Fashion Facts Folio

Queen of Hearts

ffbackmanager — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:39:28 +0000

It’s time to give Valentine’s Day hearts a new spin. The luck of the dice, a lucky break and handcrafted asymmetry are worked into fresh heart options. Plain or woven leather bracelets and whimsical charm earrings incorporate the classic motif in a casual way. Diamonds cascading over gold heart pendants are a modern update of the traditional.

1. Jane A. Gordon, 2. Jane A. Gordon, 3. London Retail.

4. Anna Sui, 5.Mercedes Salazar, 6. Dolce & Gabbana, 7. London Street Fashion.

Summer Brass

ffbackmanager — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:29:26 +0000

Metals are one of earth’s precious resources, and the alloy of zinc and copper creating shiny brass has been forged into jewelry ever since the antiquity. This spring will see a renaissance of this ancient favourite. It’s versatile, easy to work with and less expensive than gold but still providing golden sheen. There will be chains, filigree earrings, important pendant necklaces, jewel-encrusted bibs, and even decorative safety pins

1. Satellite. 2. Retail, 3. Retail, 4. Retail, 5. Retail, 6. Frangos Nicolas.

Street Fashion: Summer Down Under

ffbackmanager — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:05:17 +0000

Fashion goes global with summer down under in full swing. Although key trends in Australia mirror U.S. and European fashions there was a little different spin on them. Vibrant shades of cobalt, royal, jade, coral and burnt orange were amply represented as well as primitive and ethnic prints, antique lace and feminine florals.

Retro Vibe
Classic red, white and blue colour combinations had a distinct retro spectator vibe. Styling took its cue from various eras gone by. Polka dots, stripes and nautical repeat prints meshed with solid hues and ultra feminine silhouettes in dresses, skirts, blouses and cardigans. Ladylike handbags and shoes were adorned with bows and pearls.

1. Alannah Hill, 2. Sydney Street, 3. Sydney Street. 4. Alannah Hill, 5. Alannah Hill, 6. Alannah Hill.

Ethnic Prints
Primitive and ethnic patterns dominated summer dresses, printed harem pants, totes, guys’ board shorts and casual tees. The palette took on more of a muted approach. Prints spotted included: masks, ikats, tie-dyes, primitive stripes and African inspirations.

7. Country Road, 8. Country Road, 9. Country Road,

Lace & Crochet
Adding some tactile interest this season were delicate lace tops and crocheted knits. On the street girls either scoured thrift shops for authentic pieces or opted for newer styles with an antique vibe, then layering them over solid tops or sexy bras. Natural tablecloth-style laces and tops were abundant and even shorts got feminine lace treatments.

10. Sydney Street, 11. Sydney Street, 12. Sydney Street.

Summer Bouquet
Floral prints were in full bloom from graphic 60s inspirations, clusters, bouquets and faded blossoms. Men were also embracing this feminine print option for shirtings and board shorts in muted hues. Women’s fashions adopted florals in anything, from cropped shorts and leggings to retro-inspired dresses.

13. Anna Thomas, 14. Sydney Street, 15. Sydney Street, 16. Stellino.

Natural Elements
Incorporating all the natural elements, this summer’s accessories offered a bevy of textures, including straw, rope, linen, basket weaves, and cork. Natural leathers included in a range of hues, from tan, nubuck, saddle, buckskin to deeper vegetable hues. Espadrille bottoms got elevated to be the new “flatforms”.

17. Country Road, 18. Country Road, 19. Hype, 20. Sydney Street.

Key Trends For Summer

• primitive and ethnic patterns, in strong colours for women and muted tones for guys

• rich saturated shades of cobalt, royal blue and jade

• delicate antique lace tops and loose crocheted knit tops

• classic red, white and blue in retro shapes

• floral prints come alive for summer for both women and me

• natural colours and materials

Retail Analysis Fall 2011: Felt

ffbackmanager — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:45:02 +0000

It’s getting cold, and boiled wool and loden, favourite outerwear materials have ventured into accessories this fall in felted versions. Cloche hats and fedoras were obvious choices. Cold weather wraps in bold two-tones looked new, and shoes and bags got “felted” as well.

1. Paris Retail, 2. Paris Retail, 3.Michael Kors, 4. London Retail.

5. Ferragamo, 6. London Retail, 7. Paris Retail.

8. Paris Retail, 9. London Retail.

Retail Analysis Fall 2011:Ponchos & Capes

ffbackmanager — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:15:05 +0000

Capes appeared on runways three years ago, and it has taken until this season for them to gain momentum. The three quarter “bobby cape” length was the most popular for juniors whereas knee-length options prevailed for a more sophisticated customer. Knitted ponchos were riding the cape wave as well with fur trimmed, fringed and capelet versions.

1. Milan Retail,2. Milan Street Fashion, 3. Milan Retail,
4. Milan Retail, 5. Paris Retail, 6. Milan Retail, 7. Milan Retail.

Street Analysis Fall 2011: Twinkle, Twinkle

ffbackmanager — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:31:45 +0000

Sparkle, glitter, sequins, metallic sheen – fashion’s love affair with everything bling continues. And if there were prizes for the most popular shoe of the season, Miu Miu would certainly win with their glitter pumps on a banana heel. It was a silhouette favoured by many in the fashion capitals this fall.

1. Milan Street Fashion, 2. Milan Street Fashion, 3. Milan Street Fashion, 4. Milan Street Fashion.

5. Milan Street Fashion, 6. New York Street Fashion, 7. Milan Street Fashion.

Street Analysis Fall 2011: Formal Affair

ffbackmanager — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:59:05 +0000

Tuxedo slippers, a staple of manor house drawing rooms in the 20s and later on men’s only footwear option for formal evening attire has found its way into modern daytime. The high-lipped, up-front flat provided fashion relief from high heels this season. Contemporary materials and treatments, such as spikes, crystals and animal patterns added a fresh spin besides the classic velvet, embroidered or monogram slipper.

1. New York Street Fashion, 2. London Street Fashion.

3. Milan Street Fashion, 4. London Street Fashion, 5. New York Street Fashion.

6. New York Retail, 7. Top Shop, 8. New York Street Fashion.

Street Analysis Fall 2011:Wrist Action

ffbackmanager — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:59:46 +0000

Many created an individual trend statement this fall by layering multiple bracelets over a watch. Some preferred classic bangles; others combined chains or fabric friendship strings with colourful plastic beads. And then there was tough elegance with pyramid studs or lion head doorknockers on leather bracelets. An artsy crafty look was achieved via wooden beads and a tied kerchief layered under chains.

1. London Street Fashion, 2. Paris Street Fashion, 3. New York Street Fashion,
4. Milan Street Fashion, 5. Paris Street Fashion.

6. Paris Street Fashion, 7. London Street Fashion, 8. Lulu Frost.

Street Analysis Fall 2011: The Doctor Is In

ffbackmanager — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:13:43 +0000

Whether authentic thrift shop vintage or deceptively new, the old fashioned doctor’s satchel has been dusted off and was spotted in London and Paris being worn by young men and women alike. And since the look of structured bags is definitely on the rise these hard frame satchels are right on trend.

1. Paris Street Fashion, 2. London Street Fashion, 3. Paris Street Fashion,
4. Paris Street Fashion, 5. London Street Fashion, 6. Paris Street Fashion.

Street Analysis Fall 2011:Fluo – Bring It On

ffbackmanager — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:24:00 +0000

Fluorescent shades are no longer hovering in the background but have moved full front and center. Fashionistas in London, Paris and Milan went for the fluo challenge with transparent shirts, lace skirts, socks, clutches, bags and shoes. It’s a fluo moment – now and spring ’12 or never!

1. London Street Fashion, 2. Milan Street Fashion, 3. London Street Fashion,
4. Paris Street Fashion, 5. Milan Street Fashion.

6.Paris Street Fashion, 7.Paris Street Fashion, 8.London Street Fashion.

9. Sass & Bide, 10. Sass & Bide.