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| Gray will continue to be the must-wear color for Autumn/Winter 2007/08. |
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Fashionable women will wear gray - layers of tinted, misty gray - in autumn/winter 2007/08, continuing the trend from this autumn/winter 2006/07, said Catriona Macnab, head of trends, Worth Global Style Network (WGSN), at a seminar held on July 11 during Hong Kong Fashion Week.
"Gray will emerge as a key color for both separates and knitwear. Layers of tinted and misty gray suit the new mood of sobriety and understatement," said Ms Macnab. "Gray can be enlivened with highlights of bright colors or metallic glints, and looks best for flannels and marled jersey."
Having gray as the key element, Ms Macnab also pointed out nine other trend directions of womenswear in autumn/winter 2007/08:
Sculptural: Designers are looking back to European mid-20th century couturiers for inspiration. WGSN sees the influence of the sculptural modernity of early Balenciaga and Dior, which will completely change the silhouette for women. Rounded and egg shapes for outerwear will be constructed from sturdy wools and felts, giving a clean, modern look.
Sparkling metallics: Over-embroidered metallic laces, textural jacquards and subtle burnished effects are important directions for next winter - especially important for knitwear developments and party or occasionwear. Antiqued leathers and silk-type fluid fabrics will be the key looks.
Oversized knitwear: A strong season for knitwear is developing with oversized silhouettes impacting sweaters, knitted dresses, jackets and coats. Textured stitch techniques replace pattern for knitwear going forward. Easy-layered pieces for a head-to-toe knit statement.
Jersey: Draped and unstructured shapes with "belted-in" volume for jersey dressing. WGSN sees tabards, tunics and updated sweatshirt styling. Unique silhouettes with twisted hems and cowl necklines give novelty details to an otherwise simple and pared-down look.
Menswear tailoring influences womenswear shape: The clean understated functionality of menswear suiting is influencing the next winter season, marking a strong return to tailoring. The classic trouser suit and simple styling will impact jacket and coat silhouettes. Fluid, luxury wools and soft, plush velvets are important.
Wool: Wool and noble fibre blends such as cashmere and alpaca for luxury outerwear and knits. Wool can also be used for bold checks and plaids with a more graphic look, using dogtooth and traditional tartans.
Organic denim: As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental and social issues, they are seeking lower-impact products from fashion brands - this is a long-term trend. The success of pioneering high-quality jean brands, such as Loomstate and Kuyichi, using organic cotton shows how the denim industry is responding to consumer demands. The "organic effect" feeds into the look of denim fabrics with subtle neps and imperfections as a key look.
A design derived from "Manipulation". |
Romantic: The mood for soft romance has been an underlying trend for several seasons. This continues for next autumn/winter 2007/08, with designers taking the influence from European romantic styling. WGSN saw soft femininity from designers such as Alexander McQueen and Chanel showing waisted jackets with ruffles, lace and fur giving a softer look.
Manipulation: Decoration has moved on from the previous seasons' embellishments of beading, embroidery and sequins to more subtle effects. Fabric manipulation or using contrasting fabric within one garment is a new direction. Plissé, folding and smocking are key looks.
Implication to China and Hong Kong
What these trends mean to China and Hong Kong is this: "As more and more Western companies use China as a manufacturing base, a lot of these trends will filter through to this region," said Ms Macnab.
"But there will always be differences and local trends that are particular to any country. In the future, Europe and the US will be looking to Asia for directions."
Of these 10 trends, Ms Macnab thinks the whole area of "manipulation" is interesting for China, and anticipates seeing some very elaborate and intricate developments. "Also the 'organic effect' is something to be aware of going forward," she said.
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