Cheryl Nowak’s – Big Apple diary

HI All,

In the midst of all the Christmas frenzy those of us in the fashion industry are concerned about meeting 4th quarter projections but simultaneously looking forward to the kick off of Spring ‘ 05. Certainly Holiday results & buying patterns will have an effect on Spring assortments but the framework is already in place with adjustments to be made from any significant buying patterns that emerge from Holiday sales trends.

New resort looks are already on the floor ….savvy shoppers will cherry picked these selections to find the “piece” to update their already tiresome fall wardrobes and give them a stylish head start on Spring.

Most important Spring ‘ 05 ideas by category include;

1) Lingerie inspired tops in both woven & knit categories. This goes forward from Fall/Holiday….it’s ladylike  and sexy with a dash of vintage charm
– Key woven fabrics: satin , charmeuse, georgette & crinkle. Embellishments of sequins, beads, embroideries and lace trims remain strong. Most important bodies are empire, floaty A lines, halters, baby doll styles, bra tops, camisoles and surplus.
– Key knit fabrics: mesh, stretch lace, spring weight cashmeres. There are lots of embellishments, embroidery,lace inserts, tulle or georgette raw edge trims, and rouching used on fronts, sides or shoulders.

2) Tunic bodies in wovens and knits as the “Boho” trend continues its momentum
– Woven fabrics: gauze, voile, georgette/chiffon, charmeuse. A full range of solids, prints ( native African & animal patterns), embellished, decorated & lace trims. Lots of tribal beading. Bodies are baby dolls, surplus, asymmetrical hemlines.
– Knit fabrics: cotton & cotton stretch blends, rayon/spandex in mostly solids both embellished, Moroccan mirrored and clean.
More slim silhouettes, baby dolls, surplus, rouched, exposed back interest.
– Elongated tunics become vintage caftans to be worn with flats, boots or as beach cover ups.

 

3) Skirts continue to be an important category.
– Key woven fabrics are voile, gauze, poplin, rayon blends and cotton knits
– Decorated looks lead the trend with sequins, beading & embroidery. There are lots of eyelet, lace and petticoat tulle trims.
– Solid and Printed styles newest in scenic and chain link patterns with sequins & beading
– Bodies are circle skirts with full sweeps,& very flirty crinkled / broomsticked, layered, flouncy tiered, emphasis on waists in drop & decorated waist treatments, pleated V yoke details.
– There are 3 important lengths; knit styles are short & long while wovens are mid (right below the knee) to long.

4) Jackets  are newest in solid tapestry or brocade with an ornate yet vintage feeling
– Boucle & tweeds will continue but with new details.Denim remains a definite Spring crowd pleaser with the wrap body as a leader. 
– Newest bodies are shaped and shorter. The lady coat or topper length remains important
– The safari jacket is re-invented.
– Corsage, brooch and jewelry decoration is everywhere.

5) Novelty Tees are a staple in all wardrobes
– Newest are tie dye and ombre definitely support the “Boho” trend. The hoodie body also remains key
– Tatoo inspired screens
– Vintage looks & screens

6) Denim a definite staple for every customer type
– Heavily destructed washes for the Junior & Contemporary customer
– There is a movement away from all stretch to some rigid
– Variety in lengths;
Pants/shorts:crop, turnback cuff, smaller cuff, bermuda (right above knee),capri or pedal pusher (right below knee), traditional shorts for Juniors with 2 1/2 – 3″ inseams, roll cuff shorts.

The color message is definitely greens, turquoise, corals, pink, yellow and watch out for browns as the season sleeper.

This is only the first glimpse of Spring 2005 as we needed a break from Holiday pandemonium.  I will continue to update as resort sales are available and U.S stores refocus Spring direction.

Till next time……Happy Christmas shopping,
Cheryl