Back-to-school "99
Five trends for Fall '99:
1. Glam Rock. Embellished and embroidered denim is waaayyy cool. The more over-the-top, the better.
2. Suede & leathers. Suede looks cool in everything from a head scarf to shoes. The leather jacket is a must-have this season.
3. Sweaters. Chunky knits and cozy fabrics. Babies, boys, girls -- everyone's going to want great knits this season.
4. Ethnic touches. From beaded purses to ponchos, the look of handmade ethnic goods sparks up everything.
5. Techno cool. Millenium shine (mostly in silver), sleek fabrics and spare
1) Any clip(s) from Tarina Tarantino's new Twinkle line -- they're affordable, adorable, and add extra spice to bad hair days2) Jean Jackets ~ any style...half sleeve..quarter sleeve...whateva! -- it'll look super sexy layered over a dress or even with just a pair of jeans3) Shrugs -- these are perfect for those "inappropriate shirts" that don't abide by the dress code; just slip one on top of your favorite tank and you're set AND stylin'4) Baby G Watches -- yeah, they're cute, but they can also store phone numbers, as well as appointment dates... perfect for a new school year filled with hopeful bachelors!5) Pant/Short Combos -- you may or may not have seen this creation yet, but it'll be an interesting pair... we'll see who's bold enough to wear it first!
Trends for the grade-school set, courtesy of Snazzoo.com
Childrenswear designer Abbe Gale Eckstein, of Abbe Gale Hats, shares her intelligent approach to children's fashion.
On Trends...
"Truthfully, I don't pay attention to trends. There are two children's industry magazines - and no matter what trends they suggest, it never works in my business. For instance, the magazines are touting gray this year. But for me, it photographs terribly and it's a bit somber for my idea of what kids like to wear. Also, things don't change all that much for kids from year to year. I get calls from so many parents who are looking for something they either had or remembered from their childhood."
On fabrics...
I like parent- popular fabrics. That means soft, comfortable, (warm in colder climates) and machine-washable. For fall, these are the ever-popular polar fleece, fake fur, berba (which is a textured acrylic), velours and velvets. Fabrics used in outdoor gear (fleeces and berbas) have become the popular choices for outerwear."
On developing child's style...
I want kids to wear my hats and coats because they're fun - and comfortable. I want my products to reflect things kids love - rainbows, pom-poms, stuffed animals... My advice on developing style is to let the child choose. Kids know what they like. I knew early on what I wanted to wear and what I didn't. Children are not little dolls to be dressed up. I don't make mini-adult clothes for children because I obviously don't like them. They're inappropriate and send the wrong message. It's also a sexist issue. Notice that mini-men's clothing isn't viewed as sexy or too revealing.
On what to look for in a well-made garment...
Linings - I don't like exposed seams which can scratch or rub a child's skin. It's also a sign of a cheap garment - only using one layer instead of two - to save money.Details that allow for growth - hems or cuffs on sleeves and pants.Machine-washable fabrics - for easy care. Trims that are sewn-on; not glued.Multi-season fabrics and styles - extend the wearing season buy choosing items that can go from season to season. Example: a jumper or coverall that can be worn with a tee-shirt underneath in the fall - without in the spring.
On hats for kids...
Buy the right size - a hat should always allow an extra 1/2 to 1 inch for growth. It a hat is too snug, it will press on the head and be uncomfortable to wear (the same goes for men and women).Buy soft fabrics - For example, wools are too scratchy for children. If a hat is comfortable, the child might forget it's on.Secure closures - Velcro or snap closures are the best way to keep a hat on a child. Of course, once they're old enough to pull the velcro, you may find them playing with it.Let the child choose - A child who loves his/her hat, has more incentive to wear it. We hear lots of stories from parents whose kids insist on wearing their hats to bed - and sometimes wearing their rainhats in the tub!"
1. Glam Rock. Embellished and embroidered denim is waaayyy cool. The more over-the-top, the better.
2. Suede & leathers. Suede looks cool in everything from a head scarf to shoes. The leather jacket is a must-have this season.
3. Sweaters. Chunky knits and cozy fabrics. Babies, boys, girls -- everyone's going to want great knits this season.
4. Ethnic touches. From beaded purses to ponchos, the look of handmade ethnic goods sparks up everything.
5. Techno cool. Millenium shine (mostly in silver), sleek fabrics and spare
Fashion "must-haves" from teenage fashion editor, Lindzi Scharf, Lindzi's Page of Insanity
1) Any clip(s) from Tarina Tarantino's new Twinkle line -- they're affordable, adorable, and add extra spice to bad hair days2) Jean Jackets ~ any style...half sleeve..quarter sleeve...whateva! -- it'll look super sexy layered over a dress or even with just a pair of jeans3) Shrugs -- these are perfect for those "inappropriate shirts" that don't abide by the dress code; just slip one on top of your favorite tank and you're set AND stylin'4) Baby G Watches -- yeah, they're cute, but they can also store phone numbers, as well as appointment dates... perfect for a new school year filled with hopeful bachelors!5) Pant/Short Combos -- you may or may not have seen this creation yet, but it'll be an interesting pair... we'll see who's bold enough to wear it first!
For Younger Back-to-Schoolers..
Trends for the grade-school set, courtesy of Snazzoo.com
- Nature is big. Natural, earth-based hues, darks like bark browns, greens and black plus creams and tans. Prints will also reflect nature -- leaf, flower, and tree patters and appliques, animal spots and animal appliques.
- Sweater dressing. Much will revolve around sweaters - the bigger and comfier the better. In wool or wool look-alikes. Look for solids as well as "ethnic" prints.
- Jewel Tones. Beyond the natural tones, you'll see a rich palette of dark purples, reds and blues.
- Cargo looks and athletic stripes, so big last year, will still be big.
Tips for kids
Childrenswear designer Abbe Gale Eckstein, of Abbe Gale Hats, shares her intelligent approach to children's fashion.
On Trends...
"Truthfully, I don't pay attention to trends. There are two children's industry magazines - and no matter what trends they suggest, it never works in my business. For instance, the magazines are touting gray this year. But for me, it photographs terribly and it's a bit somber for my idea of what kids like to wear. Also, things don't change all that much for kids from year to year. I get calls from so many parents who are looking for something they either had or remembered from their childhood."
On fabrics...
I like parent- popular fabrics. That means soft, comfortable, (warm in colder climates) and machine-washable. For fall, these are the ever-popular polar fleece, fake fur, berba (which is a textured acrylic), velours and velvets. Fabrics used in outdoor gear (fleeces and berbas) have become the popular choices for outerwear."
On developing child's style...
I want kids to wear my hats and coats because they're fun - and comfortable. I want my products to reflect things kids love - rainbows, pom-poms, stuffed animals... My advice on developing style is to let the child choose. Kids know what they like. I knew early on what I wanted to wear and what I didn't. Children are not little dolls to be dressed up. I don't make mini-adult clothes for children because I obviously don't like them. They're inappropriate and send the wrong message. It's also a sexist issue. Notice that mini-men's clothing isn't viewed as sexy or too revealing.
On what to look for in a well-made garment...
Linings - I don't like exposed seams which can scratch or rub a child's skin. It's also a sign of a cheap garment - only using one layer instead of two - to save money.Details that allow for growth - hems or cuffs on sleeves and pants.Machine-washable fabrics - for easy care. Trims that are sewn-on; not glued.Multi-season fabrics and styles - extend the wearing season buy choosing items that can go from season to season. Example: a jumper or coverall that can be worn with a tee-shirt underneath in the fall - without in the spring.
On hats for kids...
Buy the right size - a hat should always allow an extra 1/2 to 1 inch for growth. It a hat is too snug, it will press on the head and be uncomfortable to wear (the same goes for men and women).Buy soft fabrics - For example, wools are too scratchy for children. If a hat is comfortable, the child might forget it's on.Secure closures - Velcro or snap closures are the best way to keep a hat on a child. Of course, once they're old enough to pull the velcro, you may find them playing with it.Let the child choose - A child who loves his/her hat, has more incentive to wear it. We hear lots of stories from parents whose kids insist on wearing their hats to bed - and sometimes wearing their rainhats in the tub!"
Source...