Fashion
Fall/Winter 05/06
by Margot B
In the latest fashions
shows all the models wore large necklaces and wrists-full of bracelets made of
wood or shells and had their hair done in loose, gentle upsweeps. The black-and-white
Beatnik style is back, aimed at the 16-25 age group, severe and pared down, a
complete about-turn...gone is casual, throw-it-all-together, ethnic school of
style, with last season's Bohemian look making but a brief showing. We saw sequined
dresses, halters and shrugs in purple, green and gold; swimwear followed the metallic
theme: women wore tiny silver and gold bikinis, while men wore shorts or swimsuits
in colorful prints. Last season's Bohemian look made a brief showing.
Many
of the formal dresses were updated versions of more classic styles. A simple off-white
knee-length strapless gown was accented with a skirt of tulle ruffles around the
waist. A long purple evening gown was slit up the front with a cloud of feathers
beginning at the knee.
Steer clear of flat black
- the key element is the combination of black and white, such as a crisp, white
shirt with a pair of well-cut black trousers, and look for rich fabrics such as
satin, silk and velvet; black and white-striped mohair sweater-dresses, worn over
tights or very fitted jeans, worn with black ballet slippers, patent slippers
or with knee-high black boots; black wool cropped jackets and pea coats; Beatnik-style
black caps; black eyeliner and mascara; sunglasses and straight hair.
The
hourglass silhouette is already a key look for this winter but if you don't have
a tiny, well-toned frame, choose less fitted silhouettes, and add narrow, leather
belts, retro-style shoes, vintage handbags and opulent fur, a striped Pompom scarf.
Pompom decoration is a designer look and very easy
to make yourself. Back in style is the Sixties-inspired wool shift, with a Chanel
touch and in solid colors such as a white shirt and oversized black blazer, and
rather than a revival of androgyny it is simply a question of comfort and ease;
black mini-skirt with over-the-knee boots; or a striped top or sweater [with a
pair of skinny black pants.
Dresses have been
the featured item in the latest fashion shows; 'The Wrap' dress is making a comeback,
and is not in a boudoir-inspired style, but a dress with a waist, a neckline,
a skirt and - most importantly - sleeves. The new autumn collections are full
of dresses with sleeves of every shape and size - three-quarter length, cuffed,
long and tight, full and belled, raglan and puffed, many in a print pattern such
as paisley print, on a long-sleeved dress. Prints in shades of green, orange,
pink and purple dominated the beginning of the show. Shorts and skirts came in
bright patterns that echoed back to the 1950s and 1960s. Modern technology, with
improvements in jersey fabrics and stretch, makes a dress really comfortable to
wear. Many younger women want an all-in-one solution for work and business travel,
rather than a skirt and top or a suit.
Fall/Winter
05/06 has accents of color combined with regal fabrics. Black is not minimalist
black as in the 1990s; rich deep plush velvet, black satin, black lace and black
just accented with white or red is the look for 2005. Black silk, black gauze,
Persian lamb, black taffeta, penne velvet black denim, black cashmere, black jet,
corduroy, black suede and Shear ling add touches of sophistication and glamour
to new trends. Main colors are deep rich violet purples, wine reds, burnt ginger
tones, moss greens, mustard, and teal. The basic solid black and white can be
very sharp and smart, plus grays and oyster shell tones.
British
country style tweeds have been out in force, but this year tweed is less textured.
It looks more like Harris Tweed, flat plaids or old familiar checks such as black
and white hound's tooth checks. This is a look that can continue into night with
sequins used to create the contrast; boldly vibrant colored checks, colorful tartans
and tweeds are all used in coats, dresses and skirts that are loose-fitting with
flowing folds of fabric, or with a Roman touch with lines of gold appliqué.
Ironically, these heritage fabrics and shapes should be worn in a quirky way,
jumbled up, mixing Argyle knits with tartans, plaids and stripes. Or you could
borrow from the men, Ralph Lauren-style, and wear slouchy tweed trousers with
brogues and oversized knits; and boucle tweed suits in the 50s style.
Intarsia
in knitwear is back again, such as Fair Isle, ikat, bold abstract and paisley
arrangements. Long cardigan jackets cardigan and asymmetric cardigan wraps and
coats often have fur collars or a narrow fur edge; Aran knits, not usually in
the traditional cream but in richer deep shades of creams, teal and rust feature
in many collections.
Luxurious rich fabrics and antique brocade fabrics, often
interpreted with Ombre dyed materials like velvets that move through related colors
such as burnt orange merging with reds through to claret in Ombre dyed velvet.
Such velvet is then over printed in toning colors or textured with embroidery.
Velvet can also have texture and appliqué and is generally gorgeous this
winter with an antique vintage feel. Metallic luster and rich satins and the plushest
of velvets bring a new opulence to winter. In addition to rich plush velvet there
will be penne velvet, corduroy, suede, Shear ling, leather reptilian skins, boiled
wool, suiting. Designer shoes frequently have lace and beading and if they are
not velvet, they may just as easily be made of suede another luxury material.
The best styles to look for are wide-leg cuffed
trousers, short, swingy jackets and slim skirts, totes and bucket bags, flat lace-up
brogues, flora and fauna prints. The 'in' colors are black and white, beige, orange,
gorgeous greens and often have crochet motifs added - also a lot of purple tones
in tartan skirts, fur coats.
Just remember that black in 2005 is no longer
the only look to wear. The fabrics in rich deep berry and gem jewel colours may
do far more for your coloring than black ever might. Berry colors and purples
will be a wonderful choice instead of black or as an accent color. Cubist paint
techniques as prints will lead us into Spring 2006 and stencil print effects will
be popular.
Leave behind gypsy skirts, kaftans,
tribal jewellery, military jackets, waistcoats, drainpipes, crocheted shrugs and
warrior belts [finally!].
by Margot B
http://margotbworldnews.com
mailto:margotb@margotbworldnews.com
