Archive for the ‘Trend Forecast’ CategoryGet Knitted March 8th, 2010
 Liz and her lovely scarf His knitwear is also for sale at Browns, which doesn’t seem to ship to SA, boo hoo!, but go have a look anyway…  Trend Watch March 4th, 2010 Cute, huh? Spotted at the Design Indaba last week, just after posting about the new range of feather fascinators by Louise Park Ross, now available at Mungo & Jemima… Winter 2010 February 16th, 2010
 Moody blue and regal violet hues are key... I’m going to wear it with charcoal and greys to keep it current.  I am so buying velvet! In my dreams it is a dark indigo super short velvet pinafore that I will wear with black opaques and over-the-knee flat boots..  An oversized coat in a neutral colour. You cannot go cheap on this one: look out for the devil in the label: polyester.  CT weather doesn’t exactly cater for a full length mink (I knew there was a reason I missed London) but a stole or gilet will do. The good news about being a season behind rest of the world is that you can get it all on the online sales! Fashion Blogs: The Future January 27th, 2010
Fashion Bloggers Rule The World January 12th, 2010
Or at least, they’ve taken over in the States and the UK if this article is to be believed. Not seeing it yet in sweet SA (sigh, sigh, sigh) but maybe this is our year…. Holiday Windows December 21st, 2009
 Issey's having a blue Christmas...
A sneak peak at what’s happening on the highstreet of London where it’s apparent that the festive spirit is alive and well, as are, erm, blue reindeers?
 Tarred and feathered at Pringle
Photos sent in by Juliette who has been mad busy with the roll-out of new sections of her accessories website, Adorn London , like Adorn Me and Shop! - check it out.
The Season Ahead December 14th, 2009
I was one of many editors invited to Woolworths’ seasonal preview.
It’s always a bit of a daunting affair – looking at so many racks of clothing in such a short space of time but I was relieved to see lots and lots of grey (whew, safe for another year!) and brilliant basics like black ballet pumps, high-waisted denims and chunky knits that Woolies is best known for.
The clear winner for me was, drum roll, Country Road… No surprises there! This Australian label is the wonder brand in SA right now – a mainstream offering that is premium quality and interesting enough to appear on the lust list of most of the style-savvy set I know.
I spent many minutes touching, feeling, ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ at the beauteousness that is inherent in almost every single piece in the CR range. Expensive, yes… Would I splurge my non-existent bonus on it without thinking twice? In a heartbeat.
 Amsterdam Trends November 11th, 2009
Nats Dixon returned from a life-changing trip to Amsterdam not too long ago, and brought back some evidence that she did actually do something other than have the time of her life… Like shop, attend a brainiac convention and pick-up on hip new trends rocking urbanites in Amsterdam. Shame, tough life, lady!
Freak Of Nature  Vitra showroom
About a year ago, I read an article in American GQ called “Animals Gone Crazy” that tweaked my interest. Now animals and biology are making a huge appearance in design, from the signature wallpaper of interiors guru, Vitra, to shop windows in trendy Haarlemmer Street . Personally, I can’t help but ponder if we’ve maybe pushed too far or are we simply pulling them closer?
 The window of a trendy fashion store front in Haarlemmer street
Animated Reality – The New Virtual
The revelation (almost) earned Molyneux a standing ovation… What can I say, it was a tough crowd. Nevertheless, time will tell whether Milo is here to stay – perhaps spearheading the next digital teaching revolution? – or is doomed to spend his days entertaining lonely rich kids.
Reuse, Reuse again  Zip it...
Old Jackets made into laptop bags; top hats made into designer light fittings… Recycled goods will never be hippy again.
 Just hanging
Mimicry
 MacWoody
 Ceramic trophies
 Woollen lamp
Mobile Mapping
Picture this: you log on to your social network (the next Facebook? Still Facebook?) to find out where all your friends are going tonight. Then, when the party’s winding down you log on again – this time using your mobile phone that uses location-based technology to map out in real time where your friends are moving to in the city…
Ah, but wait, that’s not all. Next: imagine you’re new in town and like electronic music. Simply log on to your preferred social network to find out where people with like-minded music tastes are hanging out tonight and make your way there. Think of it as the ultimate social migration surveillance. Or Big Brother…? Paris Postcard November 10th, 2009
I talked recently about my lovely, lucky friend, Anja, who was offered the invitation of a lifetime to attend Paris Fashion Week – ooh la la!
It’s been so crazy lately that I hadn’t managed to see her since she got back, so was delighted to catch up over a quick coffee where we at last managed to talk Paris, fashion and shopping. This is what she had to say…
I love Paris because… everywhere you look there is a picture perfect view.
 From left: Vogue cover by Salvador Dali, part of an exhibition of Vogue covers from 1920-2009 along the Champs Elysées; The Eiffel Tower - "It’s been shot to death but it makes a difference when you’re taking the shot," says Anja.
My most exciting moment was… the first time I snuck backstage after the shows. I made a habit of it after that!
I wish I could… live in a house boat or a roof-top garden apartment on the Seine…
Parisians are… incredibly stylish and friendlier than they look, thank god!
The fashion I saw was… inspiring and made me want to shop more than ever before!
Hong Kong Trend Report November 2nd, 2009
 Signature Samsonite suitcases: eye-watering prices and you'll be one of few pulling a silver tortoise through the airport terminal...
I’ve long been entertained by the subversive wit of my brother-in-law, Ian, who lives with my supremely super elder sis’ in Hong Kong.
Although I gave up debating issues of politics, religion or anything vaguely intellectual with these two terrifyingly smart individuals a long time ago, I thought I at least had the upper hand on Ian when it came to fashion.
 Lots of animal influences right now: faux chinchilla, leopard print and woolly sheep. Must be worn with a beanie which is odd as Honkers rarely drifts below 20 degrees in the dead of winter.
Apparently no longer, for long lunch hours have seen an amused Ian cruising the high-end malls in the Hong Kong business district, armed with a camera and a Real Man’s view on some of the more outrageous fashion trends happening in Hong Kong right now.
I was in stitches reading his commentary and though it was too classic not to share…
 Shoes at Prada that look like you've stepped in cow poo then tried to wipe it off on a porcupine and got the quills stuck through your shoe... Release Your Inner Granny October 28th, 2009
 Rodarte Fall '09
This email landed in my inbox this morning from Andree, who is preparing for a chilly winter in NYC. Since summer has yet to appear in CT, I thought it was pretty relevant…
‘Yes this email is about knitting Justine! Knits are everywhere at the moment – just think Rodarte Fall 09 – and now DIY knitting has become hobbie numero uno for hipsters too.
You can buy easy-to-follow knitting patterns, like this groovy hoodie/shrug thingy, from designers like Australian Nikki Gabriel; while NYC and Paris-based store, Wool And the Gang (love the name!), sell starter kits that include Peruvian Alpaca wool, needles and a pattern for a funky garment.
The patterns are also available through their website (which has easy tutorials and a great blog), and through fashion’s highest of the high-end online retailer, netaporter.com.’
 The hoodie/shrug thingy... The Anti-Trend: Fewer Choices October 26th, 2009
And so after decades of decadent pursuit of more freedom, more diversity and more choice, it seems the general consensus is that it all feels decidedly empty. This confused state of mind even has a name – Option Paralysis. Seriously…
What this means for the human race is that instead of wanting everything in every colour, style variation and size available, we crave fewer options, an element of surprise and an authorised ‘expert’ choosing for us
A few steps (ha ha) behind my recent blog on Hipstery’s mystery t-shirt shopping service comes this story about LA-based online shopping company, ShoeDazzle, that asks new members to fill out a personality and style survey when they subscribe.
Members then receive an email with five new shoe-styles that have been handpicked by ShoeDazzle’s style experts according to their individual profile.
There’s no pressure to buy the styles, and they can be returned or exchanged if they got it wrong. Sounds like great customer service, and better yet, there’s none of that in-store panic when you can’t find a single thing you like.
Will be interesting to see how this all develops… The Plot Thickens October 20th, 2009
 From left: the 80's jersey by Marc Jacobs and the original by um, well, who knows?
Mmn, can just hear Marc’s thought process….
<Giggle> <Giggle> <Giggle>
Sotto voice: Oh c’mon, you don’t think we can convince them to really wear it, can we?
What’s that? Add a splash of sequins just here?
And here…
And here…
Ah huh, ah huh, that’s much better.
Ok, let’s get PR to spin some hype about it. God knows we’re going to need it. I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing something this hideous! Put A Sock In It October 20th, 2009
 From left: Garance Dore and a display at H&M
This just in from an old friend of mine, Andree, who is living in New York (more on her later):
‘How is this for a scary 80’s revival trend? The Return Of The Ankle Sock, in neon brights and prints.
And no, this isn’t reserved only for young and trendy stores like H&M and Topshop… Even the twinset-loving ladies of J Crew are in on it, although it doesn’t seem like they’ve quite mastered the look yet.
 J Crew's so-not-hot version of the ankle sock trend The Anti-Trend: Surprise Shopping October 16th, 2009
 Surprise!!
Brilliant! If, like many overwhelmed consumers, you’re sick of the information overload, you’ll love this new shopping concept launched by Hipstery - an online boutique that sells mystery t-shirts.
You log on, select a size, answer a couple of questions and then pay. The Hipstery’s ’style scientists’ analyse your answers using their ‘innovative style algorithm’ to decide what t-shirt would best suit you…
They promise their t-shirts are hand selected, no longer available anywhere else and are the ‘finest in the known universe’. Irreverent, funny and still stylish – we love these people!
Plus, it’s no rip-off. If you don’t like it, they’ll try again with a second t-shirt, and if they still get it wrong, you’ll get your money back. Cool, huh? Hip On The High Street September 23rd, 2009
Ginny just got back from London and Barcelona, and sent me some thoughts around the hottest trends sweeping the high street right now.
The Faux Fur Gilet Cropped or long, worn belted or loose, over jeans or a LBD, the faux fur gilet is this season’s alternative to the more highly-strung blazer.
Denim The key item underpinning every look, denim is everywhere and available in every form: skinnies, jeggings, ripped, stretched, treated and trimmed.
Studs On Black This high-attitude look is all about adding hardware onto everything, from purses and shoes to tights, dresses and jackets. The only rule? Wear it with black, and only black.
Other items on her hot list include the sequin blazer, animal prints, the man-style denim shirt and winter florals. New-Age Branding September 10th, 2009
 Ick...
In the 90’s, you were a nobody if you didn’t wear your favourite brand emblazoned across your chest. Today, designers are the new style currency, although personally, I can think of nothing worse than carrying a bag with Karl Lagerfeld or Marc Jacobs’ face on it, no matter how much I admire them.
Feel free to disagree with me, and buy yours here. Oh, except ‘due to high demand, Karl’s already sold out’. Sorry… On Trend September 7th, 2009
I wrote in an earlier post about the ruffles, frills and flirtatiously sexy heels that were making their way down international catwalks during recent months.
Looks like the highstreet has taken the trend to heart… My entrepid shopping scout in London saw these styles at Topshop in London and sent these photos to me a evidence to me, as proof that fashion has well and truly fallen head over heels in love with the sexiest of shoes. Smarteez At Oppikoppi August 12th, 2009
Who are the Smarteez? ‘Supercool Soweto kids that are black on the inside, and colourful on the outside,’ says my friend Nats, who took these fab photos at Oppikoppi last weekend.
Check out these other incredible images, shot by Jo’burg photographer Chris Saunders, depicting style leaders in this exciting youth culture movement, and you’ll quickly realise the Smarteez cannot be ignored…
Plus, if you haven’t seen it, there’s now a mobile television show – Mobikazi - dedicated to youth culture Africa-style, and the way cool kids like the Smarteez vibe. It uses Vodacom’s social network locator app, The Grid – SMS Mobikasi to 33313 or visit wap.thegrid.co.za/mobikasi on your phone to check it out. ‘They were filming at Oppikoppi’, says Nats, ‘and it looked pretty wild.’ So just one question from me: who first coined the phrase Smarteez? Anyone know? All Aflutter August 11th, 2009
A little birdie just told me that our fine feathered friends are big news across the pond - these photos were snapped in Anthropologie in Chicago… Try This! July 28th, 2009
Whoo hoo, this is soo much fun. I’ve just spent the past hour on Polyvore - a new online fashion and shopping site that lets you be the fashion editor and create your own outfits.
Once you’ve created your ’set’, like I did above, you then get a menu of all the items you’ve included, and web links to the sites where you can buy them. Even if you’re broke (me, me!), it’s the cyber version of window shopping, so give it a bash. Iforone predict this is going to be huge.
How do I know? Well, simply put, it’s kicking butt: in the past year, it’s tripled it’s traffic and in June, it enjoyed online visits from more than 835,000 unique visitors – that’s 25% more traffic than style.com, run by Vogue. Anyhoo, I have to go now, I’m, erm, really busy… with something… MAC-tastic! June 29th, 2009
I was lucky enough to be invited to a MAC make-up trends presentation, with top international make-up artist Lesley Keane presenting the top looks seen backstage at New York, Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks.
It was fascinating to see the artistry involved as Lesley transformed a pretty model into a goth-girl Pink look alike, all melted black eye make-up and muted lips. ’This is the “Kate Moss The Night After” look’, Lesley joked with the crowd of stylists, editors and journalists. It’s best, she explained, to use cream products that look wet on the skin. ‘It’s like you’ve stood over the kettle once your make-up was done and let the steam melt it into your skin’, she explained.
 Black is back, and it's bad...
Fantastical 3-dimensional looks were created by top artists like Kabuki for Gareth Pugh, including the not-very-comfortable looking cardboard mascara seen below (one more reason not to be a model). I don’t think you’d catch many sane women wearing this off the catwalk, but look out for it in edgier magazine editorials in the coming season.
 The face as a canvas...
For the body conscious, Lesley explained, skin has an over-the-top glow. ’You literally want every inch of the body to look hydrated,’ says Lesley, who brought out a suitably glowy model. The thing is, she explained, it takes a ton of sculpting products to get the perfect au naturel look. Ah, and there was me thinking it was all about good genes!  It's hydra... luminous!
And then, just when we were getting used to the more anonymous line-up of interchangeable model faces, the ’supermodel’ is back to taunt us with her high-octane beauty driven by ego, dollars and drama. Think pumped-up features: the full, bushy brows of Cindy Crawford, the exaggerated pout of Christy Turlington, the cliffhanger cheekbones of Linda Evangelista… Ooer, I feel a tantrum coming on.
 D'ya think they get out of bed for less than $10 000 a day?
So I’m off to practise the new skills I’ve learnt. I wonder who I feel like being today – rock n’ roll party girl, runway diva, serene being or surreal artist? Ha! Scruff is in for one hell of a surpise when he gets home tonight. Window Shopping, London June 22nd, 2009 ooh la la!
A little inspiration on this wet and wintry Monday morning… My new Style Scout, Gin (you’ll meet her in a bit) has just returned from London and sent me these photos of window displays so we all know what to expect for Summer 2009. I for one love the pretty layering of tough of delicate fabrics and the looser, more feminine aesthetic. As for those Jimmy Choos, words fail me… Bespoke Books June 9th, 2009
This just in from Jozi – my fabulously jet-set friend, who has just returned from a weekend in Jo’burg, and is sending me all her news. She found Love Books – an independent, bespoke bookstore that opened last week in in the Bamboo Centre in Melville. ‘Beware Exclusives,’ she says. He he, I agree. Check it out, Jo’burgers. The Biker June 2nd, 2009
Jozi just got back from the big smoke of Londres, where she hit the shops in between shmoozing important magazine-types, with the message that leather, in particular the black leather biker jacket, is big in the land of eternal grey. Am loving the romantic take on the trend, pairing it with a soft, ruffled skirt or tailored shirt. |
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