Trends Spring/Summer 2012: Fashion Snoops

Seasonal Themes Men’s/Women’s Apparel: Overarching seasonal themes for Spring/Summer 2012, a sneak peek at trends that will be presented at Sourcing at Magic. View galleries which include color, fabric, trim and pattern callouts specific to each theme, the season's 4 key trends are illustrated, including: Simple Picnic, Boho Spirit, Desert Adventure and Tropical Punch. Presented on WeConnectFashion, courtesy of Fashion Snoops, where the full report is available to subscribers.
Simple Picnic
Casual looks fit for a summer picnic appear sweet and innocent and undoubtedly relaxed.
Brilliant gingham checks and garden florals sit next to eyelet, linen, chambray and classic cotton poplin.
Boho Spirit
Driven by the strong 70s sentiment, this traditional bohemian expression is realized with eclectic hippie mixes of print and pattern. Paisleys, botanical flowers and ethnic border prints play amongst gauze, silk, crochet and rich embellishment.
Desert Adventure
A desert expedition brings in a rugged and exotic feel with raw materials paired with animal skins.
The natural feel is expressed through crinkle linen and dye techniques while prints come alive with snake, leopard, feather and reptile. Beading and fringe add extra flavor.
Tropical Punch
Tropical references are expressed in a bold and bright medley that puts prints and patterns at the forefront. Amazonian inspiration brings in lush jungle landscapes filler with tropical fruits. Hawaiian florals are essential and Polynesian tiki prints bring in an exotic flavor.

Photos & text Copyright Fashion Snoops, Courtesy WeConnectFashion, Used by Permission.

Men’s Trends F/W 2011-12 Peclers | CIFF

Season Themes Men’s: Peclers has put together a trend presentation for the CIFF, which takes place in February 3-6, 2011. Four distinct trend lines are on display, each has substantive material, both visual and descriptive. Themes for both the men’s and women’s forecast are: Gold Medallist, Eco-Optimistic, World Remix, and Far-Off Lands. The report is a good overview to get retailers in the mood of the Fall/Winter 2011-12 season. Presented on WeConnectFashion, courtesy of Peclers, and the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF).

Gold Medallist
Re-infuses meaning to standard references...



Classicism becomes a compelling force and provides an opportunity to innovate. Because it is bold, majestic and charismatic. . . classicism is ideally up-to-date. It offers benchmarks for building, recomposing, and boldly reviving self-confidence and true elegance, those that are based on know-how, knowledge, and experience. A focus on classics with a radically contemporary and modern translation, allowing for offbeat and eccentric variations.

Hunting, horse riding, college and British traditions inspire our search for new key standards.

Eco-Optimistic
Eco-optimistic refocuses on an active and empathetic utopia, on co-production, on simple, sustainable and appealing solutions.

Make way for the community spirit, collective action, and creative collaborations, for a dynamic and solidarity-based utopia that will rebuild social ties and turn passive consumers into imaginative co-producers. This new generation of pragmatic altruism believes in the energizing power of enthusiasm, seeks simple, sustainable, alternative, local, fair and appealing solutions that aren't swamped in artificial lecturing and ideology. Basic, human and atypical solutions that are made for all those who have accepted the constraints of the modern world but take it with a dose of humor and hedonism.

With Eco-optimistic, we reinvent daily life by using color in a pragmatic and simple way. It offers a new aesthetic for an easy and casual wardrobe, for those who balance environmental responsibilities with playfulness.

World Remix
World Remix relates to current attitudes towards nomadology and mixing: it is a rich and modern story of human transmission and endurance.



Between yesterday's pioneer and today's migrant, population movements and cultural interactions have never ceased to intensify and accelerate. Globalization has helped us realize the tremendous diversity and riches of this "world culture" that merges with notions of a positive and sustainable future. Like a long human saga of transmission, wanderlust and endurance, "Nomadology" and "Hybrid-age" are re-infused with meaning and essence.

In World Remix, we integrate all world cultures and rediscover the pioneer workwear for sustainable functionality.

Far-off Lands
Far-off lands creates an essential imaginary parenthesis: a strange world of chimerical softness and galactic surges, where we are suspended between the year 1000 and an uncertain future.

Once upon a time, living the natural life of frugal simplicity and unassuming beauty, a return to the source of neo-Shaker or Pre-Raphaelite neo-romanticism, of a symbiosis with flora and fauna. This enchanted "green" dream of softness and freshness inspires urbanites tired of the Fast track and Junk life. We want to infuse, in our lives, some utopia, ecological adventure and rethink our relationship to nature in an exploding, muffled, timeless world, a precursor of things to come. This is the prelude to a new movement.

To be in harmony with one's surroundings is essential. Nature inspires our way of life and adds poetry and softness to the wardrobe.

Report courtesy of: Peclers Paris and the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF). View the Peclers Paris Men's Report in its entirety.

Photos & text Copyright WeConnectFashion, Used by Permission.

Spring/Summer 2012 Seasonal Themes by Promostyl & Printsource

Seasonal Themes Women's, Men's, Kid's: Every January, New York hosts several print and surface fabric shows. With them comes inspiration for the upcoming season from international trend forecasting companies. On view is one such report that will be seen at PrintSource. The "Style Guide" report, created by Promostyl, highlights four key trends for the Spring/Summer 2012 market. Presented on WeConnectFashion, courtesy of Promostyl and Printsource.

Internance
Minimalism and nomadism come together for a theme that’s focused on reviving original and timeless paired down styles. The palette is based on the myriad variations of sand and earth nuances accompanied by five sun-bleached pastels. The print direction focuses on tribal motifs and photo-landscape images that are fused with a kaleidoscope effect.

Polychromy
We awaken the senses with a techno-edge theme focused on the positive energy of light and color. An emphasis on electric and glitter effects boosts the basics and infuse new life into casual wear. The palette is made up of bright tones that are offset by intense neutrals to form lyrical and dissonant harmonies. The print direction takes classic prints and infuses them with saturated colors and overlapping 3d effects.

Polychromy
We awaken the senses with a techno-edge theme focused on the positive energy of light and color. An emphasis on electric and glitter effects boosts the basics and infuse new life into casual wear. The palette is made up of bright tones that are offset by intense neutrals to form lyrical and dissonant harmonies. The print direction takes classic prints and infuses them with saturated colors and overlapping 3d effects.

Genesis
An organic and lyrical theme inspired by the mysteries of the underworld. Aquatic life inspires this story that looks at art nouveau and avant-garde styles for silhouettes that are all about metamorphoses. The chameleon color range is made up of aquatic turquoises, purple tints and telluric brownish reds. The palette is punctuated with two supernatural pastels and two iridescent hues. The print direction creates a new camouflage with nature motifs that are layered in an impressionistic manner with a focus on solarized feathers ad re-colored forest landscapes.


Printsource is the main resource for surface and textile design for America's major manufacturers, retailers and catalogs, covering such industries as men's, children's and women's apparel, bed and bath, kitchen and tabletop, paper goods and stationery, wallcoverings, window fashions and other surface and textile design applications.

Photos & text Copyright Printsource, Used with Permission by WeConnectFashion.

2011 Style Guide by Francesco: Panting over Pants & Below

Two weeks ago, I delved into a series of articles called “2011 Style Guide by Francesco,” pointing out how the main staple of this fashion season is none other than the suit—but with a twist.

The pendulum is swinging more formal, but with a modern, urban flair; so if we truly want to achieve this twist, we have to take an in-depth look at pants.

Now, you could take the easy road by purchasing a suit that comes with a jacket and matching pants, but you probably will not master the compete look of the season.
Currently, the right slacks for your suit attire will probably not be identical to the jacket but rather different in shade, color, hue, texture, material and/or pattern.

If you are ever unsure, don’t be embarrassed to ask for experienced help: matching colors and coordinating patterns require a good level of fashion sense.

If you are mixing up your look with a pair of jeans, for example, a darker color pair will normally go better with a suit jacket of a different color, texture, and/or pattern.

Whatever color or pattern you do choose, make sure the pants are without pleats, low waist, and slim leg. The young at heart may even throw on a blazer over some very snug-legged pants.

How Tight is Tight?
For the past few seasons, leggings have been appearing on the runways around the world, however, since most men would not wear them, they translate into in everyday life as snug-fitting pants—in some cases, almost as if they have been painted on!

Sock It to Me!
Thanks to designers like Thom Browne, some men are wearing their slimmer pants slightly above the ankle, showing some “skin” in the summer and some lively color-coordinated socks in the winter.

Again, if you do not have much experience, ask for help with this look; otherwise you may walk out of the store looking like you just put on some hand-me-downs!

Nevertheless, a little color showing at the ankle and coordinated with another item like the tie can really set you apart from the crowd!

Have a look at more examples here.

Photo Copyright Giovane Gentile.

2011 Style Guide by Francesco: the Suit

The other day I began a series of articles entitled “2011 Style Guide by Francesco,” indicating that the main staple of this fashion season is none other than the basic suit—only with a twist.

In today’s article, I would to take an in-depth look at the suit and, particularly, the jacket. Now, whatever choice you make, ensure that you choose a jacket with season-appropriate fabric.

Cotton and linen are great for summer, while wool, flannels, tweed, and corduroy are suited for winter.

If you do decide to go with corduroy, find one with smaller-size wale so you don’t look like you are off to herd some sheep.

When hunting down your three-piece suit, two-piece suit, or jacket solo, stay away from anything that is baggy.

Remember, the look of the season is slim, slender, and elongated.

Always start with the shoulders. If the shoulders fit, most likely the rest of the jacket will fall into place.

Now, guys, you know where the seam between the shoulder and sleeve meets. For a well-fitted suit jacket, this seam should align with where your shoulder ends and not two inches, or even one inch, away.

Then, continuing down, the sleeves should be thin—not too spacious—extending to the wrist; that is, to the break between the arm and hand. In this way, you can allow a little shirt cuff to show, giving your arms an extra elongated effect.

As for the body, the suit jacket should narrow down the rib cage, creating a V effect for the upper torso. While the jacket should fit comfortably under the arms and around the chest, by all means, it should not be baggy or box fitting.

If you cannot find a jacket that is tailored in this snugly fitted way, no fears, : you can always have a good tailor take it in. This fit will make your shoulders appear wide and masculine, giving your torso a slim, sexy silhouette.

Length: Try not to buy a long jacket but rather one that is shorter, so that you keep the overall sleek effect. Long jackets tend to create a stockier appearance.

Another trick in creating a slender look this season is the height of the first button: it should be lower, below the sternum.

You can accentuate your sleek look with thin lapels and this rule: thin lapels, thin tie. So, top off the slim silhouette of the season with a thin tie!

See the entire Ljung 2010 autumn/winter collection here.

Photos Copyright Ljung.

2011 Style Guide by Francesco

What’s Hot, What’s Not & How to Own It for Yourself

For many men, fashion is fickle—the pendulum can swing from one extreme to another in relatively no time at all!

This situation can present multiple problems because, with all the radical changes, it is difficult to know what’s in style, what is not, what’s mere trend, and how to adopt a new look.

Back in the 1970s, for example, it was fashionable to wear suits with wide ties, huge lapels, and bell-bottom pants—the kind that widened from the knee to the ankle.

Afterwards, however there occurred a gradual “casualization” of trends whereby suits, ties, slacks, and jackets became more and more unpopular—even in the office!

Well, this season the pendulum is swinging back to the opposite end of the spectrum, wherein the main ingredients of a man’s wardrobe are none other than the suit and tie—but only with a millennium twist.

While the tie, jacket, and pants may constitute the milk, flour, and sugar of the cake, it is entirely up to you this season how you want to bake the cake—and believe me, there is a lot of mixing in the making.

At the same time, there are some guidelines, which I would like to spell out over the next few weeks. I will be using a photo gallery courtesy of Giovane Gentile.

First of all, contrary to the wideness of decades past, the current male silhouette is slim, sleek, and elongated.

Please note: this look has nothing to do with your height or weight. You can still pull it off if you are not so tall or thin, and I plan to show you how, even if you are a bit shorter and hefty.

In the meanwhile, let’s lay out some more staples that are gaining ground around the world in addition to the fitted suit.

Another trend that is catching on quickly is layering, often seen on the runways around the world as “draping.”

In everyday language and use, draping translates as “layers,” which can appear like a sweater worn under a suit jacket, a down vest over a suit jacket, bow ties, scarves, topcoats, bags, and more.

One extra “layer” that is gaining popularity is the trench coat—but reinterpreted.

During my recent visit home to Italy, I saw what I call the “sawed-off” trench; that is, a shortened version of the trench coat that extends just below the waist.

Finally, hats are returning to men’s wardrobes with unprecedented speed. I am not talking about baseball caps but rather various types of hats.

Well, we have a lot of ground to cover, so stay tuned this week for more menswear trends and how to make them yours! Guys, it’s time to own the trends!

Guys, it’s time to own the trends! See more examples here.

Photos Copyright Giovane Gentile.

Seasonal Themes: Men's F/W 2011/12

Seasonal Direction Mens Apparel: Overarching seasonal themes for F/W 11/12 as seen at Sourcing at Magic. View galleries which include color, fabric, trim and pattern callouts specific to each theme Through the use of vignettes and props, the season's 4 key trends are illustrated, including: Savile Row, Alpine, Sherwood Forest and Boarding School. Presented on Infomat, courtesy of Fashion Snoops, where the full report is available to subscribers.

Seasonal Direction


A classic menswear inspired theme realized with grey flannel, tweed and shirting stripes. Sheer's and a hint of lace create a feminine take.

This outdoor centric theme utilizes Tyrolean patterns, fair isle stitches and blanket plaids with cozy fabrications to keep the chill out.

An enchanted forest theme, tinged in medieval lore with lush materials and deep saturated color.

School is back in session with preppy overtones and a nod to a post punk sensibility.

Photos & text Copyright Informat, Used with Permission.

Euro Street Style Summer ’10 Trendstop.com

On The Street Mens Festival Round Up: No longer the domain of out-there hippy fashion, festival dressing represents an eclectic collection of inventive mix-and-match pieces. Versatile garments remain popular, especially at Glastonbury, despite the welcome respite of scorching sun - accessorized with feminine details, including headscarves and floral wreath headbands. The boys were equally eclectic, fusing Indian inspired graphics with slim-line jeans, as gender stereotypes and boundaries continue to blur. Presented on Infomat, courtesy of Trendstop.com, the site known for great visuals and early trend identification.

Indian Inspired
The Urban Bedouin trend, prevalent on the Spring Summer 2011 men's runway, inspires festival attire. Indian inspired graphics and swirling paisley prints are juxtaposed with simple square cuts, re-contextualized when paired with battered slim-line jeans. Eastern embroidery and gilded Moroccan motifs add interest to surfaces, and add an unexpected edge of decadence.

Optic Stripes
A minimal graphic tradition inspires optical black and white stripes. Simple silhouettes and skinny fit shapes juxtapose with draped necks and loose necklines, a laid-back approach to summer style. Mix and match stripe within garments, or pair with monochrome separates for immediate impact and an unexpected summer aesthetic.

Trendstop.com is a leading trend agency whose clients include leading brands, luxury brands, retailers, etailers, stylists and celebrities. Trendstop.com specializes in the commercial translation of conceptual trend looks to help you create best-selling on-trend styles. With access to vast image galleries, focused key trend reports, emerging trends and major themes updates, trendstop subscribers are always ahead of the trend.

Photos & text Copyright Infomat, Used with Permission.

Men’s Euro Retail Report August 2010 Mpdclick

Retail Report Men's European Stores Apparel Accessories: From Barcelona, Berlin, Melbourne, Milan, & London, the key trend for menswear emerging in stores this past month, August 2010, covers a multitude of sub trends, which come together to form a smart, nautical-inspired theme with streetwear and military touches. Presented on Infomat, courtesy of Mpdclick.com.

Patch Mosaics:
Far left: Long sleeve shirt; fitted; patchwork print; patterned textures; vintage. Second left: Vibrant jacket; large patch pocket; tartan print; blue/red/yellow. Centre: Zip jacket; mosaic patches; vibrant panels; contrasting colours; purple/yellow/red. Second right: Cropped trousers; pants; patchwork print; directional lines; casual wear; grey tones. Far right: Mosaic print cardigan; knitwear; natural tones; green/mint/blue.

Khaki:
Far left: Camouflage print; military inspired; laptop bag; black piping; brand/logo feature. Second left: Cropped trousers; khaki; drawstring leg; casual wear; orange belt. Centre: Skinny cotton scarf; gathered; khaki; accessories. Second right: Skinny leg; cargo trousers; dark khaki; side pockets; camouflage print scarf. Far right: Cream sweatshirt; khaki graphics; typography; smudged; khaki scarf; tassels; directional lines.

Sun Bleached Denim:

Far left: Denim jeans; blue stonewash; faded leg; worn; rolled up. Second left: Denim jeans; blue stonewash; faded leg; stitch panelling; worn. Centre: Denim jeans; grey wash; faded leg; straight leg. Second right: Denim jeans; skinny leg; sun bleach denim; haphazard; style. Far right: Denim shirt; long sleeves; creased effect; sun bleach denim; tie dye effect; worn.

High Tops:

Far left: High tops; baseball trainers; sneakers; green denim; metallic trim; green laces. Second left: High tops; chunky; velcro strap; pin hole texture; grey/white/red; visible blue stitching. Centre: High tops; chunky; vibrant; metallic; blue/orange/pink; black laces. Second right: White/cream; high tops; pin hole texture; navy trim; white laces. Far right: High tops; baseball trainers; sneakers; assorted; white/lime/black; red/white stripe.

Nautical Treasures:

Far left: Boat boot; deck boot; black leather; white stitching; leather laces; white soles. Second left: T-shirt; brenton stripes; loose fit shirt; grey; patch pockets; cross hatch texture. Centre: Smart shirt; denim blue; faint pinstripe; navy silk trim; white panel insert. Second right: Polo t-shirt; knitwear; navy blue; white directional lines; ribbed trim. Far right: Cropped trousers; pants; light wash denim; light weight.

Mpdclick's monthly retail trend overviews provide you with the latest product trends emerging this month covering all genders and ages to ensure fashion professionals have the broadest outlook of the global retail sector. In depth reports provide an invaluable resource of inspiration for brand ranges and merchandising ideas. Selected trends are also presented in downloadable pdf story boards, allowing you to create an instant impression and inspiration on the design floor.

Mpdclick is a leading commercial online fashion trend forecasting service. Mpdclick offers the fashion industry designer, buyer and executive the global creative inspiration and consumer intelligence needed to succeed. A subscription to mpdclick.com keeps you informed of rapidly changing fashion and consumer trends and provides creative inspiration, market research and a library of usable resources, 24 hours a day.

Photo & text Copyright Mpdclick, Courtesy of Infomat.

Menswear Runway Call-Outs: Spring/Summer 2011

While this summer has yet to wind down, next spring and summer still seem to be a far way off. Nevertheless, I can never pass up a good trend analysis!

The following synopsis of the Runway Call-Outs for spring/summer 2011 was prepared by Trendstop, showing the forward-looking guy what is on the horizon.

Runway Report Menswear:
The necessary contrast to the colorful exuberance of Jil Sander and Prada, designers update classic menswear pieces for Spring Summer 2011. Casual garments are rendered with a surprisingly smart twist, whilst the smart are reinvigorated in technical fabrications; aiding in the creation of a thoroughly contemporary wardrobe that is suitable for more than one purpose. Loose and slouchy silhouettes dominate, culminating in low-cut tanks and long-line tunic shirts that promote a dressed-down aesthetic, perfect for summertime dressing.

Pared Down Bomber
The Nineties staple comes with pared down detailing, a clean and functional minimalism ideal for the Spring to Summer transition. Explore the potential of technical performance fabrics, or add contrast zips and asymmetric fastenings, as exemplified by Raf Simons and Gaspard Yurkievich.

Officer Jacket Update
The influence of the military inspires a reworking of the office jacket. Nylon finishes promote a casual stance, or opt for a formal conceit with gold buttons and braiding, or a cutaway front, as seen at Burberry Prorsum. White and natural color palettes introduce a safari aesthetic.

Slash Neck Knit
Layer over formal shirting to the archetypal office wear, or wear under a blazer and waistcoat. Contrasting or coordinating color palettes place emphasis on the new knitwear shape.

Tunic Shirt
Menswear is imbued with a subtle womenswear twist, as designers borrow from ethnic inspired attire. Longline shirts and tunics are belted with simple ties and belts that reiterate an alternative summer cool.

Low Cut Tank
Promote an easy-wear, effortless summer style with slouchy vest tops. Scooped necks and low cut armholes create the required insouciance, manipulated and crumpled finishes strengthen the overall conceit.
Formal Bermuda Short
The casual Bermuda is updated for the season in smart cotton fabrications. A loose and roomy shape extends to just above the knee, and can we adapted for printed and plain finishes. Best worn with sandals.

Caramel Leather Man Bag
Luxe caramel tones are applied to leather holdalls, backpacks and satchels, enhancing the appeal of the ubiquitous man-bag. Enhancing a well-dressed, gentleman-like apparel, caramel leather is a summer staple for the style conscious man about town.

Basket Weave Lace Up
Reinvigorating the pastoral cliche, basket-weave details inspire a new take on the masculine lace-up shoe. Polished leathers create an air of distinct refinement, whilst straw like and cotton weaves update shabby chic for a new season.

Luxe Loafer
The humble loafer is elevated to a fashion must-have by numerous designers. Suede uppers are detailed with kiltie fringing at Les Hommes, the same feature appearing on leather loafers at Etro. Detailed embossing and silver additions further promote the luxe conceit.

Photos & text presented on Infomat, Courtesy of Trendstop, Used with Permission.

MEN’S S/S 2011 NELLY RODI | CIFF

Season Themes Men's: Nelly Rodi has put together a spectacular trend presentation for the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF), which takes place August 12-15, 2010. Four distinct trendlines are on display, each has substantive material, both visual and descriptive. Themes: Tiny Pleasures, Exotic Junk, Elitist Elegance, and Color Therapy capture the mood of Spring/Summer 2011. Presented on Infomat, courtesy of Nelly Rodi, and the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF), published by permission.













Coutresy & Copyright Infomat.