Economy Forces Back-to-Basics Approach

Summary

---

"The most important trend is that there is no longer a consensus of opinion among designers that can be identified as a 'trend' the way it was in the past," said David Wolfe, a creative director with The Doneger Group, one of the world's premiere trend forecasting and analysis businesses. "Now the true trends are subtle shifts in line, fabric and color, with each designer working in his or her own design vocabulary. In general, the look is more colorful, fabrics are lighter and the attitude not as 'sexy' as before."

"Shopping is no longer the 'sport' it was for many years, and consumers are being more selective and careful in their purehases," said Wolfe. "Value is key and shoppers are still skittish about paying full price. Fashion must always, always be a reflection of the society that wears it, and currently our consumer-driven society is experiencing seismic shifts. There is emerging a new shopping paradigm, and the fashion industry is slowly but surely seeking ways to work within this new consumer mindset."

Such a vibrant and organic palette suggests that designers chose to convey "optimism" for the season, said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "It's a cautious optimism, however, because no one can ignore the elephant still in the room-the recession."

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Economy Forces Back-to-Basics Approach

(Part one of a four-part series)

Janet Jackson was hard to miss at the media showing spring-summer 2010 collection previews, perched on a front row and elegant in a gray sweater cinched with a wide brown belt over a white blouse and dark pencil skirt.

Many among the fashion press were pleasantly surprised...

See the full content of this document

---