Real-Life Fashion Gurus Weigh In On Trends


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Real-Life Fashion Gurus Weigh In On Trends
By: Audrey Sellers, Associate Editor
Issue: 2009nov

From perching front-row at couture runway shows to stocking a boutique with the newest designer trends, Sharon Graubard and Gini Swancy know women’s fashion. Graubard is senior VP of trend analysis for Stylesight, a provider of trend forecasting for the fashion industry. Swancy owns Anatomy Of Style, a clothing boutique in St. Louis, Missouri, and designs a line of accessories. Here, they share what’s hot in ladies’ apparel next year so you can scope out similar styles in our industry.

Graubard:“
[Look for] pleats or fullness at the hip, soft draped-knit tops and silky blouses with gathered or draped details. Blazers have come back into fashion, many with extended shoulders and over-scaled proportions reminiscent of the ’80s.

“There are also lots of blanket inspirations, with banded edges, brushed woolen surfaces and flat quilted effects. We are also seeing leather motorcycle jackets, casual furs—with or without sleeves. Classic trench coats and military styles continue, whether in fabrics or leather.”

Swancy:
“There is a very romantic feel mixed with menswear. This is a beautiful look [that] most people can carry off. However, I find my clients leaning toward pieces that are easy to wear but bold in design.

“[Washability] is a huge plus in anything I carry. I have fabulous cocktail dresses that are beaded around the neckline and lightly over the body. They are made from a beautiful, drapey cotton.

“Versatility is another thing that clients look for. I have a fabulous jacket that you can wear two ways. One side has a wide collar and is a short shrug, but when you turn it over you get a small collar and a long cardigan. Clients feel like they are getting more bang for their buck when things have a lot of versatility.

“Dresses are huge in our store. Women like easy and there is nothing easier than dresses. You don’t have to think about what to wear together or have orphans (clothes that have nothing to wear with them) in your closet when you wear dresses.”

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