags and boots with fringe," Robinson says. Conservative trend-wearers can opt for a Jimmy Choo fringe "charm" that attaches to the handle of a handbag.
Then there's navy ... the color, not the military branch. "We feel like navy is going to be the newest trend color for fall 2015," Robinson says. "It's beautiful mixed with the wine colors that have been typical for fall as well as the deep emerald greens and even camel."
• Linda Rowe Thomas, designer, Romas fashion line
"I love timeless pieces," Thomas says.
So she has gravitated toward those fall '15 trends that actually surpass trendiness -- the duster coat, the slip dress, the "statement white blouse," and the pantsuit -- and sees her customers doing the same. "Each of these pieces are classics yet versatile," she says.
"You'll also see lots of fur and velvets, which will also be used as accents in trims and detailing." As for colors, Thomas believes we'll see a lot of black, "marsala" and cranberry as well as "stormy-weather gray, and muted hints of green and blue."
FASHION SCHOOL
Arkansas Fashion School, operated by designer Jamileh Kamran at 3625 Kavanaugh Blvd. in Little Rock, will start new classes on Saturday, in addition to Aug. 5 and Sept. 1. Classes, which were recently expanded to Saturday mornings and afternoons, are limited to six students each.
The two-year program is roughly $10,000, according to Kamran, which includes most supplies. For more information, vist arkansasfashionschool.com or call (501) 663-3242.
High Profile on 07/26/2015